The Great Expert Blog

The diamond can be selected first or last, there is no right or wrong order. Some people prefer to choose their diamonds first and then find a setting that will accentuate its beauty. Others choose to pick out the setting initially and then search for a diamond, or diamonds, that will adorn that setting. And there are still others that find it much easier to buy a diamond engagement ring that is already finished completely.

Diamonds all look beautiful. Even cheap diamonds can look elegant and classy. If you want your diamond engagement ring to look as elegant as you’ve always dreamed it would be the most important thing is to locate a fine setting. It’s this choice of setting that will determine whether the finished product is a worthy purchase. Your choice of diamonds and setting is very important because ideally you won’t get a second chance at choosing your diamond engagement ring.

Many women choose diamond engagement rings that have three stone settings. These rings will usually include one center diamond and two smaller offset diamonds. Three stone settings are very popular and can include either prong or bezel settings which can be made of 14k or 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Some women prefer classic solitaire settings that may include 4 to 6 prongs, bezel or cathedral settings. There is a wide assortment of solitaire settings. As a general rule the more prongs you have the safer the diamond engagement ring sets. You certainly don’t want to lose a diamond because one of the prongs breaks off. So this is something to consider when choosing your setting.

When shopping for a diamond it’s important to purchase a certified stone. A certified diamond has been evaluated by an independent expert that will give it a quality rating for its cut, color, clarity and carats. This is the surest way to purchase a high quality diamond. After finding a center diamond and complimentary diamonds to your liking the next step is to find that beautiful setting you’ve always dreamed of.

Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. Many women will end up purchasing a style of ring that is currently popular only to find out 10 years later that it’s no longer in style. You have to remember that this wedding ring will be worn forever hopefully so choosing a classic style may be more to your liking.

It’s also smart to consider the practicality of the engagement ring. If you plan on wearing the ring daily it may be wise to purchase a sturdier ring that can withstand the daily rigors of your job or activities. You should determine the amount of wear and tear your ring will endure and select a ring that is up to the punishment.

Other things to consider are the metal your wedding band or engagement ring will be made from. Some women prefer the look of yellow gold while others prefer white gold. Some forego gold altogether and go with platinum, a very popular style these days. Or you can go with a combination, a two-tone gold with some yellow and some white. It’s purely a personal preference.

But something to consider is that two-tone gold may be easier to match with other jewelry that you may wear. Another question that brides-to-be often have a hard time deciding is whether or not they should buy a name brand ring or not. It’s usually fairly easy to find comparable rings cheaper if you do not go with a name brand. On the other hand it’s sometimes nice to be able to flaunt an expensive name brand ring. The choice is yours.

This article is brought to you by My Diamond Engagement Ring, an online source for qualitysolitaire diamond engagement ring settings. For more information please visit My Diamond Engagement Ring.

“In Egypt, gold is the dust on the highroads.” Asian king

Among the world’s most ardent collectors of jewelry were the ancient Egyptians. Beauty was taken very seriously in ancient Egypt. Lavish personal adornment was the rule of the day, and everyone in Egypt wore some type of jewelry. Jewelry was a symbol of wealth, a dramatic statement about one’s social status, or religious beliefs. Not unlike today, people loved to show off their jewels.

Jewels had magic, the charm of beauty and the charm against evil. In addition to its esthetics, jewelry, especially rings and amulets, fulfilled the role of repelling evil spirits and injury. So treasured and revered in the society was jewelry, and strong the belief in its powers, that it remained with the owner throughout antiquity, the tombs of nobility laden with some of the world’s most precious gems. A mummy, especially, needs protection. One such magnificent piece is a 4-1/2 pound headdress resplendent in cascades of golden rosettes and precious stones that was found in pieces by tomb robbers at Qurna in 1916. This stunning impeccably detailed headdress has the look of liquid gold flowing over the banks of the River Nile and is an enduring reminder of ancient opulence - a tribute to the jewelry artists of the day.

