The Great Expert Blog

Just What is Voice Over IP Telephony?

Voice over Internet Telephony is technology that means you can hold telephone calls over the Internet or an IP network. It eliminates the need for having separate lines for your Internet connection and dedicated voice transfer lines. There are many advantages to VoIP but because it is still an advancing technology you need to shop around to find the best deal. No cumbersome circuit switching is required and there is no depletion in the bandwidth associated with normal dual line systems. VoIP protocol means that voice data is only sent over the network when it needs to be, freeing up that bandwidth when you aren’t making ‘calls’.

What are the Advantages of VoIP.

Voice over Internet Telephony isn’t widely used in office networks, let alone in the home, however if you make international phone calls then you are probably being routed through IP infrastructure because of the lower costs of calls. What this does mean, though, is that the infrastructure is quite obviously already in place and anyone who chooses can do so easily. This means that you can ‘call’ friends, family or associates using your own VoIP without the need for them to have the same technology installed.

The costs are phone calls that are reduced dramatically by using VoIP and once the infrastructure is in place there are usually little or no additional infrastructure charges required making it a cost effective and affordable telephony solution.

Because VoIP is a new technology you get the usual advantages of employing a new technology; increased technological advances and new technologies are employed meaning you get a state of the art system. Telecommunications providers have been regularly using IP networks to transfer voice data and so most of the teething problems have been thoroughly investigated and ironed out and all the advancements made have been integrated into a system you can have installed in your home, office or business.

You don’t necessarily have to transmit your calls over the Internet, and for more secure calls you can use private IP networks. For this reason many large businesses already have IP systems in place making inter-business calls much cheaper.

Electronic numbering makes it possible to dial traditional E 164 phone numbers connected entirely by your Internet connection. This means that you won’t face any call charges whatsoever, and all you will have to pay will be the cost of your Internet connection.

Is VoIP available for me to use now?

Companies like Vonage, VoicePulse and Packet8 are already offering flat monthly fees for their VoIP services meaning you can call anywhere in the country (sometimes even to other selected countries around the world) and only ever pay one flat monthly fee.

Vonage offer a service for $24.99 a month that allows you to call anywhere in the US or Canada. They also offer similar plans for small businesses.

Are there any disadvantages to VoIP?

VoIP, as a technology, is still in it’s infancy and new developments are being found every day. However, there are limitations to the service and the technology which need to be addresses before it can become a complete replacement for your standard phone line.

Because the Internet knows no geographic boundaries it means that, for example, calling the emergency services would not necessarily put you through to your local emergency dispatch centre.

In addition, you can’t send or receive faxes and you can’t route traditional modems, alarm systems or satellite systems through your VoIP connection, because they require access to a voice grade phone line. For the moment VoIP is a compliment to your traditional phone line, rather than a replacement, until these problems can be ironed out.

Summary

The advent of the Internet and improved telephone technology has seen the introduction of VoIP. It means you can make phone calls through your broadband connection; this in turn means that for a set monthly fee you can call anywhere in your country and selected international countries for as long as required and only pay one flat monthly fee.

The advantages of VoIP are still significant for homes and business users alike. Big businesses are already saving substantial money by installing IP networks and using VoIP protocol to transfer voice data. This essentially makes the calls themselves free, only having to pay for the Internet connection and the monthly VoIP fee.

VoIP looks like it’s here to stay. As the technology rolls out, it’s impact can only become greater.

© 2005 Nick Carter

Wallpaper, as my grandmother describes, is something that you can use to make your room look good and leave a lasting impression on anyone visiting. You should really choose the paper with care, so as to reflect your taste and temperament.

The concept of Wallpaper has evolved drastically since those dark ages of our grandparents. “Wallpaper” has become a very important part of the vocabulary in the past three years or so. Today everyone knows “Wallpaper” by what their computer screens show on the background when they start up and more recently when their mobile phones are switched on.

Time has moved on and so has the usage. These wallpapers or for that matter any accessory, should be selected with utmost care, since you would be looking at it or hearing it more than anyone else (no one will come visiting as in the dark ages). My idea is that it should be soothing to your senses, relaxing to your vision and most importantly, should pep you up. Again, this is just my idea, but ideally one should rather go by instinct and use according to their personal appeal i.e. what appeals to their senses the most.

The technology movement has made this software like wallpapers, ringtones, screensavers, logos etc. available to almost all mobile phones today. These tools serve, not only as incentives to buy a mobile phone but also to make the use of these gadgets interactive and interesting.

Today, irrespective of the mobile phone brand (many are available viz. Panasonic, Philips, Toshiba, Nokia, Motorola, Siemens, Samsung, Panasonic, Sagem, Sharp, Alcatel, LG, Mitsubishi etc.) that you own or buy, these software are available to all, be it as a built in feature or through download from various sites on the internet or from your mobile service provider, either free of cost or at a nominal charge. However you should take a little care (as follows), when you procure or download software for your mobile phones.

