While diamonds have the most impressive potential to sparkle dramatically, its only when they are expertly cut and polished that they’ll soar to their highest level of brilliance. Some people refer to it as a diamond’s shine—but the diamond is actually not emitting shining light, it is reflecting light from exterior sources back to the viewer’s eye.
Diamond is the hardest gemstone known to man. Its next hardest material is corundum, the species that produces both ruby and sapphire. But diamond rates a solid 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Only another diamond can scratch a diamond.
We know a diamond’s potential to sparkle, but does cutting have anything to do with it actually giving off that scintillating light show we adore? Experts say yes.
Using a round brilliant diamond shape—which incidentally is the most popular diamond shape—we learn that there are 57 or 58 individual facets (the flat polished surfaces) in a symmetrical pattern to create that dazzling cut. Terms like fire, scintillation, shine (not actually what happens as we previously stated) and brilliance are all applied to well cut diamonds. The more precisely the diamond is cut with proper angles and immaculately finished polish on each facet, the better job it does in reflecting the light back to the viewer.
Think of each facet as a superb light handler. In diamonds, the goal is to return the most light that entered the stone back to the eye. The way to achieve this is two-fold really. Look for diamonds that have very little natural inclusions (or flaws) as these interrupt the light return somewhat. Secondly, ask your diamond professional about the polish grade of the stone you are interested in. Today, consumers are a savvy bunch. They ---like you, want to know how expertly the diamond has been polished to achieve its optimum light performance—or sparkle.
There are several grades that indicate the level of polish achieved by the cutter. One of the best grades you may discover is called “Ideal Cut” on a diamond. Other grading systems may refer to “Excellent” as their top cut grade. No matter where you are buying your diamond, clear communication with your vendor is key to understanding what quality of diamond you are selecting.
Here’s a point not to neglect. When we say ‘cut’ in reference to a diamond, let’s be clear. Cut refers to the properties of the stone’s polish, not the shape of the diamond. The reason for this confusion is because we hear phrases like pear cut or round cut when expressing the shape of a diamond. But cut is a more nuanced quality that evaluates the level of expert skill applied to that diamond for its famous twinkling.
The cut quality takes into consideration the symmetry of the stone’s shape, the angles of each facet, to the next one, and of course the finish work on each facet. These all work together to impact the quality of the diamond’s beauty—and its sparkle.
Ask before you buy. To help train your eye, why not ask for two more stones of equal size and clarity but with differing cut grades. You be the judge. The difference in cut grades may be subtle, and only you can judge what is acceptable and beautiful enough to purchase.
Once you have acclimated yourself with the cut quality parameter and are comfortable engaging in a conversation with your diamond professional about the cut grade you can choose the best diamond for you. Retailers often remark that all things being equal, after shoppers have looked at many diamonds, one will speak to them. And it’s true, looking at so many diamonds eventually narrows down the field for shoppers—and they’ll find one that is calling their name—this is the ideal stone for you.
Moving on, it’s worth learning how to keep your diamond sparkling new looking once you’ve made the purchase and start wearing it. Be assured those diamonds, which are the hardest natural material on earth keep looking spectacular and shiny years from now. It’s the nature of this durable material. But diamonds attract grease and grime through normal every day wear. And that is what can dull the splendor of your diamond ring. So here are some helpful tips to make sure your cherished diamond stays as dazzling as the day you first put it on your finger.
It’s interesting to note that the nature of diamond’s material, which is carbon naturally acts like a magnet for all kinds of grime and debris, especially if it is of a semi-oily material. Fortunately there are several ways to keep your diamond looking its best at home.
Aside from prepared diamond ring cleaning solutions you can easily buy, there are handy ultrasonic cleaning kits available just about anywhere jewelry is sold. Don’t have those tools? No problem.
With things you already have on hand at home you can set up a cleaning station that will usually do the trick. Simply gather a couple of small clean cloths—at least one lint-free cloth will be most helpful. Next get a soft baby’s toothbrush and two small bowls. Put warm tap water in one and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. In the second bowl, add hot tap water.
Using the brush examine all areas, paying special attention to the underside of the mounting where debris easily accumulates. Lay the ring in the bowl with dishwashing liquid an allow it to soak for several minutes. This loosens any dirt and allows removal much quicker. After a bit of a soak, use the brush to get in all the nooks and crannies of your diamond ring setting. You may want to look at it after you’ve given it a little scrub—and go back in again to make sure you’ve fully cleaned your diamond ring. When you like the way it looks, place the ring in the water bowl for a few minutes to make sure you’ve removed all traces of the cleaning solution.
Placing one clean cloth on the table—use the second clean cloth to thoroughly dry your ring. Allow it to completely dry in the hard to reach areas on the clean cloth for a while. Now you’re ready to enjoy compliments and admiring glances from friends again who’ll love seeing your special ring.
Twice a year, it’s a good idea to bring your ring to a local jeweler to be inspected and placed in their professional cleaning devices. The machines in a jeweler’s store are certainly more potent than those we have at home. That’s good. But also, the jeweler has an opportunity to look over your ring to check for any prongs or other areas that may cause your diamond to be loose in its setting. Prevention is better than repair isn’t it? By doing this regularly, you ensure your precious diamond jewelry will keep the stones securely, so you can expect a life time of enjoyment from cherished diamond.
]]>So, let’s go over several key points of diamond buying and present an easy to understand and remember diamond buying guide.
First of all, set a budget so you have some parameters to work with. But here’s one thing to keep in mind even when you set a budget that works for you. You may find the ‘perfect’ diamond and discover that it’s slightly outside your target budget. Don’t let that dissuade you from considering it. Your diamond is not only an important purchase, but it is part of your love story and you’ll be wearing it and enjoying it for the rest of your life. Viewed in that framework, a little over budget may not be a deal breaker at all.
You may have heard of the 4Cs of diamond value before, but if you weren’t in the market for a diamond it may not have meant much. Now’s a good time to familiarize yourself with the 4Cs; what they are and how each C impacts diamond value. Knowing what each of the 4Cs refers to gives you an expanded diamond language with which to communicate your preferences while shopping.
In that end you may discover that one or maybe 2 Cs are most important to you—and that will end up guiding your purchase. For example, some shoppers are firmly set on buying the highest clarity diamond their money can afford. The stone will exhibit extraordinary clarity and shine and be an eye catcher. For others, the color (with colorless diamonds, this means the lack of body color!) so they’ll put more importance on that characteristic. See what we mean?
The 4 Cs are divided into this grouping; Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut. Let’s go over each one to learn how diamonds are graded.
Carat—this means the carat weight of the stone. Carat is a measurement of the diamond’s weight rather than its size.
Color—when it comes to colorless diamonds, the absence of any body color ranks the diamond higher on the scale. This is because completely colorless diamonds are exceedingly rare. But don’t let a little body color discourage you if you truly love the stone. Starting at D for completely colorless, diamonds go down the scale to Z which shows brown body color in stones.
Clarity---Flawless (F) diamonds are costly due to their scarcity. The clarity scale descends all the way to I3 indicating the most included stones (those with the most prominent flaws in them). Your diamond expert will help you navigate each of the clarity grades to show you their clarity level. You’ll be delighted to learn that some stones with a bit lower clarity grades are still very attractive because the minute inclusions are not visible to the untrained (naked) eye.
Cut—this grade stumps many diamond shoppers. You may think it means the shape, as in round or pear shape. But it’s actually an assessment of how well (or less precise) the stone is cut. Well cut diamonds reflect light to its optimum beauty—making the stone sparkle from far away when the cut is superb.
You’ll hear references to each of these 4Cs while examining a diamond, so our guide must familiarize you with each category before you start shopping. In the real world, seeing one stone next to another –and having their characteristics pointed out allows you to begin to train your own eye to see the difference in quality.
Whether you’ve got your eye on a 1 carat or a 5 carat stone, you’ll soon discover how the price ascends exponentially as the carat size gets larger. As you shop, you’ll see that the diamonds are rarely the exact carat size that you’ve got in mind. Looking for a 1 carat perhaps? You may be offered a .98 carat, very slightly under the magic number of 1 carat. The difference is so minute that you may simply love that stone—so don’t let the slight variances in size put you off.
Since a 1 carat (exactly) stone will differ in price from the .98 carat stone, you may find that its unnoticeable difference is offset by the lower price.
As mentioned previously, the carat measurement refers to its weight—not the size. This is true, but because of the wide array of diamond shapes, some stones appear larger to the eye. So this is something to take into consideration. Today, most 1-cart round brilliant diamonds are about 6.5mm in diameter. These will vary somewhat, because the polishers are aiming for the most attractive result when cutting the stones—so the classic round diamond may vary slightly as the polisher works to create the most sparkling diamond he or she can from the rough.
The princess shape stone, because of its square outline will often have a deeper pavilion—that cone shaped underside. So a 1 carat round brilliant diamond may look larger than a 1 carat princess cut stone.
Some diamond shapes help enhance the graceful look of the lady’s hands. The pear shape is a perennially lovely stone, with one rounded end and the opposite end being a point. Worn on the fingers, a pear shape seems to be larger generally, plus its shape gives the impression of elongating the fingers for a more graceful appearance. The marquise (a football shape stone with points on both ends) and the oval, (an elongated version of the round brilliant) likewise can appear to be larger in carat size than they actually are. Who doesn’t love that?