With the New Kingdom came new styles, new riches. Both men and women of wealth wore pierced earrings made of gold, silver, or electrum (gold mixed with silver), embellished with rosettes and stars through the process of granulation, a meticulous technique which uses solder to fix tiny grains of gold to a gold surface. Egyptian beads, unmatched in number and variety by any other ancient society, still hold a timeless allure for jewelry collectors. Under the cloudless Egyptian sky the people went about their daily tasks or leisure, the gold of their broad jewel-encrusted bracelets and armlets dazzling in the hot sun. Armlets, anklets, bracelets, necklaces, broad collars, pendants, and hair decorations were inlaid with blue-green turquoise, red carnelian (a copper or reddish-orange stone), deep-blue lapis lazuli, and feldspar. Poor people adorned themselves with jewelry that was made of copper or faience (made by heating powdered quartz). Everyone shone bright - their passion for jewelry and their confidence in adorning themselves - palpable throughout the whole society, regardless of social status!

To be magically transported to a dusty ancient Egyptian street to walk amidst the throngs of bejeweled citizens would be intoxicating. Purely for their deep appreciation of beauty, the Egyptians take the prize. It’s not surprising that the ancient Egyptians also loved children, animals, art, gardens, nature, music, fine food and wine, and everything else we may desire or need to enrich our lives, to live abundantly, and to feel joyful. Yes, the ancient Egyptians liked ‘living large’ - and jewelry played a key role, just as it does in our society today.

Susan Dorling is a freelance writer of articles and poetry, copywriter, and web designer living in the countryside of Ontario, Canada with her furry feathered family of dogs, cats, ducks, and soulmate, Gary. She writes on a variety of subjects including web design, smal business and entrepreneurship, personal development and success, Internet marketing, animals, the environment, entomology and pest control.
http://www.focuscreativeservices.com http://www.focusonanimals.com http://www.northcountrygroup.com

Zirconium - facts and fun by GETi.

Facts AND fun? I’m not so sure about the fun bit for this article. Having researched this on the internet all I seem to come across is a load of boring facts and figures, but here goes.

Zirconium - symbol : Zr, Periodic table number (just in case you haven’t read this elsewhere and don’t know!) : 40, Atomic weight : a nice trim, sexy 91.224 (what a girl !!). And that just about covers everything you need to know. So, how can I pad this out a bit and make it interesting? I could tell you what forms it is available in I suppose, again in case you don’t know, as with Titanium, Zirconium is found in many forms including : 1] foil (a bit expensive for cooking the Christmas turkey though), 2] sponge, 3] rod, 4] sheet, 5] wire, 6] bar and 7] powder. Actually the powder form is probably the interesting one that many people see on various occasions throughout the year because Zirconium powder is a major component of modern day fireworks - not a lot of people know that.

OK what’s next? Appearance : Zirconium is a greyish, white lustrous metal with all the same hypoallergenic qualities and space age applications as Titanium with one crazy advantage that sets it apart from any other metal in the fact that when it is heat treated, it forms a deep silky black oxide coating that is extremely scratch resistant. Although it is not exactly true to call it a coating, what actually happens is the surface of the metal transforms into a ceramic like material called Zirconia which has hardness equal to sapphire. An example of this heat treatment on Zirconium is in the medical industry. Zirconium knee replacements are heat treated to give them extra wear resistance and will outlast any joints made from other materials.

“Where is Zirconium found?” I hear you all screaming - well to put you out of your misery deposits are found in Australia, Brazil, India, Russia and the USA. If I have missed anybody out please accept my apologies. Also don’t forget ‘S’ type stars and lunar rock samples, when analysed, were found to contain surprisingly high Zirconium oxide content. It has also been identified in the sun - don’t ask me how, that was the first question that came into my mind as well !!

Uses for Zirconium : Components for nuclear reactors, fireworks as previously mentioned and jewellery. What do you mean jewellery? Well I’m glad you asked - the diamond simulant, Cubic Zirconia, or CZ, comes from Zirconium and also wedding and dress rings by GETi are made from Zirconium.