For Wallpapers, firstly check the resolution that your mobile phone supports and download only those that can be displayed.

For Ringtones, check if your mobile phone supports polyphonic ringtones, if it does you can download any tones, otherwise download only those tones which are not polyphonic.

For Screensavers, just check the resolution of your mobile phone and download any screen saver that is equal to or less than that specified.

For Logos, follow the same rules as the screensavers.

These add-ons are also very easy to use. You could change your ringtone, wallpaper, screensaver or logo in less than one minute on any mobile phone once you get the hang of it. Why, you can change them everyday like your clothes. The accessories instill newness in a mobile phone user’s life when their daily chores have become habitual.

Their (the add-ons) beauty does not lie in their usage or in the simplicity of usage, but in the relevant fact that they bring freshness to one’s otherwise routine life.

In today’s life of scientific diversity and extreme competition, a mobile phone has become an irreplaceable part of our lives and lifestyle. And similarly, the ringtones, logos, screensavers and wallpapers have become absolutely indispensable part of our mobile phone’s life.

In the world of pretty, pleasing, small, colorful, camera laden mobile phones vanity has taken a front seat in the war for better, sleeker, feature laden gadgets in the users psyche. The software is not far behind. The developers are striving harder to achieve more and more compatible, smaller and good quality wallpapers, ringtones, logos and screensavers. All this to make our mobile phone usage more fun, interactive, entertaining and easier.

In support for the cause of all (you, us, the developers and most importantly your mobile phones) and to pep up your mobile phones with the latest software visit http://www.theunlocker.co.uk.

NOTE: This article may be freely reprinted in your ezines, ebooks, off-line publications, or on your websites. We only require that the entire article - including the “clickable” links, and the resource box “about the author” at the bottom of each article remain unchanged.

There is a quite revolution taking place both in the cell phone and in the PDA industries. This is happening right under the noses of most people. But those who are smart enough can jump right in and benefit big.

What I’m talking about is the PDA phone revolution. This thing is bigger then the invention of toaster-oven. This is because, like the “merge” of toaster and oven into one appliance, PDA phones bring together 2 of the most helpful, most productive, time saving tools many of us already use. Our cell phone, and our PDA.

Having a “Two in one” tool like this is perfect for people who value their time and money. And these savvy people are jumping in right now and making the PDA-phone their best friend.

Let’s have a quick look at some of the huge benefits this tool can give us:

1. We need and use both of them anyway. Let’s face it - cell phones are so widely used, you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t own one. And as for PDA’s - their popularity is growing at a dazzling pace every year, as prices get lower. Isn’t it better to just get “two in one” and save money?

2. Save time - Owning two tools that have so many over lapping function is time consuming. For example, It’s much easier to maintain just one calendar instead of one at your cell phone and one at your PDA.

3. Save money - As technology progresses, most of us will upgrade our cell phone and our PDA. Having just one tool to worry about, your upgrades will be less frequent and at half the price.

4. More capacity - Many cell phones are limited in their memory capacity and their overall ability to handle administrative tasks. The PDA’s however, were born for these missions. The PDA phone therefore is a phone with a huge capacity for handling almost anything.

5. Integration - The biggest reason for merging these two vital tools is to enjoy the benefits of integration. You’ll be able to organize your calendar, talk to your friend and colleagues, download emails, listen to an mp3 file and play an addictive arcade game all at the same place.

The PDA phone revolution is here. Those who use it to their benefit will be way ahead of others. How about joining the revolution?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is finally reaching out to thousands of average homes to offer huge savings in telephone costs. Already popular with the corporate world, VoIP, sometimes called Internet Telephony, IP telephony, or Internet phone, uses your computer’s broadband connection - not traditional phones lines - to make long distance, inter-state or local calls.

VoIP works by converting your voice into data, transmitting it over the Internet, and then converting it back into a voice stream so that it can be played on any telephone in the world - almost in the same way your computer transmits email over the Internet.

Less expensive than traditional phones, and convenient — you just use your computer or a VoIP-ready phone and a broadband Internet connection to make your calls — VoIP makes for good economic sense. Around for a decade now, VoIP has overcome teething problems to come of age, using advances in PC and IP technology to provide voice quality telephone calls at low Internet rates.

Rising Popularity International and state-to-state calls, expensive on conventional phone systems, are available at lower prices on VoIP. Finding this cost saving and its voice quality attractive, more home users and businesses are choosing to opt for VoIP.

But, to work well, VoIP needs a good bandwidth connection, such as broadband cable or DSL. Freely accessible nowadays — 22% of Americans use broadband right now and the numbers are rising each day — analysts estimate that 50% of Americans will use VoIP in the next two to three years.