Today’s fortunate diamond shopper will discover many more diamond shapes—like emerald cut, cushion, Asscher, and more. Each diamond contour has its own charm. Only by seeing several together can you contrast each one and find out which one you prefer.
Most shoppers look for the center stone first of all before choosing the setting. So this is the time to look at several diamond shapes—even if you have one that you liked in particular. Seeing all the diamond shapes on the finger will open up your options to consider a different shape diamond altogether. Since many settings allow for different shaped center stones, you have options on both the shape of the diamond and the setting you’ll select.
With all of the other deciding factors to consider, you don’t want to overlook spending some time in selecting the right carat size for you. Of course, since the larger the stone, the more costly it will be. But variances in the other Cs can soften the impact of the price. For example, selecting a slightly lower color on the scale than the D grade will lessen the cost of the same size stone. Likewise if you find a stone with a bit lower clarity grade-while still dazzling, you will see a more affordable price on that stone too.
Many brides will simply say, the bigger the better when it comes to the carat size. But not so fast. There are considerations to weigh when deciding what the right carat size is for you. If the bride has a very active lifestyle-with sports or even in the work place, she might be happier with a beautiful stone that is not the absolute largest she can afford. It will be more comfortable to wear every day and in all situations.
Also the size of the hand and length of the fingers can come into consideration. A larger hand will be able to wear a large carat diamond beautifully, because the proportions will be just right. Conversely, a petite lady with small hands may find that a dainty ring with smaller carats will look graceful and lovely on her.
Looking at a variety of diamond carat sizes and different shape diamonds on the hand may prove to be eye opening. You’ll soon find the exact size and shape that most flatters the hand—whether it’s a 5 carat (or larger!) or that f the 4Cs refer to gives you an expanded diamond language with which to communicate your preferences while shopping.
Shopping for a diamond is one of the most enjoyable and exciting adventures the couple can embark on. It is probably the first and most important purchase of this new life together.
Understanding the differences in quality and diamond shapes opens up your mind to considering diamonds you may have overlooked. Speaking the language of diamonds by using the 4Cs also brings your preferences into laser focus while shopping. Armed with these guidelines for purchasing a diamond, you’ll love every moment of the journey.
]]>Certainly, every woman wants a ring that express her personal taste and is also an expression of the unique love story she shares with her spouse. But here’s something important that you shouldn’t overlook. First things first. What is the lifestyle of the woman? Is she very sporty and uses her hands all day long in work or play? In these cases, we can recommend low profile settings including those with bezel set stones which will not get caught and damaged. So many things to consider, but we have experts at Best Brilliance who are eager to guide you every step of the way.
Women with classic taste can always find their ideal solitaire ring—simple and timeless, bound to draw compliments year after year.
Trendy and feminine brides recognize that this year it’s all about the floral look in vintage vibe with its delicate detailing on the shank. And when that’s paired with rose gold—you have a match made in engagement rings heaven.
This year, we’ve gathered a list of popular shapes and styles in the engagement category. It certainly gives you plenty to look over and consider when it comes time to go shopping. After all, an engagement ring is meant to be worn every day for the rest of your life—so you’ll want to take your time—review the options and then take the journey of finding the perfect fit for your style.
Enjoy looking through the collections for some very sparkling inspiration.
Hidden Halo Engagement Rings - this lovely style has a hidden halo surrounding the main solitaire. It is usually a halo diamond setting with another halo set discretely under the main one—although it can be styled with the hidden halo completely under the solitaire stone. This trendy style does a couple of things for the main diamond. It offers additional sparkle because of the stones that are capturing and reflecting light. It adds a sumptuous ‘something’ that is hard to describe—but breathtaking to look at.
Vintage Style Rings - we couldn’t be happier to see the rise in demand for ladylike ultra-feminine vintage style bridal jewelry. Often they are in yellow gold or rose gold, both precious metal colors that were in vogue decades ago. But the detailing apparent in vintage is what draws many shoppers to this style. Be sure to take a look at some of the shapes that produce this charming trait. Marquise, cushion and pear shapes are just a few of the diamonds that were popular a century or more ago—but have staying power in modern vintage style jewelry.
Pavé Rings - what can we say, simply take a look at any of the pavé jewelry and try not to fall in love. In brief, this style is marked by a lush ribbon of diamonds set so closely together they seem to make a solid wave of sparkling light. The pavé style is super trending now because it displays an ultra-luxe vibe while showing off what jewelry stones do best—sparkle and reflect light all over. So with every lovely gesture of the hand, light is captured and reflected around the room. You don’t mind being the center of attention do you?
Lab Created Diamond Rings - is there anyone who hasn’t been talking about them lately? This is a wildly popular trend this year and for good reason. Many shoppers have several things in view on their shopping list. Beauty and durability has to top the list. You want your bridal jewelry to be exquisite and it has to be made to last a lifetime. But there are more things in the mind of shoppers now. Sustainability and eco-conscious choices rank pretty high. That brings LGD to the forefront of your options. They are gorgeous stones costing far less than earth mined diamonds.
Oval Shape Diamonds – We have spoken about some of the most sought-after shapes women are choosing this year, like marquise, cushion cut and pear shape. Those are all feminine and stylish options worth considering. But let’s look at oval shape diamonds which are so popular now. The reason they are gaining momentum is because of how they look on the hand. The lovely oval shape has a slenderizing effect on the fingers of the lady—they seem to elongate the impression of her hands, making them more expressive and lovely. The oval shape also seems to make the size of the stone appear larger too. So whether you opt for earth minded diamonds, treated stones, LGD, or even a colored gemstone center stone, the oval is a gorgeous choice.
We know this is a lot of information to digest—but the more you consider, the easier it is to finally decide on what’s right for you. This is your moment to make your ring-dreams come true. Happy Hunting!
]]>We think it’s a fascinating topic, and we want to share all we know with you, so you’re in the light about the benefits and features of each stone type. Let’s take an overview of earth mined stones first, and then compare and contrast them with the lab-grown ones. In the end, you’ll know the best choice for yourself and be very proud of your decision!
Here goes!
Natural diamonds extracted from the earth are a miracle of nature. Their entire makeup is a single element—and that is carbon. Can you imagine a material so close to the black lead found in our No. 2 pencils is the exact makeup of the world’s most dazzling and precious gemstone? Well that’s exactly what diamonds are constructed of—pure carbon that has been altered by extreme pressure in conditions of very high heat some 125 miles below the surface of the earth. It also takes a long time to make this transition successfully---like a couple of billion years to be more precise.
Because of the unique conditions under which they form, they may have inclusions of other elements from time to time. That’s simply the nature of this miraculous material. Next, let’s consider how they are recovered from the earth. While there are a variety of ways in which extraction occurs, you’ve most often heard of them being mined. Large holes in the earth are created to access these crystals hidden in the earth. Research tells us that for every 250 tons of earth hauled out from a mine, there is an expectancy of recovering 1 carat of diamonds.
All these details help us to understand the rarity of diamonds and better grasp the difficulties in recovering them from the earth. The main thing to take away is a greater understanding of their rarity and the massive effort in their harvesting. Scientists explain that all gemstones are a single-harvest of precious material. When it’s all mined out, the mining region will be covered back over and returned to normal earth again.
For some collectors, the difficulty in finding diamonds in the earth mirrors their love story—it is exceedingly difficult to find that perfect someone to share one’s life with for ever and ever. Also, the stone’s permanence and their beauty make them a wonderful symbol of true and everlasting love.
What about LGD as they are popularly called? Do they have any story that draws comparisons to the earth grown stones that look just like them? The fact is, their optical, physical, and chemical properties are identical to those of earth mined crystals. Exactly the same. Now to be clear, no one is trying to pull the wool over someone’s eyes and trick them. There’s simply no need for that.
Lab grown diamonds are a miracle as well - but in this case they’re a miracle of technology and science. Back in the mid-20th century the synthesis began for the purpose of industrial and military application. They were successful and those early versions became essential to the tech industry and other industries.
What did take a while, however, was growing lab crystals large enough and beautiful enough for applications in the jewelry trade. But imaginative scientists eventually created a laboratory stone in large sizes to facet for use in jewelry. They also worked on these lab stone’s clarity and high color. Today lab grown diamonds appearance rivals that of their highest quality natural earth mined counterparts.
There’s much to consider with both earth mined and lab grown diamonds—but armed with this data, we’re confident you’ll select the best one for you!
]]>But even though their price is so much more attractive than natural diamonds, they are an investment like any other piece of fine jewelry. So every wise consumer should learn all about them to be certain they are right for them.
By learning all about CVD diamonds, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your life.
What does CVD mean, and how does that fit into the discussion about lab-grown stones making all the news?
First of all, the acronym CVD stands for chemical vapor deposition. It names the specific method of creating a diamond in a laboratory environment. In the trade, CVD is the most common means of producing a true synthetic stone. And while they are man-made, in fact they are identical in every way to an earth mined crystal. And that’s the exciting part about this special stone.
The CVD process can be simply described as placing a thin (microscopic) diamond ‘seed’ into a special laboratory chamber which is then heated and flooded with carbon-rich gas. These carbon molecules attach to the original ‘seed’ and build upon it until a completely formed crystal is produced.
This phenomenal process will generate a fully formed crystal within 2 to 4 weeks. Then scientists thoroughly inspect these crystals to make sure they are free from inclusions and display the high color that consumers require.