That just about wraps it up I’m afraid, What was that Skip? You want some more? OK - just a couple of snippets - Zirconium was discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth and isolated in 1824 by Jons Jakob Berzelius. Pure Zirconium wasn’t prepared until 1914 and when extracted it is a dark sooty powder. There you go - this should get you an ‘A’ in science, I’m off for a cup of tea.

GETi are the UK’s leading brand of Titanium rings, hand crafted in the UK. http://www.geti.cc

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.

If you have travel plans in your future, think carefully if you really need to take all your expensive jewelry. The risk of theft, loss and damage increases as soon as you start your trip because you are in new surroundings, doing new activities and often in tourist areas that are the target of pickpockets, thieves and con artists.

If you are traveling out of the country, check to be sure your jewelry insurance covers your property when you are traveling outside the United States. Because the risk of theft is so much higher in foreign countries, some insurance companies only provide domestic coverage.

To avoid inviting crime, plan to dress inconspicuously to blend into the environment, especially when in another country. When traveling internationally, consider taking and wearing no jewelry. Criminals assume all tourists are wealthy so if you choose to wear jewelry, turn rings around so the diamonds are not showing and avoid dangling earrings. Large, expensive-looking jewelry is an attractive target and it is easy to snatch dangling earrings.

It is never wise to put jewelry items in checked baggage, especially with security personnel going through your belongings. The percentage of bags lost by airlines continues to increase and their liability for your lost luggage is very limited. Keep your jewelry and other valuables like money, keys, wallets, tickets, cameras, and medications in your carryon luggage. If airport security requires going through your carryon, request a private place so other travelers will not see your valuables.

Be especially careful with your valuables in hotel rooms because they are open to cleaning personnel several times a day and safes in hotel rooms are not particularly secure. How many times have you walked by hotel rooms with doors wide open and cleaning crews not visible? Professional criminals know the cleaning procedures and can quickly enter your room when cleaning service personnel are not looking.

If you do not put your jewelry in your luggage or leave it in your hotel room, that means you are carrying it with you but that can be a problem at the security checks at airports or when carrying something all day as you travel or are sightseeing. Many valuables disappear after being left for a few moments in a bag at a restaurant, transportation waiting room, restroom, or ticket line. Thieves patiently wait for travelers to let their guard down for just a minute and grab their bag without anyone noticing.

Theft is only one of the risks when traveling. Often a vacation includes some time at the beach, pool or hot tub. The sand and concrete can easily scratch precious metals in jewelry as well as gemstones that are not as hard as diamonds. Chlorine can also weaken and discolor precious metals. Travelers often expose their jewelry to risks they would never think of doing at home.

Carrying jewelry when traveling also needs some special care. Diamonds, gemstones and metal can scratch each other if carried together in a single bag. Place fine jewelry in separate cloth bags or put in separate compartments of a jewelry bag made for travel. Then be sure to carry the jewelry case in a purse or carryon.

The purpose of most vacations is to relax, not to impress the locals, so minimize jewelry when traveling. If you do take jewelry, be aware that you are in new and potentially dangerous surroundings. Take special care of your valuables and enjoy your trip.

Denny Reinke is the Vice-President of Diamond Source of Virginia, an online diamond retailer specializing in loose diamonds, diamond rings and diamond jewelry located in Richmond, Virginia and on the web at www.DiamondSourceVA.com You can also visit Denny’s blog at www.diamonds.blogs.com

We can’t be certain when people first began wearing bracelets but evidence of the adornments has been discovered in almost every ancient civilization. The earliest people wore necklaces made of bones and animal teeth. Over the centuries, bracelets have been made from materials including leather, iron, copper, beads, bone and teeth, precious metals and gemstones.

Sumerians in southern Mesopotamia were wearing bracelets around 2500 B.C. Wearing jewelry was a way Sumerian women could show off their husband’s prosperity. Bracelets were found in the tombs of Ur where it was customary to bury royalty with their jewelry, their servants and other goods. They believed that burying their dead with such possessions would indicate to the Gods the person’s status in life and therefore help him achieve proper status in afterlife.