The Ins and Outs of VoIP To use VoIP, you need a broadband connection (either cable or DSL), a regular phone or computer microphone, and a special VoIP router adaptor to connect your phone to the Internet. And, you’ll also need the services of a VoIP service provider, such as Vonage or Skype. Depending on the service you use, you can either use the telephone connected to the VoIP router, or call directly from your computer using your computer’s microphone and speaker.

Your call connects to your VoIP service provider, and they route the call to the phone number you dialed, converting the VoIP data into a plain old telephone call before reaching its destination. This is how you connect to any telephone in the world, regardless of whether the person you are calling is using VoIP or plain old telephone service.

There are a number of different companies that offer VoIP services. But make sure they provide good voice quality and reliable support, and comply with Industry Standards. Ask potential service providers about the security controls they use to ensure your data and identity is safe and not open to hackers or virus attacks. You can test several trial downloads before you choose your VoIP service provider, and you can always visit user forums on the Internet to check out the kind of problems that customers experience with these service providers.

Cost Factors Right now, VoIP is fairly inexpensive, averaging around $15 - $65 per month. This is because the VoIP industry enjoys special tax breaks and other privileges. These privileges may be withdrawn in the future, though lobbyists are trying hard not to let that happen. In any case, VoIP is likely to become less expensive as more people turn to it in the future.

In addition, there are a number of free VoIP service providers (who usually have some paid upgraded services) that will allow you to make free VoIP calls among the users of their network. For example, if you sign up for the free Skype service, you can connect with any other Skype user and talk for free. VoIP - the Pluses and Minuses Apart from the ease of use, people choose VoIP because it is inexpensive, letting them “phone-trot” any wherever they want to without having to worry about the length of a call, how often you call, or the cost when the bill arrives. Additionally, with some VoIP services, there are no fixed monthly charges to pay, like a regular phone.

On the other hand, if your Internet connection is down, your Internet phone is inoperable as well. And, slow IP connections can hamper VoIP transmissions, causing problems like echoes, delayed response times or voice failure. It’s the sort of thing that happens when you find it difficult to connect to the Web, or can’t download a file, only it affects VoIP more.

Still, with the advances made in VoIP technology over the past year or so, and the growing momentum with consumers, VoIP is definitely worth looking into for your home. There’s even a site that will let you test whether your home broadband connection is ready for VoIP. Just go to www.TestYourVoIP.com, and test your home broadband connection in less than 5 minutes for free.

So take a chance and look into VoIP. You may be surprised at how much money you can save every month on phone services — and you can brag about your technical savvy to friends, co-workers, and neighbors!

Chuck Smith runs http://www.LGVoIP.com, a resource for information about the Voice over IP (VoIP) industry. Find out more about VoIP, and whether VoIP is right for you, at LG VoIP.

Three little words. But they carry a world of meaning and the seeds of the oncoming generations. I love you. Romantic SMS messages are evocative. When said with the right mix of emotion, earnestness and adoration, they are powerful enough to melt the stoniest of hearts. And kindle a love story of epic proportions. At several times in our short life, we tell our significant other these magic words to unlock a sea of positive emotions towards each other. Love permeates our life far deeper than we think possible.

Somebody said, ‘Money makes the world go round’. I would beg to differ and would like to say that ‘Love makes the world go round’. The very word ‘dear’ is indicative of the value we place on the word love. How best can we express it? In person and in close intimacy, it seems the most natural thing to say.

A mobile phone in your hand seems to transcend all barriers. A fully equipped mobile handset with the latest technological features works magic in our hands. We can record video, shoot still photos, record voice messages, save and send romantic songs, romantic poetry, romantic scenery, romantic landmarks or landscapes, write and send romantic messages, receive romantic messages in all forms and now reach you wherever you might be, whatever the time may be, and however busy you may be. A romantic SMS message is powerful enough to lift your emotions, uplift your spirits, engage your creativity and dispel boredom.

Romantic SMS messages are the stuff of life for the young and young at heart. Imagine them sending ‘I Love You’ romantic SMS messages while in the classroom, in the campus grounds, commuting between college and home, at the playground or in the theatre. It is so easy to engage in romantic conversations while studying, partying, on holiday travel, especially when Valentine Day mood gets you worked up.

These days the rise of the metrosexual has enhanced the romantic nature of the youth. With more number of young people working and earning handsomely, their lifestyle has changed enormously along with the quality of their relationships. People are more comfortable in expressing their emotions especially of the amorous kind! Romantic SMS messages take just seconds to zip across the world, entering the recipient’s mobile and heart in a way that is like no other.