Once the growth has been achieved to its desired size, the next exciting phase of its journey begins. It follows a similar path to natural crystals. It must be professionally cut to the desired shape, and carefully polished to deliver its optimal brilliance. Only then, will the synthetic stone be inspected and graded by independent laboratories like GIA and others, before entering the jewelry market and ready for a new owner.
To reinforce an important detail, a CVD diamond for sale has the identical chemical, physical, and optical properties of the natural one. There simply is no difference, except for the fact that the lab one only took a month or so to ‘grow’ whereas the earth mined ones took billions of years to develop. You can truthfully say that the lab-grown one is an actual diamond. In other words, it’s not simply a look alike, or an imitation either. It is a diamond. It also has the very important hardness trait that its natural counterparts have. On a Mohs scale, a diamond is rated 10, the very hardest natural substance on earth. The CVD diamond yields that same exquisite hardness too. Do we care how hard these stones are? Well—yes. The hardness of a gem determines how highly it can be polished. A natural and CVD take such a high polish due to their hardness that they sparkle more brilliantly than another other natural gemstone can. It’s that breathtaking scintillation that makes these stones so desirable.
Next, the hardness of the stone guarantees that it will look stunning on the first day when it was polished—and throughout the entire life of its owner.
When lab grown diamonds first hit the market—and it wasn’t that long ago, people were confused and didn’t understand these were actual diamonds that could rival the most prized natural jewels on earth. The reason is that CVD stones are especially created to have high color (or really colorlessness!) and also high clarity. Those 2 traits make gems quite valuable and also make their prices out of reach for most shoppers. But with CVD diamonds so readily available now, the consumer doesn’t have to sacrifice anything at all to get the dazzling jewel of their dreams—and for a much more attractive price than they were expecting to pay. That means the shopper can buy a much larger and more impressive gemstone than they ever thought possible.
As technology has advanced, CVD crystals have become available in much larger carat sizes. So they are polished in all the popular sizes that today’s consumer demands. There is no down-side. The beauty is there in all the latest designer settings, and the price keeps shoppers’ budget in check.
If you’re like most consumers today, you want your hard-earned money to be wisely spent, and you want your personal ethics to be considered in all of your spending. Many consumers tell us they appreciate having a sustainable option. There is no disruption to our precious Earth to produce stones in a lab. No upheaval in our precious natural resources. Nor are there any risks of human abuse or unethical business practices. And that is a big deal to most of us now. We simply want to be a part of a sustainable eco-conscious lifestyle. It’s something we can all take pride in.
By looking at all the background of CVD diamonds, you can why they are the right choice for you!
]]>For those of us fortunate enough to enjoy an anniversary year after year, we understand the reason to celebrate! Whether it’s the first year or the 20th, let’s find some special rings worthy of marking these achievements.
Actually there are some anniversaries which are considered quite important. Although we think every year together is wonderful and worth making a big deal over. But traditionally, it is said that every 5 years of marriage from the beginning is worth special acknowledgement. When you arrive at the 30th year, then the milestones are marked as special every 10 years. So you have plenty of dates to celebrate and lots of opportunities to fill them with brilliant diamond rings that symbolize the important dates in your life together.
Traditions also call the 60th wedding your diamond jubilee! So make sure you are ready with diamonds for that momentous occasion. We’re giving you plenty of heads up on that one. Historically, the 75th was the original diamond anniversary –as popularized in Queen Victoria’s time. And as much as we’d like to see every couple make it to that extraordinary day—we’ll also settle for all the ones that come before.
When you first think about anniversary rings, often your mind goes to the gorgeous eternity bands which are distinguished by diamonds going completely around the entire shank. These can shimmer right along with the engagement ring, and maybe even a slim wedding band.
Some people enjoy wearing them solo or even on their right hand. The choice is the wearers since these are specialty items.
Another especially popular diamond anniversary band style is the 5 stone ring. This is a variation of the eternity band –and while it does not go around the entirety of the shank, it artfully displays the stones on the front of the finger where you can really show them off to admirers—including yourself.
Want something with more pizazz than a simple eternity band or 5 stone ring? Consider the wide bands with multiple diamond rows. These highly dramatic bands are luxurious to look at and certainly make a statement. The overall impression is one of a sea of sparkle—glistening white light reflecting with every graceful gesture of the hand.
Want something a bit more trendy? We’ve got an idea for you. What’s more up-to-the-minute than some feminine stacking rings? They are super slender and delicate with accents that make each one distinct. So you can collect them in all the popular metal colors—pink gold, white or yellow. Stack ‘em high and change their order around at will. They are fashionable, yes, but these dainty rings are made to be changed around your engagement ring or worn separately as a signature style with your distinctive touch.
But any diamond anniversary ring you choose will be especially treasured with pride. It symbolizes the ongoing commitment of love between you too with many more years to look forward to.
If you are giving one of these sentimental rings to a loved one, you’ll discover how much it means to her. Whatever style you choose will leave a mark on her heart—reminding her every day how much your marriage means to you too.
Here’s something you may not have thought about—but now’s a perfect time to consider this. How about an anniversary ring for him? Men are sentimental too even though they may show it less than the ladies. He wants to celebrate the journey you’ve been on together, and a man’s anniversary ring can be just the ticket.
Think of a band that is completely unlike his normal wedding band—this way it will stand out for sure with friends and family. It can be black diamonds even—these can create a very masculine look. Brown diamonds are another good option for the man’s anniversary ring. They lend a designer’s look to any jewelry item, so you’ve got plenty to think about.
If he normally wears yellow or white gold, why not consider an attractive two tone gold ring accented with white diamonds?
And since men’s bands are usually wider anyway, this is a perfect time for engraving a loving message (a short one!) inside the shank. It’s your life and you can live it just as you please.
For both men and women, take a look at blue diamonds for this special ring. They are the world’s most popular color by far for both genders. If you start planning early, you may discover that you can get coordinated rings for both of you on your big day. Wouldn’t that make this year’s festivities something never to be forgotten? When you think about it, diamonds are the perfect gemstone to commemorate your special love. Their hardness makes them pretty much indestructible. The extreme hardness means they will also be as scintillating decades from now—as they were the moment you exchanged your vows. Eternal, beautiful and rich with meaning—these stones perfectly express the commitment you too share.
Whatever you choose, keep in mind that diamonds of any color whatsoever will make this celebration unforgettable.
Best Brilliance has plenty of ideas to make your anniversary one to remember with rings that mark the most important wedding in history—yours! Let us share some ideas with you today and find out how this year’s celebration will be one for the books.
]]>First of all, the old rules have been tossed out the window. And designers apparently agree since they are assisting today’s couples in finding exactly what appeals to them. But with all this new territory to explore, make sure you ask yourself this very important question---what appeals to you? What reflects your taste and also exemplifies the two of you as a couple? So, trendy rings may be perfectly fine if you say—that’s me! (or us!). But trends for trend’s sake may not always be the answer.
What is the answer of course, is what do you gravitate to? To find that answer, you need to consider all the unique wedding bands that are out there just waiting for you to discover them. While the array may be staggering at first, you’ll find yourself narrowing down the possibility of just one perfect band that you can live with for the rest of your life.
Let’s take a look at some modern options to learn what strikes you as a perfect unique fit for your life as a new couple.
Couples recently are looking far past the classic gold for their special rings. For instance, while white and yellow gold have been the precious metal of choice for centuries, have you considered rose (or pink) gold? While it’s a newer alloy, it is a unique and memorable metal that lends a special touch to rings. If you think its only for women—you’ll be happy to know it started its popularity about a century ago as a sophisticated precious metal for men’s wrist watches. Once it took off, collectors never looked back. If you love rose gold but think that’s too bold a step to try to coordinate with the rest of your jewelry, then opt for the two tone look—with a white and rose gold combo on the ring.
Then there are the gemstones in a ring to consider. While some couples prefer a simple high polished gold band for their wedding, there’s no reason why you should not think about gemstones—and we’re not talking diamonds. We’re not discouraging them, because they are the eternal gemstone—which is a beautiful reflection of your commitment to each other.
Speaking of diamonds, perhaps you have some that have come down in your family. That’s always a sentimental treasure. You can integrate family stones of any size whatsoever into the man’s or lady’s wedding band. In this way, you are not only creating a unique jewelry, but you are continuing the family legacy in a very meaningful way.
But think about other gemstones—and you may find some that really speak to you. Sapphires are a chic choice—either with diamonds or as stand-alone adornments. Did you know blue is universally the most popular color for both genders? And ruby makes a stunningly unforgettable wedding ring that you’ll still cherish years from now.
If you’re both a romantic (and who wouldn’t be when it comes to your wedding?) and sentimental, how about looking into some lovely vintage style? Their detailing and handmade vibe is a good companion for your unique love story.
While some people actually have inherited family rings to pass on to their new marriage, not all of us are so fortunate. In that case, you can create a new tradition with your vintage bands that you’ll treasure more and more as time goes by. Distinctive looking vintage rings with their fine detailing can easily become your signature style.
Wedding bands come in all widths, and while you may have never thought of a wide one, you might enjoy trying on a few to see how they feel. Both the straight wide, called a pipe cut band, or the cigar style ring are attractive and distinctive. The cigar style is wide with a rounded front of the shank where it can be further adorned with engraving and gemstones. With all wide style—and by that we mean anything more than 2.5mm width, you will benefit from wearing them for a bit first of all to make sure you’re comfortable with their extra width. They are definitely sophisticated statement rings that you don’t want to overlook as a possibility. Make note of the most comfortable size in a wide band too. Most shoppers notice that they will go up a ½ size if the shank is wide.