The Egyptians made most of their bracelets out of a variety of materials they could find in nearby hills and deserts. They were among the first to make bracelets with precious gemstones and enameling. Gemstones were considered to have supernatural powers. For example, green jasper was associated with rain, agates were considered to protect against spider bites and thunderstorms, and lapis lazuli was meant to protect against serpent attacks.

In Grecian times, soldiers wore defensive bands of leather, often decorated with gold, silver and or gemstones, on their forearms. They were known as ‘bracels,’ from the Latin brachium, meaning, ‘arm.’ When women began wearing smaller versions, they were called little bracels, or ‘bracel-ets.’

Ancient peoples strongly believed that wearing precious stones could affect their fortunes. Jewelry was closely associated with religious rites. Gold and jewels were used as gifts for the maintenance of worship. However, jewelry eventually advanced from a simple ornamental or amulet stance to a symbol of rank, wealth and social standing. These three roles of jewelry remain to this day.

Many bracelets were found in the ruins of Pompeii after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79A.D. In the tenth century, the Vikings wore arm rings as tribute from the vanquished. Men of the Neolithic era would carry “charms”unusual stones or pieces of woodto ward off enemies. Ancient Egyptians used charm bracelets when preparing their dead for burial. They were considered protective shields and signs of status, and also served as “identification” to help the Gods guide the wearer to his proper status in the afterlife.

In the early 1900s, Queen Victoria of England led a new trend in the wearing of charm bracelets. She took the bracelets as protective talismans.Fashion jewelry that included lockets, glass beads and family crests.

Whatever the style of your bracelet and your reason for wearing it, you’re in very good company.

http://www.jewelsbraceletdesigns.com

Handcrafted Bracelets

Here are jewelry ideas to help you look your best.

Why wear jewelry? In ancient times jewelry were used as good luck charm and protect the wearer from evil spirits. Nowadays, wearing the right jewelry gives you a touch of class and sensuality. Jewelry can transform you into a princess. A pair of long earrings underscores your lovely neck. A shining gem pendant seems to make your eyes sparkle .Best of all, you only need one or two pieces of jewelry to create the effect.

You can use the design and position of jewelry to enhance your appearance or to draw attention away. Have you got some skin peeling off your forearm from sun tanning ? Avoid wearing bangles or bracelets and pick a stunning ring instead. A choker will also serve to focus attention towards your face. If you got ample bosom that men admire , why not wear a pendant that goes down all the way to your cleavage?

You can try different ideas such as wearing layers of necklaces of different lengths. You can wear multiple bracelets too. Or go for chunky jewelry. You can wear an oversized cocktail ring to attract attention.

There’s no need to buy expensive branded jewelry from Tiffany unless you are making an investment. Consider affordable jewelry like costume jewelry. Nowadays there are all kinds of materials used in jewelry from wood , plastic to natural stuff like bamboo and sea shells.

The rage these days is antique jewelry. Now here are some tips concerning wearing these jewelry. Wearing them with T-shirts and any other casual outfit won’t match. Then another thing to note is don’t match antique jewelry with costume jewelry.

What you wear also reflect your personality. Are you casual and hip or do you prefer a more sophisticated style? What you wear also depends on the occasion. Is it for work or is it for sports or dinner party?

Next, you need to consider the color of your jewelry. Now that depends whether you are a warm or cool person. Generally people are in the cool category because they have black hair and brown eyes. The jewelry in the cool group would be platinum, white gold , silver or other white metals. Warm jewelry includes brass, copper or yellow gold. One way to find out whether you are a warm or cool type is by taking a photo of yourself in warm and cool jewelry . The jewelry that glows and looks brighter on you will be the right one.

In the end , all this are just pointers, most importantly you must like what you are wearing. It’s all for the fun and there’s no need to wreck your brain.

You can find all these in the jewelry wardrobe put together for you at the jewelry portal http://www.alljewelry.info