SMScountry Offers web based SMS service in India and around the world. Visit author’s website at SMS

What has attracted people to opals over the centuries? Colour, colour and more colour! Opals change colour when you look at them from different sides and angles. Sometimes there is little colour at all and you move your head and suddenly a breathtaking burst of brilliant colour flashes from the stone. There are very few natural gemstones which do that.

Unless you are lucky the more you pay the better the quality is. But you can still get the high flashy colours for a lower price if you buy doublets or triplets. These are opal pieces reinforced with a solid backing of colorless opal. A triplet has a clear dome of quartz or other material on top.

Opal starts off as a silica gel which seeps through sedimentary strata and gradually hardens over millions of years and the process of nature. As an opal miner I have occasionally seen opal in this early stage where it is soft. Opals contain a lot of water as much as between 3 and 10 percent. On the Moh’s scale of hardness it comes in around 5.5 to 6.5 and that is relatively soft.

Australian opals are classified in several groups:

Black opals which come from the Lightning Ridge area in NSW.

White opals and light opals which come from the Coober Pedy region in South Australia. These types also come from notable areas such as Mintabie and Andamooka.

Boulder opals come from Queensland.

Then there are some other minor areas which produce smaller amounts of high quality opal.

Black opals have a dark base and white opals have a white base whereas Boulder has opal which is on top of or through an ironstone base.

Then you get various levels of blackness you might say. So you might get an opal from either Lightning Ridge or Coober Pedy which has a grey base. That means that the stone has flashes of perhaps bright red and blue or other colours mixed inside of a grey base colour. This grey base might be light grey or almost black. When it reaches a very dark colour we normally call that a black opal. It is like some childrens’ marbles that you see.

Then we have Crystal opal. Crystal is transparent but the colours can leap out at you from this clear, see through base. We also have varying degrees of crystal opal. When we cannot see clearly through the crystal then we would classify it as semi crystal.

What does it cost? It is very difficult to say what opal is worth. We can weigh it and measure it but that doesn’t help until we can establish the quality. We look for the best pattern in the opal, the brightest colour and the most vibrant colour. Red is generally the most expensive colour. However, a small bight, vibrant green stone will command much more than a larger dark and dull red stone. Since every opal is so different to the next it is very much a personal opinion. Of course, people with experience will easily point out the major characteristics of a good or not so good opal

Celebrating a Special Occasion with Jewelry

Jewelry and gems, The Buying Guide

Colorful choices in colored Gemstones
Important advice before you buy colored gemstone

What to ask when buying the gemstone

Asking the right questions is the key to knowing what you’re getting when it comes to buying gemstones. It is also the only way you can be sure what you are comparing when considering gems from different jewelers. Be sure the jeweler can answer your questions, or can get the answers for you. Then, be sure the jeweler is willing to put the answers in writing on your bill of sale. Finally, verify the facts; double check that the stone is as represented, by having it examined by a qualified gemologist appraiser. In this way you’ll have no doubt about what you are getting, and you’ll begin to develop a solid relationship with the jeweler from whom you make the purchase, based on confidence and trust. And, in the event the stone is not as represented, you’ll know in time; and have the information you need, to get your money back.

Questions to ask when buying a diamond

You should always have very specific information before purchasing a fine diamond weighing one carat or more. For smaller stones, the information may not be so readily available, since most jewelers don’t take the time to grade them precisely. An experienced jeweler, however, should be able to provide information regarding quality for stones from a half carat and up, or offer to find it for you. Indeed, some laboratory are now providing grading reports for diamonds from 0.47 carats and up.
Also keep in mind that since it is not possible to grade mounted diamonds accurately, we recommend that fine diamonds weighing one carat or more be purchased unmounted, or moved from the setting and then remounted. In jewelry containing numerous small diamonds, the stones are graded before they are set and information may be on the sales tag. If not, it is extremely difficult to know for sure what the true quality is, and much can be concealed by a setting. We recommend buying such pieces only from a knowledgeable jeweler with a good reputation.
Here are the basic questions to as and information that needs to be included on the bill of sale of your diamond:

1. What is the exact carat weight? Be sure the stone’s weight is given, not its spread.
2. What is its color grade? And what grading system was used?
3. What is its clarity (flaw) grade? Again, ask what system was used?
4. What shape is it? Round, pear, marquise?
5. Is it well cut for this shape? How would the “make” be graded: ideal, excellent, good?
6. What are the exact millimeter dimensions of the stone?
7. Is this stone accompanied by a diamond grading report or certificate? Ask for a full report.

Be sure to find out what system was used to grade the stone. If GIA terms are used, ask if GIA standards and methods have been applied to grading the stone (Diamond).

Be sure to get the exact millimeter dimensions of the stone; the dimensions can be approximated if the stone is mounted. For a round stone, be sure you are given two dimensions for the stone’s diameter; since most are not perfectly round, you need the highest and lowest. For fancy shapes, get the dimensions of the length and width. Always get the dimension from the table to the culet as well, that is, the depth the stone.