Did you notice, it’s not just plain or fancy wedding bands now? There’s everything in between. And by that, we mean you can seek out ones with unique shanks too. Either diamond or gemstone encrusted, or perhaps it is embellished with cut out detailing. It can display two tone metals or even custom carved details along the shank. The sky’s definitely the limit—and it’s only restricted by your imagination today.
We agree with you –your ring should be an expression of your love story—told just the way you want to.
Also, we know while you may be drawn to unique wedding bands, you might not know which one to select. No worries, that’s what we’re here for. The helpful experts at Best Brilliance will guide you to finding the your ideal one today!
]]>Let’s take a look at many of the colored stones we’re obsessing over lately.
First of all, a good place to start is with the Trinity-of-Colored-Gems. That is sapphire, ruby and emerald. These stunning jewels have been coveted for centuries by the world’s aristocracy and royal households.
Sapphire is a corundom mineral, and so is ruby. Different trace elements in the crystals change their color from blue to red. They are glamorously rich in color and rare. But you may discover the exciting group of fancy color sapphire too, which are wildly popular with today’s collectors. Simply put, fancy color sapphire is any other color than straight blue. Sapphire is produced in a rainbow of hues which delight consumers—pink, violet, green, yellow, black, peach, brown, orange and more!
Emeralds have such a long history that no wonder collectors still desire this lively verdant stone today. We say if it was good enough for Cleopatra, it’s good enough for us. While many places around the world produce emeralds, many high end jewelry connoisseurs claim that Colombian emeralds reign supreme. Their clarity, and straight green tint makes for sensational jewelry pieces.
Let’s not overlook other colored stones which offer extraordinary design opportunities for jewelers.
Tourmaline for instance is often found in large crystal sizes which makes designing a dream. Also the natural inclusions found in tourmaline are many times not prominent, so the finished polished stone is quite impressive. Sometimes tourmaline is formed with a charming blend of two colors on the same crystal. With green on the exterior of the stone and rosy pink inside, we call that watermelon tourmaline. It’s eye catching and memorable. With its varied colors, like blue, green, purple and black just to name a few, tourmaline has its also enjoyed the praise of its loyal fans.
Did you know that quartz is the most abundant natural material on the face of the earth? It’s literally everywhere, in the sand on the seashore and in the ground. Gem quality quartz is found in striking colors that consumers adore. Citrine in all its many shades is perennially popular. Whether its pure yellow or in a deeper-warm tone like Madeira citrine it definitely has its followers.
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and has been popular with nobility for centuries. This is due to the fact that purple is a royal color in many societies. What happens when 2 mineral varieties appear on one crystal? Then you might end up with ametrine. This is a blend of citrine and amethyst on one stone and it’s a beauty for sure. Its also a bit rare as there is only one commercially viable place in the world where these stones are from and that is Bolivia.
Garnet must be mentioned as a world class stone because it has been beloved for so long. Deep brownish red, purplish in hue, or straight crimson, garnets have been found in jewelry throughout time. During the Victorian era, especially after the death of Prince Albert, the ladies of high society pivoted to wearing somber toned jewelry—and the deep richly hued garnets provided just the right blend of beauty and subtlety that aristocratic life demanded.
Over the last several decades, we’ve come to find exciting grape-purple toned garnets from Africa and even green garnets. Demantoid garnets have been around for quite some time and were the darlings of Russian royalty. Many demantoid garnets were found in Russian mountainous regions years back. They are a slightly yellowish green stone and a real head turner too. But Africa has turned up an intensely saturated straight green garnet that is remarkable in its good looks.
Have you heard of spinel? This natural gemstone was said to be located in the same deposits a ruby. So there were many occasions in the past—before reliable gemstone testing was developed---where the two stones were confused for each other. At one time, all red stones were called ruby—but now we know its simply not true. Spinel is produced in a luxurious red of course, and also colorless. There are many spinel found in pink, blue, lavender, dark green, and even black.
Most collectors know about the gem mineral beryl. This lively jewel is found in larger carat sizes and with great clarity. This is a designer’s dream. An artist’s imagination can run wild in creating special pieces from this material. We already touched on emerald which is also from the beryl family. But beryl can be produced in yellow (Heliodor, or Golden Beryl), pastel blue (Aquamarine). Morganite is the name for a pink beryl but let’s not forget the rarest of the beryl varieties, red beryl.
You may have never heard of the gem-mineral spodumene but hearing the name Kunzite may ring a bell. This feminine and delicately lilac colored gemstone is avidly collected today because of its lady-like allure. Whether it’s paired with white gold, platinum or the now trendy rose gold, this stone makes a big statement.
One of the best collected gems turns out to be simply called Topaz. That is its mineral species. Several varieties of this stone give us all the colors we could ever want to create a dazzling jewelry wardrobe.
Topaz appears in a range of tints including yellow, orange, brown, pink to red to purple red, blue, light green and colorless. This lustrous hard stone with its 8 rank on the Mohs scale tells us that it can take a marvelous polish for a very high sheen, and that it will last a lifetime with careful wear.
Peridot has become a go-to gemstone choice for fans who like a high clarity stone that is also richly saturated. The distinctive green in peridot is easily recognizable and collected for its lime green rich hues that make gorgeous jewelry.
Is Zircon one of your favorite colored stones? If so, you’re in great company. One of the outstanding traits of zircon is its high brilliance and intense ‘fire’, or dispersion. This doubly refractive stone is super sparkly and as such has been a coveted stone for royal collections throughout time. Zircon is found in the colorless variety—and because of its extraordinary dispersion has found itself in bridal jewelry. But for colored stone fans, you’ll be glad to learn that zircon is produced naturally in a great variety of colors and countless shades in every range. For instance, you can find zircon in these colors; green, deep red, pink, violet, yellow, orange, all shades of blue, plus brown. The blue shades are very collectible and provide a fashionable look for today’s jewelry pieces.
Besides the wonderful color stone options we’ve mentioned above, there are also seemingly countless more colored gemstones for you to discover. Some are not transparent but rather translucent, semi-opaque and completely opaque. Yet they have an allure all their own and you’ll want to investigate those –because there may be some that are calling your name. Stones like opal, jade, coral, labradorite, onyx, lapis lazuli, carnelian, bloodstone, malachite, aventurine, gold in quartz, common opals in pastel blues and pinks, agate and so many more. Our love for colored gemstones expands the more we learn about them.
You may want to collect stones by their species for example. If you like the species of quartz, you can add citrine, amethyst, prasiolite (green quartz) rose quartz and so on. But you can also build a collection on your favorite gemstone colors! You love blue? Think of all the stones you can collect just in that hue alone! Sapphire, lapis lazuli, blue zircon, topaz, aquamarine, blue spinel, kyanite, Peruvian blue opal and many more. You get the idea. Your appreciation for colored gemstones grows the more you learn about what’s available to you.
Whether you delight in faceted gemstone rings that sparkle way across the room, or the sophisticated and subtle cabochon cut stones, you can find the stones to enjoy for a lifetime. We hope you continue to learn all about them. It won’t be long before you’ll have found the ones that reflect your taste and personality. Happy Discovering!
]]>Its gorgeous design keeps the shimmering diamond tennis bracelet an all-time favorite amongst so many jewelry collectors. It’s loved for its dazzling display of light and timeless beauty. But perhaps you have sometimes wondered what is the story behind the name of the tennis bracelet. We have. So, we did a bit of digging to uncover the celebrity-studded background for this jewelry must-have. Exactly where did the diamond tennis bracelet acquire its unique name? Explore this story with us and learn about the brilliant history behind this uniquely beautiful diamond bracelet and why it’s become one of the most iconic statement pieces today.
We like to think that every woman’s jewelry box should have certain foundation pieces that can take her from office to dinner parties. These are the diamond jewelry essentials from which you build a beautiful jewelry wardrobe over time. The diamond tennis bracelet belongs in this group.
At the time that the tennis bracelet earned its special name, they were already being made and adored by diamond fans everywhere, owing to its great versatility. But earlier they were just called diamond line bracelets for the simplicity of their design. While many of the first so-called line bracelets were set with square (or princess cut) diamonds, they could also have been set with classic round brilliant cut diamonds. We’ve seen some imaginative tennis bracelets set with marquise-cut diamonds too, for an exotic twist on their classic appeal.
Way back in 1987, long before many of us were wearing any jewelry---this story began. At that time, popular tennis pro-Chrissy Evert was watched eagerly by tennis buffs the world over, not just in the US.
During the US Open of that year, while Chris was playing her match, she was wearing a diamond line bracelet. Chris was known to be very feminine on and off the court. When her diamond line bracelet unexpectedly fell off her wrist during a vigorous match on the court, she was heard to say "I dropped my tennis bracelet". The chair umpire gave her time to find and place her bracelet back on so it didn’t get lost or damaged. And ever since then, the diamond line bracelets have been called tennis bracelets. The attention from this iconic moment in sports (and jewelry) history meant that these bracelets also got a tremendous boost in popularity from the incidence. Young girls and society ladies everywhere were all were seen sporting their Chris Evert-style ‘tennis bracelet’.