Be especially careful if the diamond is being taken out on consignment, on a jeweler’s memorandum or sale slip, or on a contingency sale. Having the measurements in writing helps protect you from being accused of switching should you have to return the stone for nay reason.

Always ask if the stone has a certificate or diamond grading report and, if so, make sure it accompanies the stone; if you are taking the stone (diamond) on approval, ask for a copy of the report. If there is no report or certificate, find out who determined the color and flaw grades; make sure the seller puts that information on the bill of sale, and insist that the sale be contingent upon the gemstone’s actually having the grades represented.

Additional questions to help you make your selection

Is it large enough?

This is a valid question and one you should be honest with yourself about. If you think the diamond is too small, you won’t feel good about wearing it. Remember that such other factors as clarity and color can be judged several grades with little visible difference, and this might enable you to get a larger diamond. And remember that the color and type of setting can also help you achieve a larger look.

Does this diamond have a good make?

Does this stone have good proportion? How do its proportions compare to the “ideal?” Remember, much variance can exist and a diamond can still be beautiful, desirable gem even if it does not conform to the ideal.

Nonetheless, you won’t want a diamond with poor proportions, so if you have any question about the diamond’s brilliance and liveliness; if it looks lifeless or dull in spots, you should ask specifically about the proportioning of the cut. In addition, you should ask if there are any cutting faults that might make the diamond more vulnerable to shipping or breaking, as for example, an extremely thin girdle would.
Has this diamond been clarity enhanced?

Be sure to ask whether or not the diamond has been laser treated, or fracture filled. If it is accompanied by a GIA diamond report, the report will indicate lasering, if present. However, GIA won’t issue a report on a fracture filled diamond and some jewelers don’t know how to detect them. If there is no GIA diamond report, be sure to ask explicitly, and get a statement in writing that the diamond is or is not clarity enhanced, whichever the case may be. Getting this fact in writing may save you a big headache should you learn later that the diamond is enhanced.
Does this diamond show any fluorescence?

If a diamond fluoresces blue when viewed in daylight or under daylight type fluorescent light, it will appear whiter than it really is. This can be desirable quality so long as the diamond has not been graded or classified incorrectly. A diamond may also fluoresce yellow, which means that in certain light its color could appear worse than it actually is. If the diamond has a diamond grading report, any fluorescence will be indicated there. If there is no report, and if the jeweler can’t tell you whether or not the diamond exhibits fluorescence, the diamond’s color grade may be incorrect.

Special tips when buying a diamond

Ask the jeweler to clean the diamond

Don’t hesitate to ask to have the diamond cleaned before you examine it. Cleaning will remove dirt, grease, or indelible purple ink. Cleaning is best done by steaming or in an ultrasonic cleaner. Cleaning also helps to ensure that you’ll see the full beauty of the diamond; diamond can become very dirty just from customers handling them, and, as a result, look less brilliant and sparkling than they really are.

View the diamond against a dead white background

When looking at unmounted diamonds, look at them only against a dead-white background such as white blotter paper or a white business card, or on a grading trough. Examine the stone against the white background so that you are looking at it through the side, not down through the table. Tilt the diamond toward a good light source; daylight fluorescent lamp is the best. If the diamond shows any yellow body tint when viewed through the girdle, if it is not as colorless as an ice cube, then the diamond is not “white” or “colorless.”

Get the facts on a bill of sale

Ask that all the facts concerning the diamond be put on the bill of sale. These include the carat weight, the color and flaw grades, the cut, and the dimensions. Also, be sure you obtain the report on any “certificated” diamond, as diamonds accompanied by laboratory reports are sometimes called.

Verify facts a with a gemologist

If a diamond is one carat or larger and not accompanied by a respected laboratory report, make the sale contingent on verification of facts by a qualified gemologist, gem testing lab, or the GIA. While the GIA will not estimate dollar value, it will verify color, flaw, grade, make, fluorescence, weight, and other physical characteristics.

Weight the facts

Decide what is important to you and then weigh the facts. Most people think color and make are the most important considerations when buying a diamond, but if you want a larger diamond, you may have to come down several grades in color, or choose a slightly spread stone, or select one of the new shapes that look much larger than traditional cuts. The most important thing is to know what you are getting, and get what you pay for.

What to ask when buying a colored gemstone

As with diamonds, it’s very important to ask the right questions to help you understand the differences in gems you may be considering. Asking the following questions should help you to gain a greater understanding of the differences, determine what’s right for you, and have greater confidence in your decision.

1. Is this a genuine, natural gemstone, or a synthetic?
Synthetic stones are genuine, but not natural.

2. Is the color natural?
Most colored gemstones are routinely color enhanced. However, gemstones such as lapis should not be, and you must protect yourself from buying dyed material that will not retain its color permanently.

Be especially cautious when buying any blue sapphire; make sure you ask whether or not the gemstone has been checked for diffusion treatment. Today, with diffused sapphire being found mixed in parcels of natural sapphires and unknowingly set into jewelry, it’s possible that one may be sold inadvertently.

3. Clarify what the name means.
Be particularly careful of misleading names. when a gemstone is described with any qualifier such as Rio Topaz (which is not topaz), ask specifically whether or not the gemstone is genuine. Ask why the qualifier is being used.

4. Is the clarity acceptable, or do too many inclusions detract from the beauty of the gemstone?
Are there any flaws, inclusions, or natural characteristics in this stone that might make it more vulnerable to breakage with normal wear? This is a particularly important question when considering a colored gemstone.
While visible inclusions are more common in colored gems than in diamonds, and their existence has much less impact on value than they have on diamond value, value is nonetheless reduced if the inclusions or blemishes affect the gemstone’s durability, or are so numerous that they mar its beauty.
Be especially careful to ask whether or not any inclusion breaks the stone’s surface, since this may weaken the gemstone, particularly if the imperfection is in a position normally exposed to wear, like the top of the stone or around the girdle. This would reduce the gemstone’s value significantly. On the other hand, if the flaw is in a less vulnerable spot, where it can be protected by the setting, it may be of minimal risk and have little effect on value.

A larger number of inclusions will usually detract noticeably from the beauty, especially in terms of liveliness, and will also generally weaken the gemstone and make it more susceptible to any below or knock. Such gemstones should be avoided unless the price is right and you’re willing to assume the risk.

Also, certain gems, as mentioned previously, are more brittle than others, and may break or chip more easily, even without flaws. These gemstones include opal, zircon, and some of the new and increasing ly popular gems, such as iolte (water sapphire) and tanzanite. This does not mean you should avoid buying them, but it does mean you should give thought to how they will be worn and how they will be set. Rings and bracelets are particularly vulnerable, since they are more susceptible to blows or knocks; brooches, pendants, and earrings are less vulnerable.

5. Do you like the color? How close is the color to its pure spectral shade? Is it too light? Too dark? How does the color look in different types of lights?
Learn to look at color critically. Become familiar with the rarest, and most valuable, color of the gem of your choice. But after you do this, decide what you really like, for yourself. You may prefer a color that might be less rare, and therefore more affordable. Be sure the color pleases you; don’t buy what you think you should buy unless you really like it.

6. Is the color permanent?
This question should be asked in light of new treatments (such as diffusion) and also because color in some gemstones is prone to fading. two examples are amethyst and kunzite (one of the new and increasingly popular gems). Just which ones will fade and which won’t, and how long the process might take, no one can know. This phenomenon has never affected the popularity of amethyst and we see no reason for it to affect kunzite’s popularity, but we feel the consumer should be aware of it. There is evidence that too much exposure to strong sunlight or intense heat contributes to fading in these gemstones, so we suggest avoiding sun and heat. It may be wise to wear these gems primarily for “evening” or “indoor” activities.

7. Does the gemstone need protective setting?
The setting may be of special importance when considering gemstone like tanzanite, opal, or emerald. They require a setting that will offer some protection; for example, one in which the main stone is surrounded by diamonds. A design in which the gemstone is unusually exposed, such as in a high setting or one with open, unprotected sides, would be undesirable.

8. Does the gemstone have a pleasing shape? Does it have a nice “personality?”
This will be determined by the cutting. Many colored gems are cut in fancy shapes, often by custom cutters. Fine cutting can enrich the color and personality, and increase the cost. However, with colored gems brilliance and sparkle are less important than the color itself. The most critical considerations must focus on color, first and foremost. Sometimes a cutter must sacrifice brilliance in order to obtain the finest possible color. But if the color is not rich enough or captivating enough to compensate for less brilliance, ask if the jeweler has something that is cut better and exhibits a little more sparkle. Keep in mind, however, that the more brilliant gemstone may not have the precise color you like, and that when buying a colored gem, color is the most crucial factor. Unless you find the gemstone’s personality unappealing, don’t sacrifice a beautiful color for a stone with less appealing color just because it may sparkle more. Compare, decide based upon what you like, and what you can afford.
When considering a pastel colored gem, remember that if it is cut too shallow (flat), it can lose its appeal quickly (but only temporarily) with a slight build up of greasy dirt on the back; the color will fade and liveliness practically disappear. This can be immediately remedied by a good cleaning.