With its ‘sports’ history, you could say that this lovely diamond tennis bracelet is the ideal accessory item for any sporty woman or active person. There are several details about the bracelet that make it a comfortable yet stylish jewelry item. The way the diamond bracelet is manufactured adds to its flexibility. Each station (or area where the diamond is set) is linked to the next, so there’s a great deal of movement in the bracelet. Also, it’s quite lightweight and that was a characteristic made on purpose. While Chris (and any active person) wants to look fashionable, you also don’t want to have a heavy piece of jewelry on your wrist that could be bothersome. The diamonds are special ‘low-set’ so that they are not only comfy to wear but were less likely to get banged up or damaged while playing a sport like a tennis—or simply out for the day doing normal errands. For anyone today who lives an active lifestyle, yet wants to have their favorite jewelry on when they leave the house, the diamond tennis bracelet offers the perfect option.
When shopping for a quality tennis bracelet, make sure you buy one with a safety clasp. That’s a second closure over the main one and provides that extra layer of protection against it becoming accidentally lost. This way—you won’t repeat what happened to Chrissy Evert on the tennis court. Because in normal life, there won’t be anyone to ‘stop the action’ so you can look for your bracelet. All fine jewelry should be fitted with safety clasps which are a second way to guard against loss or damage.
Have a reputable jeweler inspect your tennis bracelet annually to ensure that the diamonds are secure in their setting. Ask them to professionally clean your bracelet while you’re there
Always remove your diamond tennis bracelet and place it safely in a secure spot (that you can remember!) before doing daily tasks like washing the dishes, showering, or even while doing garden work. Any of these activities can promote residue build-up on your diamond tennis bracelet and other jewelry.
The diamond tennis bracelet has had a long and charming history behind it. It was a coveted jewelry item before it got its storied name, the “tennis bracelet”. But it was never a short-lived fad. Throughout the decades, the diamond tennis bracelet has become one of the most sought-after pieces of feminine jewelry owing to its beauty and versatility. This must-have jewelry item is the perfect choice for day to evening wear. Your diamond tennis bracelet will also become a cherished heirloom to one day give to someone special. It will be just as loved then as when you first wore it.
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Did you notice that there have never been more diamond options for consumers than that dazzling array of diamond types available nowadays? That’s because shoppers’ preferences have evolved so much over the years. That has shifted the public perception and it’s made different things more or less important to the consumer.
There are earth mined diamonds of course, which everyone understands. But even in that niche, did you know that shoppers have a wide range of options? There are lasered diamonds, and fracture-filled stones, all of which offer good value by way of their treatments.
Today, however, consumers are getting very enthused about sustainable diamond options which are gorgeous (nearly flawless no less!) diamonds grown in a lab. They are in every way an actual diamond because they have the same optical, chemical, and physical traits as earth mined diamonds, but they were grown in a laboratory.
They are sold under several different names, which can be a bit confusing to the uninitiated. They are called synthetic diamonds, lab grown diamonds, man-made, or created diamonds. Make sure you don’t confuse the lab-grown diamond varieties with diamond simulants which are a completely different and inferior product. Diamonds simulants are any manufactured stone made to look like a diamond to the untrained eye but in fact, cannot be called a diamond. They might be CZ (cubic zirconium) or glass, even plastic. Whatever they are made of, they will not have the characteristics required to be called any variety of created diamonds.
Of course, we see the expression cultured diamonds too, which is a lovely way is to describe these beautiful stones. When we talk about cultured diamonds, we’re specifically referring to synthetic diamonds—real diamonds cultured in the laboratory under the strictest technological standards today.
The reason cultured (or synthetic) diamonds have gained in popularity with today’s shoppers is due to their price points, beauty, and sustainability. That’s a pretty impressive shortlist, isn’t it?
When shoppers look for diamond bridal jewelry, usually budget is a big consideration. With cultured diamond, consumers are often pleasantly shocked to find how far their money goes in buying an engagement ring. It’s not just the price that matters but also what one can get for the money. Couples discover that they can buy a much larger diamond with a higher color and clarity than they could have afforded with earth mined diamond. That’s all good. But there’s more to it than that.
Today’s shoppers are spending wisely on all their purchases. Ethically sourced products particularly with sustainability are favored over other purchases that don’t consider the environment. With cultured diamonds, no mining or earth moving took place, so the environment was left unharmed. We all should be mindful of that. And when given the choice, cultured diamond seem to be a good consideration.
How exactly are cultured diamonds produced? This part of their story is fascinating, especially to consumers intrigued by technology. To create a cultured (or lab-grown) diamond, a specially fitted laboratory has to be equipped with special tanks that can duplicate the high pressure, and high temperatures found some 125 miles below the surface of the earth. Then in enclosed containers, a microscopic diamond seed is inserted and allowed to develop over a set period. In nature, this process takes billions of years. In a laboratory, the diamond can develop over several weeks. Because technology is used in producing these diamonds, they control the clarity and the color so that higher grade stones are produced.
So, if you find yourself in the market for a created diamond, you are in good company. You’ll be getting exceptional value for your money and will have a beautiful stone to enjoy for the rest of your life. Earth-mined diamonds are the strongest of all-natural gemstones, ranking a 10 on the Mohs scale for hardness. There is no other natural material from earth that can be compared to this hardness. Only a diamond can scratch another diamond. Cultured diamonds, boast the same hardness as natural diamonds. Hardness is an important feature because the hardest stones resist scratching and dulling. You plan on wearing your cultured diamond every day if it's part of your bridal jewelry. So, it is important that it should last for as long as you will be wearing it—and that it will look just like new years from now.
Cultured diamonds offer modern jewelry collectors a beautiful, affordable, and eco-minded diamond choice. They might just be the perfect choice for you.
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You won’t be on the diamond hunt for long before you hear about the 4Cs of diamond grading.
The 4Cs stand for Color, Carat weight, Cut, and Clarity. This universally accepted system allows for people the world over to better understand the value components of a diamond. It also provides a means of uniform communication of a diamond. So, it’s wise to learn enough about the 4Cs to be able to understand a diamond grading report and, also what your salesperson is saying to you.
Unless you have an infinite supply of cash, you’ll need to make concessions on one or more of the 4Cs when buying a diamond, since they all impact the diamond’s value.
Let’s look at the color. Remember, we are discussing colorless diamonds in this article, not diamonds with a distinct body color like blue, green, pink, or orange. Those kinds of diamonds have a name and grading system all their own. They are called fancy color diamonds in the trade.
We consider the category of colorless diamond grading to be quite important. Because, for instance, the setting your diamond is placed in may obscure a not-so-perfect cut. So, there are times when the cut grade may be less critical. All good! Also, clarity is another area that gives you some forgiveness for a bit lower grade. A lower clarity grade may or may not be important if the clarity issues are hidden in the mounting or if they are light color and much less noticeable. So, there’s a lot to juggle isn’t there?
The 4Cs color grade refers to a lack or presence of body color in your diamond. The very highest color grade for colorless diamonds has a rating of D. It goes all the way down to Z which indicates a light-yellow body color. Diamonds sold commercially today at most retailers will range in colors graded between G and K. The most desirable color grades for all colorless diamonds are the first tier which is D-E-F. All diamonds in that group are designated as colorless.
The closer to the top of the grading scale, the icier white your diamond will be. The lower the grades are, the more tinges of body color of brown, grey, or yellow begin to appear.
The whitest diamonds look stunning set in white metals, like high carat white gold or platinum. When the color grades begin to go down, a diamond set in a white metal can show its body color more.
Jewelers often advise customers to set their lower color grade diamonds in yellow gold as it hides the body color of the diamond and makes these diamonds appear whiter. But ultimately the final call is up to the wearer. If you wear mostly yellow gold jewelry, then you may want your bridal jewelry to coordinate with the fine jewelry you already have. If you wear both, then what? Well, in that case, you may want to opt for two-tone metals in your bridal jewelry. These are attractive pieces made with both white and yellow gold and lend an eye-catching custom vibe to your rings.
When you’re shopping for a diamond, keep in mind the details of the color grading scale, and also consider what color metal you’ll be selecting for your setting. They can all play into making your final selection to be the most beautiful and also be the ideal pairing for the color diamond you’ve selected.
What if you’re choosing rose gold (sometimes referred to as pink gold) for your bridal jewelry? Many modern brides opt for this romantic and feminine option. It’s an updated choice that helps your ring look custom-made and stand out from everyone else’s jewelry. If this is the case, and you will have a rose (pink) gold engagement ring and wedding band, you’ll shift your preferences just a bit. Here’s why. Rose gold casts a bit of a warm glow into the diamond set in your ring.
So, in this particular case, it’s really not worth it to go for the highest color grade, like D-E-F for example. That is an extra expense that won’t do anything for the look of your diamond. Your ring will look positively stunning even when your diamond is of a lower color set in this popular metal. In a rose gold setting, it will still look ‘white’ unless you went way-way down on the color scale.
You’ll no doubt look over a wide array of diamonds before finally settling on the one that speaks to you. You’ve got a lot to consider as you look for the ring style, the diamond shape and size, and then the quality of your diamond. This should be a wonderful chapter in your love story. The search for the perfect diamond and ring should be a joyous part of your entire journey leading to your wedding day and beyond.
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Looking for an individualized ring can be both exciting and daunting. There are so many different setting styles, and you want to find one that you’ll love for the rest of your life.
Maybe you’ve heard of the tension setting? It’s a gorgeous way to present the center diamond in your bridal jewelry. It looks rather mysterious—as though somehow the diamond is suspended magically in the air.
The benefit to such a setting besides its distinctive look is the fact that a tension set allows more of the diamond itself to be displayed without the interference of too much metal surrounding the stone. Now generally, you need that metal to secure the diamond safely in place. So that’s part of the attraction to diamonds set in a tension setting. How does it stay securely in place, without the risk of falling out?