9. What are the colorless gemstones?
In a piece of jewelry where a colored gemstone is mounted with colorless stones to accentuate or highlight its color, ask, “what are the colorless stones?” Do not assume they are diamonds. They may be diamonds, zircons, man-made diamond imitations such as CZ or YAG, or synthetic white spinel (spinel is frequently used in the Orient).

Special tips to remember when buying a colored gemstone

- When looking at unmounted gemstones, view them through the side as well as from the top. Also, turn upside down on a flat white surface so they are resting on the table facet and you can look straight down through the stone on the table facet and you can look straight down through the stone from the back. Look for evenness of color versus color zoning; shades of lighter or darker tones creating streaks or planes of differing color.
- Remember that color is the most important consideration. If the color is fine, the presence of flaws or inclusions doesn’t detract from the gemstone’s value as significantly as with diamonds. If the overall color or beauty deter is not seriously affected, the presence of flaws should not deter a purchase. But, conversely, flawless gemstones may bring a disproportionately higher price per carat due to their rarity, an larger sizes will also command higher prices. In pastel colored gems, or gemstones with less fine color, clarity may be more important.
- Be sure to check the gemstone’s color in several different types of light; a spotlight, sunlight, or fluorescent or lamplight, before making any decision. Many gemstones change color; some just slightly, others dramatically, depending upon the light in which they are viewed. Be sure that the gemstone is a pleasing color in the type of light in which you expect to be wearing it most.
If considering a gemstone with rich, deep color; especially if it is for special occasions and likely to be worn mostly at night, be sure it doesn’t turn black in evening light.
- Remember to give special attention to wear-ability. If you are considering one of the more fragile gemstones, think about how the piece will be worn, where, and how frequently. Also, pay special attention to the setting and whether the gemstone is mounted in a way that will add protection, or allow unnecessary, risky exposure to hazards.

Get the facts on the the bill of sale

If a colored gemstone is over one carat and exceptionally fine and expensive, make the sale contingent on verification of the facts by a qualified gemologist, appraiser, or gem testing lab such as GIA or American Gemological Laboratory (AGL).

Always make sure that any item you purchase is clearly described in the bill of sale exactly as represented to you by the salesperson or jeweler. For diamonds, be sure each of the 4 Cs is described in writing. For colored gems, essential information also includes the following:

- The identity of the stone or stones and whether or not they are genuine or synthetic, and not in any way a composite (Doublet, triplet).
- A statement that the color is natural, if it has been so represented; or, in the case of sapphire, a statement that the stone either is surface diffused, or that it is not surface diffused.
- A statement describing the overall color (hue, tone, intensity).
- A statement describing the overall flaw picture. This is not always necessary with colored gemstones. In the case of a flawless or nearly flawless gemstone it is wise to note the excellent clarity. In addition, note any unusual flaw that might prove useful for for identification.
- A statement describing the cut or make. This is not always necessary, but may be useful if the gemstone specially well cut, or an unusual or fancy cut.
- The carat weight of the main gemstone or gemstones plus total weight if there is a combination of main and smaller gemstones.
- If the gemstone is to be taken on approval, make sure that the exact dimensions of the gemstone are included, as well as any other identification characteristics. The terms and period of approval should also be clearly stated.

Other information that should be included for jewelry

- If the piece is being represented as being made by a famous designer or house (Van Cleef and Arpels, Tiffany, Caldwell, Cartier, etc.) and the price reflects this, the name of the designer or jewelry firm should be stated on the bill of sale.
- If the piece is represented as antique (technically, an antique must be at least a hundred years old) or as a “period” piece from a popular, collectible period like Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian (especially if made by a premier artisan of the period), this information should be stated on the bill of sale, with the approximate age or date of manufacture, and a statement describing “condition.”
- If made by hand, or custom designed, this should be indicated on the bill of sale.
- If the piece is to be taken on approval, make sure millimeter dimensions; top to bottom, as well as a full description of the piece. Also, check that a time period is indicated, such as “two days,” and before you sign anything, be sure that you are signing an approval form and not a binding contract for its purchase.

If you have been thinking about buying or wishing for a fancy colored diamond read this article first! Colored diamonds are the next big trend in jewelry design. The spectrum of colors is as big as your imagination. Choosing what’s right for you can be overwhelming in today’s diamond market. This article will address a few important factors to consider when buying a fancy colored diamond for yourself or a loved one. Most important is knowing the differences between colored diamonds that are formed naturally and ones that are man-made.

Natural Fancy Colored Diamonds
Diamonds colored naturally are very rare and fetch very high prices. There are three ways in which colored diamonds are formed by nature. The first method is when a foreign element is introduced to the carbon material that a diamond is made from. For example, nitrogen can cause a diamond to have yellow or orange hues while boron can make it blue. The second method is when pressure compresses the carbon and creates a red, pink or purple hue. Lastly, natural radiation deep in the earth generates diamonds with colors of green or blue. Green, red and purple diamonds are considered very rare and command high prices. Indeed, there are only six naturally formed red diamonds currently in the market. One can only imagine the prices these stones will fetch. Natural fancy colored diamonds are so rare that there exist at least 10,000 colorless stones for each colored stone.