Let’s learn a little about the back story of tension set rings. A tension set diamond ring is a specially designed mounting that holds a diamond or gemstone in its place simply by pressure rather than the usual prongs or any other type of mounting. The ring’s metal setting is created to be spring-loaded to exert pressure onto the stone. Tiny grooves etched into the metal create an almost invisible shelf that supports the gemstone's edges (called the girdle). The result is a gemstone that appears completely suspended in the air with nothing holding it in place.
This style of diamond ring set looks modern, and it is! The first tension set ring, (the Niessing Spannring) was made in 1979 by a German company named Niessing. But the general concept of tension settings had already been around for over 40 years. A Niessing employee had previously developed a prototype in the late 1960s.
The first Niessing tension ring was fabricated with 18K gold using non-traditional alloys which gave the ring greater strength than traditional gold alloys. By 1987, jeweler Steven Kretchmer patented a proprietary platinum alloy called "Plat/SK" which later became licensed to other companies requiring a super-hard platinum alloy for creating jewelry that is tension set. Kretchmer's brilliant use of alloying different metals allowed the modern-day tension ring to lose much of the weight of earlier tension set rings without sacrificing strength.
Jewelers describe tension set rings like this; Sleek and modern, tension settings feature a unique system for securing the main stone. Custom-made precious metal bands made for this purpose hold the diamond or gemstone in place with pressure. The result is that it appears to float since the diamond or gem sits securely in place without prongs or metal surrounding the stone. The effect is that the diamond appears suspended between the two sides of the shank.
This innovative setting is infinitely captivating. It allows for more of the diamond to be displayed, especially at the side profiles, so one can capture the best view of the stone from many angles.
Over time, imaginative designers have expanded on the tension-set theme with more recent variations. Some of these have veered away from the strictest definition of the tension set. Yet, they still exhibit that floating effect of the diamond which is so attractive.
Today, technology plays a big role in creating those minuscule grooves that the diamond will sit in. Lasers help to calibrate the exact dimensions of the diamond that will be set. Next, the jeweler deftly scores tiny grooves into the sides of the band. Then the diamond is held firmly in place by the pressure exerted by the custom metal band pushing inward on the sides of the stone.
Tension set rings have become wildly popular for engagement rings and bridal jewelry today. With their eye-catching design (making you wonder, how does this happen?) these rings appeal to many diamond fans with their mysterious design. And since not that much metal surrounds the diamond in a tension set, the diamonds seemingly suspended in the air reflect more light from different directions, providing greater brilliance and sparkle.
Tension set rings are not just for the ladies. The innovative setting holds great appeal for men too. Designers are fond of creating men’s rings with tension set diamonds too—with their simple yet modern vibe.
The beauty of tension set diamond rings is plain to see. But consumers still wonder if they are truly secure. The answer is yes. Tension set rings are very secure and hold the diamond or gemstone secure. The unique construction means there’s an extremely low risk of the center diamond or gemstone becoming dislodged or lost.
There are several clear-cut reasons why tension set rings are capable of securely holding a diamond in place. First of all, it’s the amount of tensile force exerted on the stone on both sides by the ring. Secondly, pressure is exerted equally on the diamond from both sides of the shank, holding it securely with a low risk of it coming loose.
So, if you decide to get a tension set diamond ring, you’ll want to choose the setting first in your correct size, and then have the diamond of your choice placed in it. As modern as they are, tension set diamond rings will look stylish decades from now. You’ll be glad you learned about this distinctive type of ring setting, so you can appreciate your ring all the more.
]]>Lab grown diamonds, also called synthetic diamonds, cultured diamonds, created diamonds, and more, were made to mimic the exact same procedure and processes under which natural diamonds were created below the earth. It took billions of years more to create those natural diamonds, but still!
So, scientists have also worked hard for years to create laboratory-grown colored gemstones because a lot of collectors want pristine examples of their favorite stones. The various processes used to create identical gemstones to those found on the earth were first successfully achieved hundreds of years ago. The gem world began seeing early synthetic gems back in the late 1800s. It’s likely their first major use was actually outside of the jewelry world—these early manufactured gemstones were probably earmarked for industrial application. The first ones were synthetic ruby. Other gemstone varieties that were manufactured in a lab soon followed.
They could often be made with extremely clear crystals, and best of all, in gorgeous vibrant hues. It didn’t take long for the US Federal Trade Commission to mandate that any lab created gemstones be clearly described so consumers understood exactly what they were buying. That’s a good thing. There are certainly customers for both natural and lab-grown gemstones.
The first commercially successful lab-grown gemstones were the result of a newer technology at the time. Called flame fusion, the labs successfully created beautiful stones by dropping powdered chemicals onto a special high-temperature rotating plate. More complex than we’re stating here, of course, this method remains in use today as a magnificent way to create lovely stones that consumers crave for their jewelry. The most common gems created this way are synthetic spinel and synthetic corundum (both sapphire and ruby).
It's important to note that when we say synthetic, we strictly mean diamonds or gemstones whose composition is identical to their earth-mined counterparts. Otherwise, they would be just be called simulants.
A later method was developed called the Flux Growth Process. Alexandrite, that mesmerizing colored stone that changes color can be produced through this method. Also, sapphires, ruby, emerald, and spinel are created this way. It’s expensive though. But consumers find their high quality and stunning colors well worth the extra cost.
While some collectors are drawn into the lure of colored stones by stories of their exotic origins around the globe, other jewelry fans refocus what’s important to them when collecting gems.
For instance, some consumers prefer the ethical and sustainable aspects of lab-created gemstones. There was no earth moving involved with lab grown gemstones. They are sustainable in other ways—these stones can successfully be created time and again with no negative impact on our planet. When you add that to the extraordinary beauty of lab stones, you’ve got a winning combo.
For all of us, no matter what our budget, the cost is inevitably a consideration. We know that gemstones are valued and priced according to their size, beauty, color, clarity, and rarity. The stones from a lab tick off all the boxes in this shortlist. But you’ll be happy to discover that created stones are a fraction of the price of their natural counterparts brought from the earth.
So, there you have it. There are several procedures that can create lab grown colored stones successfully in a lab. Those specifically called synthetic are actual true gemstones in every way. Their optical, chemical and physical traits equal the same gems brought from the earth. The only difference is that they were helped along in their creation in a laboratory environment.
Lookalike-colored stones that aren’t true synthetics are referred to as stimulants. They cost even less than synthetic gemstones.
These made-made stones will be accurately described by legitimate dealers and retailers. They want to instill confidence in their products, so no attempt is made to conceal this fact. And given that many shoppers are looking for alternatives to earth mined gemstones for ethical reasons, finding the perfect lab-grown gemstone is a real bonus!
Your lab grown gemstone will have the same physical traits as its natural counterpart. That means, in the case of sapphire or ruby, for example, the synthetic version is equally durable. That’s good to know. We should always consider the hardness of gems when buying them. For example, diamonds are the hardest stones, and next to that are ruby and sapphire, (both corundum). So, they are well suited to be placed in rings which get a lot of wear.
Softer stones, either natural or synthetic are better suited to earrings and pendants.
We’re very fortunate today to have so many options when shopping for jewelry. We don’t have to sacrifice beauty or gemstone size if we have a smaller budget. We can simply shift our search to the same gemstones we want but look for the lab grown (or synthetic) group of stones. You’ll get all the envious looks and compliments that the earth mined stone would give you—and sometimes even more!
]]>Classic engagement rings have mostly been made of diamonds, that’s true. But the trend for using gorgeous colored stones for the center has been gaining popularity over the past decade. It’s one more way to make a unique statement with your engagement ring, and create an unforgettable impression when others admire it.
Center stones of colored gemstones instead of diamonds are trending for sure—but if we dig a bit, we’ll find that people have been choosing lovely colored stones for ages. Think of Princess Di’s blue sapphire engagement ring—it’s now worn by Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge. How about Fergie, the Duchess of York’s fire engine red ruby engagement ring? That was a stunner. Her daughter, Princess Eugenie captivated fans when she showed off her padparadscha sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
So, if you’re considering a colorful center stone for your engagement ring, you’re in very good company---royalty to be exact.
Here’s an idea that will be a gorgeous consideration. How about a garnet engagement ring? The wonderful thing with garnets is that besides being all-natural—no treatments necessary with these stones, they come in a wide variety of colors. Did you know that? Most often we think of red garnets, and it’s true. They are available in a wide variety of stunning natural tints, many more than you might have known.
Besides several shades of red, you can find garnet in purple hues, brown, eye-catching shades of tangerine and oranges, plus yellows. We’re not done. Deep cinnamon tinted has many devotees and so does the pretty pastel lavenders that is sometimes found in. Rarer still, but available are natural green garnets---they are real scene stealers. Green garnets are on the higher end of prices owing to their rarity. But when you think about it, even though your garnet may not be inexpensive, you can afford a much larger center stone of any color than you might be able to afford with a center diamond.
The rainbow of vivid colors produced by garnet is enhanced by their transparency and clarity. They make for striking jewelry and especially garnet engagement rings. That wide array of colors is another way to personalize your engagement ring, by selecting the colors that are meaningful to you. Wear what you like, and you’ll cherish it every day of your life.
Garnets also have a very long history as a beloved gemstone. Going back some 5,000 years ago, they were avidly collected by nobility to adorn their regal attire. Ancient Biblical writings and other early manuscripts occasionally mention garnets as being valuable gems for the priests or kings.
As with any stone you choose, you want your center gemstone to be durable to hold up to everyday wear. Garnets and other gemstones including diamonds are ranked on a hardness grading scale called the Mohs scale. Diamond is the very hardest of all-natural stones. But garnets rank 7.5 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale. This means it’s a durable stone suitable for the jewelry you’ll be wearing all the time including your wedding rings and engagement rings.
So if you’re like many modern brides, you want to customize your engagement ring for a very personalized look. Doing this means you’ll treasure knowing no one else has one exactly like yours. It also means that every time you look at your hands—which you will do many times during the day—you’ll love seeing your special ring.
A garnet of any color is likely to be much less than the same size diamond. Even the rarer stones, like spessartite (a dreamy peachy hue) or Tsavorite (the brilliant green shades) will give you a distinctive unique ring and still be affordable. That’s pretty much a win-win in our books.
Look around at your friends and see what they created for their engagement rings. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that none of them have a garnet engagement ring. This is a pretty good place to start! You want your engagement ring to be as unique as you are and as original as your own love story. You’ve got so many options with the colors. And you can select from a wide variety of gemstone shapes—much the same as you can do with diamonds. You can select an oval, a pear, a round, a princess cut, and many more shapes to suit the setting that you’ve selected.
There’s never been a more exciting time to go engagement ring shopping. Because there have never been so many choices for brides today. If you can imagine it in your mind, it can be made to your liking! While you’re thinking about what you want your rings to look like, take a peek at some gorgeous garnet stones and envision them as the centerpiece of your engagement ring. A garnet engagement ring is distinctive, striking and a gorgeous option for the modern bride. Could that be you? Good luck finding the ring with the stone of your dreams.
]]>But your wedding rings are cherished items that you will wear every day of your life and they will be cherished all the more as time goes by. So, it’s wise to consider all the aspects of silver and other metals if you are considering using sterling silver as your wedding ring choice.
Most couples opt for gold which is available in several karats and today, gold is offered in many colors—yellow, white, rose and unusual shades created through new alloy combinations. People may opt for platinum as their wedding ring metal. This heavy white metal softens to a delicate patina over time, and it’s a favorite with some people, especially those who love vintage looks.
But silver is also a white metal, known for its highly reflective polish. That draws many jewelry fans to the metal when they are selecting many different types of jewelry. The famed New York store Tiffany is renowned for its sterling silver jewelry and accessories. So, you know that silver has a large fan base.
Silver is a soft metal, however. That means that it is subject to marks, and even dents depending on how the piece is used. No matter what metal you choose for your wedding rings, you must consider the lifestyle of the wearer. In other words, is the person using their hands a lot during the day for work? Are they engaged in strenuous activities, outdoors, or even in health care or teaching? All of these things hold a big impact on how the metal of wedding rings will hold up. Sterling silver wedding rings will hold up less well than gold or platinum because of the very nature of the metal. Knicks and dents to the metal may quickly be seen in silver wedding bands. So, whether it’s the man’s silver wedding band or the woman’s silver wedding ring set, the rings in silver may not perform to your liking over time.
Our wedding rings are precious to us. I think we’d all agree that our engagement rings and wedding rings are the most cherished pieces of jewelry we’ll ever own because there is so much symbolism behind them. We are thrilled when they are new, and we put them in our hands for the very first time for everyone to admire---including ourselves!
Be prepared for your silver wedding rings to tarnish. It’s a natural property of the material. Shining silver backup is easy enough with silver polish but be prepared to do this with some frequency to keep your silver wedding rings shimmering and radiant.
There are a few different types of silver, did you know? Pure silver is the softest of all silver metals, and it’s too soft to be used as wedding rings worn every day. It’s quite malleable in its original form. Sterling silver is pure silver alloyed with just a bit of copper to strengthen the metal and make it more useful for jewelry. This metal is 92.5% pure silver, with the rest being copper.
Some sterling rings are plated with a fine layer of pure silver, giving it the highly reflective look we love with this metal. It does produce a highly lustrous finish. Rhodium, another white metal might be used to plate sterling silver to give it that super white shiny look. White gold and platinum metal rings are sometimes plated with rhodium too. Over time, with continued wear, these final coatings can be worn away and need to be recoated with the metal they used in the original plating.
You can see that silver wedding rings do require special care to keep them looking as lovely as they looked when you first got them. Here’s an interesting fact few people know about. Silver is also highly conducive to heat. If you find your hand close to a heat source, (we don’t recommend that!) then the silver will pick up the heat and transfer it to the ring.
One of the major selling points of silver wedding rings is their affordable prices. They are way more inexpensive than gold or platinum. When that’s a concern, the silver wedding ring may be the way to go. But it’s worth restating, you won’t want to choose silver wedding rings if your hands are going to be subjected to rough treatment. You don’t want to be disappointed with your wedding ring choice.
Knowing that gold, platinum, and even palladium are much more durable metals is something to keep in mind before you select your wedding rings. Silver wedding rings are an option, especially if you are extra gentle using your hands on a routine basis. Then there are no surprises from getting your rings nicked up or even misshapen. The low prices of silver wedding ring contrasted to gold or other fine metals may be a big consideration with your budget.
So we’ll say again, buy what you want. But know what you are buying so that you’ll be making the best choice all around—and you’ll be able to enjoy your wedding bands for the rest of your life. Happy shopping!
]]>Each type of diamond jewelry has its specific message. If you’re a fan of diamond jewelry, you may have heard of eternity rings. These elegant rings are distinguished by their alluring diamonds completely encircling the finger.
But we’ve got another type of ring with similar symbolism yet with a very distinctive look all its own. It’s called the Infinity ring. And it might be just the ring you’ve been looking for.
To review a bit, the eternity ring is rich with symbolism. The dramatic look of the eternity band with its diamonds completely encircling the finger makes a very big statement without ever saying a word. Most often eternity bands are given to mark a special milestone, like a notable anniversary, the birth of a child, and other special moments in the couple’s life together.
For most people, an infinity ring can have the same significance as those we attribute to an eternity ring.
The unending design of an eternity ring adds a poignant symbolism of eternal love. But the unique and modern styling of an Infinity diamond ring makes it stand out from rings your friends and family may have. Instead of the endless diamond circle displayed in the eternity band, the infinity ring is artfully designed with a sophisticated infinity sign (a sideways figure 8) which also signifies infinite love. Couples that are completely devoted and share a lasting bond can attest to the fact that they feel their love is indeed infinite—no beginning, no end.
Depending on the designer, an infinity sign in a ring might be shown on an infinity diamond ring in various ways. You might see some rings incorporating the infinity symbol at the top of the ring where you normally see the center stone. But there are other ways that designers interpret this trending motif. Other jewelers incorporate the infinity symbol into the entire band. This is a very modern interpretation, and some couples even consider the Infinity diamond ring style to be used for both of their wedding bands.
So, if this style appeals to you, the next thing you want to know is what finger and on what hand should you wear your infinity ring. Traditionalists agree that one should wear their infinity diamond ring on the 4th (wedding ring) finger of either hand. But since this is an ‘extra’ statement of love and commitment, you might decide to wear it on the opposite hand from your bridal jewelry. Take a cue from jewelry influencers if you wish and wear it instead (from time to time) of your bridal jewelry.
What if you’re not married, but have a special person in your life that you intend to enjoy for the rest of your days? That’s great too. Go ahead and wear it on the ring finger of your right hand. You’ll love looking down at the ring—and with every glance, you’ll be thinking about your special someone.
Here's a bit of ring trivia you may not have known about. While some people wear their eternity band (the forerunner of the Infinity diamond ring) on the opposite hand from their bridal jewelry, many wearers prefer placing their eternity ring between the wedding ring and their engagement ring. So, take a tip from these diamond collectors. Experiment a bit with how you wear your infinity diamond ring. If you can mix and match it with your other bridal jewelry, and it is comfy, go ahead and wear it that way. You may discover that your infinity diamond ring adds a layering opportunity to your important jewelry.
Giving someone an infinity diamond ring can be a very emotional moment for both of you. Most jewelry collectors agree that it is ideal to give an infinity ring to your loved one for these momentous occasions.
Infinity diamond rings add so much significance to a couple’s love story. In every area of our lives, we’re building our story one day at a time. We never want to lose sight of the special moments that make up our life together. And what better way can we mark special moments than with something as precious as diamond jewelry? Just like the engagement ring and wedding band are cherished more and more as time goes by, a beautiful infinity diamond ring can also deepen our sentiments for our special relationship.
Both the giver and the receiver of these rings can feel sentimental about them. If it’s time to mark another special event in your lives together, you may want to consider an infinity diamond ring—so full of meaning. You can add your own story to this ring too---one day at a time.
]]>There are so many details of the wedding gown and the entire bridal party that need to be checked off the list—any time that you can tick off something from that list you feel more in control, right?
Did you know that you can successfully shop for your bridal necklace online and be assured of getting the best accessories for your big day? It’s true. With some well-thought-out planning, your first choice will be your best choice. So, let’s get going on this fun search, ok?