Synthetic or Treated Fancy Colored Diamonds
Fancy colored diamonds can also be man-made in labs. There are a variety of methods used to color diamonds. Some of these stones are purely synthetic, meaning they were totally created in a lab to simulate the properties of a real diamond. They are formed from carbon just like the real thing. However, these stones can be formed in a matter of weeks where as it takes thousands of years for natural diamonds to be formed. These type of synthetic diamonds are so similar to the real thing that only high tech equipment can detect subtle differences in the crystal formations within the stone to know they are fake.

Another man-made method to produce fancy colored diamonds involves irradiating a natural diamond that possesses an unattractive color. Irradiation is a process in which a diamond is exposed to a source of radiation that changes the position of atoms within the stone thus causing its color to change.

Treated or synthetic diamonds may look very appealing to the consumer because of the price and uniformity of color; however, these diamonds have no value to the serious buyer and have little resale value. Therefore, if you are purchasing a colored diamond for investment it is vital to obtain certification from the diamond seller. The certificate should come from a reputable laboratory and contain the origin of the stone and the natural origin of the stone’s color.

Diamond Certification and the Four C’s of Diamond Buying
Grading colored diamonds presents another set of unique issues for the buyer. Colorless diamonds are graded on the four C’s: Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color. Colored diamonds are also valued based upon the four C’s but another factor weighs most heavily on the value of a fancy colored diamond. This factor is based upon the hue and rarity of the color. Indeed a rare fancy color will garner a much higher price than a colorless diamond of many more carats. Colored diamonds have three characteristics by which they are graded. These are hue, tone and saturation. Hue refers to the dominant color of the stone, tone refers to the light within the stone and saturation refers to the intensity of the hue. Be sure to look for these factors on the diamond certificate.

Having knowledge about the differences between natural and synthetic colored diamonds will help you to choose the diamond that’s right for you. One thing is certain, in today’s marketplace jewelry designers are using fancy colored diamonds to create beautiful and unique designs that consumers want to own.

Jill Renee is the president of Danforth Diamond, an online seller of diamond engagement rings and jewelry. Learn more about buying a diamond engagement ring at: www.danforthdiamond.com/

Buying gold jewelry for your store can be a complicated business. It is important for you to do your research so that you can avoid the traps that await you as a wholesale gold jewelry buyer. It is to your advantage to take the time effort to know what your customers want and compare the different price points being offered.

Start by making a customer profile: what type of designs, styles and price points they prefer. It is wise to keep the current popular trends in mind when you are buying your inventory, this can help you to attract new customers as well as give your current customers new gold jewelry designs to consider. If you are new to the gold jewelry business, and do not have an established clientele, you can begin with a combination of classic and contemporary designs for broad market appeal. Selecting yellow, rose or white gold jewelry in 18kt, 14kt and 10kt grades will give you a range of sales opportunities.

In your pursuit, you will no doubt come across a gold jewelry vendor who uses the strategy of “wholesale to public”. This may sound tempting, but according to the Lanham Act, in the section that deals with federal trademark/unfair competition rules, those who make these types of claims by stating a false or misleading description of fact as to the origin of there goods can be held liable in a civil action.

In addition, gold jewelry vendors should be aware of the FTC Guideline that clearly states: “retailers should not advertise a retail price as a ‘wholesale’ price. In other words, they should not represent that they are selling at ‘factory’ prices when they are not selling at the prices paid by those purchasing directly from the manufacturer.”

Dealing with unethical vendors can also damage the reputation of your business, because you may sacrifice quality for a low price. But your customers rely on your judgments when making the selections that they eventually purchase and once a complaint of substandard goods from a dissatisfied customer is made, it can be very difficult to re-establish their trust.

By definition, a wholesaler is a person who deals directly with the manufacturer. This assures you of quality; you will be able to get the information and support your need because they are in constant contact with the gold jewelry source. A reputable gold jewelry wholesale business also has a reputation to protect and will work with you until you are satisfied. When your select your gold jewelry wisely from a reputable source, it is easier to set your price point reasonably. Using this practice can win over the most skeptical customers, even those who may feel that retail gold jewelry is overpriced.

Another point to remember is that your main competition for the gold jewelry customer can be found in abundance on the Internet. When a customer enters your store it offers you the opportunity to make their real-world buying experience unique, satisfying and rewarding in a way that the Internet cannot offer.

Uma G. Bennett is part-time copywriter for 14k Gold earrings that specializes in wholesale cubic zirconia gold jewelry.

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