The first thing you want to look at is the type of wedding gown you’ll be wearing. Is it classic, and tailored? Does it have simple timeless lines and a less-is-more vibe to it? Ok, that’s a great start. If that’s the case, you can either go with very elaborate and detailed jewelry or select a supremely simple necklace to finish the look. If you’ve chosen a more romantic dress with a lot of lace or fancy decorative work especially o the bodice, you may want to opt for simpler jewelry styles, like a simple diamond solitaire pendant for example. The key here is to make sure your jewelry complements the dress instead of fighting for attention.
It’s important to measure the neckline of your gown’s bodice. It makes a difference how deep the V or other shape of the neckline is. The necklace should fall within the opening of the neckline, leaving a few inches between the bottom of the pendant drop and the neckline itself. If the gown has a high boat neck or any high neckline at all, you’re in luck. You can choose any length of bridal necklace you want, and it will look lovely.
Now consider the length of the necklace itself. Once you know the opening of the wedding gown’s front neckline it’s time to check the different lengths of necklaces themselves.
Necklaces come in standard lengths meant to flatter different necklines. For example, should you want a ‘choker style’ or one just slightly longer than that, look for a necklace that is either 14” or 16” in length. Those are so flattering on very feminine dress designs that need to complete the look with some sparkle close to the neckline.
There are also longer necklace lengths; 18”, 20”, and 24”. So decide if you want your neckline to be filled with one of these lengths of necklaces—or if the dress’s bodice itself is higher, you can opt for one of these lengths which will be over the fabric front. Take a good look at the front design to make sure you’re not covering up something on the dress bodice with a necklace.
There are of course longer length necklaces that might be completely apropos for a more dramatic look. There are 30” and 33” lengths as well. A high front gown may be the very best style for wearing a memorable necklace of this length.
Since much of the time during your vows, you and your fiancé will have your backs to the audience, why not purchase a long necklace in one of those lengths that will drape down your back, especially if your gown is an open back style. That’s a very on-trend accessory choice that brides love since it adds heightened drama to the entire ensemble and is often an unexpected—but glamorous touch.
Here are a couple more tips to think through before you purchase your bridal necklace set online. Does the necklace have a pendant that drops down from the chain? If so, count that detail as part of the necklace length. If the necklace itself, like a complex bib-style for example, has a center that drops down, make sure to consider that.
Don’t forget to think of how your bridal necklace will coordinate (or clash! Oh No!) with the earrings. There are a few schools of thought on this. Large, complex, and intricate bridal necklaces might look best paired with simpler stud, button, or shorter drop earrings. If the earrings are all out-glam statement pieces, then complement that with a simpler more elegant necklace.
Remember, on your big day you’ll be photographed many times by not only the professional photographer you’ve hired but by all your loved ones who are celebrating with you. There’ll be close-ups galore and group pics of all the fam, so make sure you’ve thought through all these variables. Then shopping for your bridal necklace set online is a breeze, and it will be a fun activity as you consider all the possible choices that are right for your style, and the look of the dress.
You’ve made your list according to what your gown’s neckline looks like, the length of the necklace itself, and you’ve considered the earrings you’re going to wear. Now, instead of it being a huge task ----you’ve narrowed down the field to several good potential candidates!
This and so many other decisions you’re making now are just part of the journey of joy as you move toward your big day. Let us be one of the first to wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness.
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So, what is this influential ring direction and why should you know about it? First off, the stackable diamond ring—singular—consists of very thin gold or platinum shank with cleverly but delicately designed diamonds added. You may see other color gemstones too, which carry the theme of individuality to new levels. The very delicate ring style is a stand-alone piece of jewelry. Many modern brides and diamond jewelry lovers enjoy the understated elegance of delicate rings. They are worn effortlessly with jeans or evening gowns and look perfect in each setting.
Their dainty construction also makes them the ultimate comfy ring type. With such fine detailing and feminine styling, one would almost forget they are wearing this type of ring. But wait, there’s more!
These delicate little accessories were created to be worn in groups-usually 3 to 5. There’s also no rule against 2 rings together. But there is infinite flexibility with diamond stackable rings. Because of their very delicate construction and fine bands, you can put on several and have them be supremely comfortable on the fingers. By collecting several, you create a jewelry wardrobe with countless variations. In the same way that you decide what to wear every day when you wake up—you can have that same artistic license with your jewelry choices. It all depends on the mood you’re in on a particular day.
Stack the rings in any order that catches your fancy on one day. Add, remove, and reassemble to your heart’s content. Several rings stacked together in different colors of gold make for a fashionable look. Suppose you collect different diamond shapes in each of the stackable diamond rings that you collect. The interest is compelling. There’s no reason why you can’t add a delicate color stone ring in the mix. More depth, more interest, and a real conversation piece.
For the record, these delicate slim band rings with small diamonds are not something new. Women have chosen the slim band diamond ring for eons—when they want a minimalist look. Modern wardrobes often call for sleek discreet jewelry—so it doesn’t upstage the wearer. But the fashion statement made with stacking these lovely rings together for a new look is a very now look. And because you’re the one who can choose what look you want to convey each day, you’re the ultimate artistic creator in this experience.
You may find yourself surprised how comfortable you feel with 5 delicate diamond bands put together on your finger. More is . . . more! What can we say? Because each of the rings is so finely made, even with 5 on a finger, you’ll extremely comfortable. The thought behind that is each little ring is separate, and when you put these on your hand, you still are not weighed down with heavy metal. Your fingers are not uncomfortable by a singular wide metal band.
The gold colors—anything from white, to gold to even rose gold will change the way you perceive the look of your stackable diamond ring. Look for interesting diamond shapes. While round is a classic shape because of its immense sparkly presence, other shapes add great appeal. There are curved rings, square-shaped bands, just about anything you can dream of. So take your time and enjoy the great variety of diamond stackable rings for sale.
In no time, you’ll start imagining combinations of rings that give you that subtly chic vibe. On-trend — but without trying too hard. That’s the ticket. We have a feeling that it won’t be long before you can’t get enough of these charming diamond stackable rings. So now what? Well, to tell the truth, this is a good problem to have. Notice model’s hands in fashion magazines lately. They wear stackable rings on several . . . or all their fingers. Even the thumb, which usually needs a larger size to go over the knuckle.
You can tell your style story with one or two rings on the traditional ring finger. Then move on. The other fingers need some stackable ring love too.
No matter how many fingers you adorn with stackable diamond rings, they still look romantic and feminine. If you’re wearing long, flowy vintage dresses, these dainty rings are the finishing touch. Put on a sleek understated modern business suit and watch how diamond stackable rings give the perfect accent to a beautiful outfit.
Some jewelry styles become dated; think mood rings, stick pins, or sweater clips. But because stacking rings transcend time and fads, these brilliant rings will give you years of enjoyment as you mix and match according to your whim that day. We’ve never had a time “where more is better” can be seen clearer than with the stackable ring.
So, give yourself the pleasure of starting a collection of diamond stackable rings. Variety is key here. Choose different metal colors, diamond shapes, and designs. One by one, you’ll be creating your statement in jewelry. Get ready for the compliments.
]]>When we refer to thin bands, they most often mean 2mm wide or even less. We’ve seen some as delicate as 1.6mm in width, so there is a range available. And if you custom-make your ring, you can choose exactly the width you prefer.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the thin band engagement ring is how it showcases the center diamond so magnificently. Because of their slender profile, the center stone automatically appears much larger by comparison. And who doesn’t want that? An added benefit to this style besides drawing complete focus on the center stone is that a band this slim is super comfortable to wear. You just won’t find a time when you feel it bothersome to wear. In fact, a thin band engagement often becomes o second nature to the wearer that you forget it's actually on! And that’s a tremendous advantage when you consider you’ll be wearing this cherished ring for your entire life.
And today, with so many brides opting for the less is more vision, a thin band engagement ring ticks off all the boxes. It’s very feminine and makes a romantic statement for all who view it. It also has a definite modern vibe, so you’re sure to love it decades from now just as much as you did the first moment you set eyes on it.
Did you notice that in jewelry, fashion, as well as fine art, often the simplest things have the most timeless appeal? This may certainly account for the staying power of the thin band engagement ring.
Your engagement ring is one of the most important and personal purchases you’ll ever make. So, before you decide on one, it’s helpful to ask yourself a few questions to narrow down your choices to THE ONE.
In general, do you like simpler jewelry designs?
Are your fingers and hands on the small side, and perhaps slender?
Do you want your engagement ring to stack well with a variety of wedding (and anniversary) bands?
You may find this style of ring to be a bit lower in price owing to its simplicity and less metal of course. At this point, it’s well to consider the lifestyle of the wearer. If the wearer uses her hands a lot during the workday and even may have arduous tasks to complete, perhaps the slim-style engagement ring should not be the first choice. This is due to the fact that the band (shank of the ring) is more delicate and finer. In certain cases, the band is prone to bending during times of hard work. But if that’s not your lifestyle it seems like you have nothing to worry about.
Just because we say that thin engagement rings are much simpler, doesn’t mean they have to be plain. On the contrary. Even with their delicate bands, this style of ring can have dainty accent diamonds along with its band. This variety looks like a slim ribbon of light sparkling around the finger—so romantic we think!
When you have a very slim ring set with small accent diamonds, they are usually done in pavé style to produce a seamless appearance of diamonds side by side. That’s a charming effect.
Because engagement rings are meant to be an individual design choice, you can often ask your jeweler to create a ring of your choosing in a slimmer band to get this result.
Once you settle on a thin band engagement ring, it would also be a good time to start shopping for your wedding band. To look most complementary, your wedding band should be of similar width to your thin band engagement ring. Both rings will look much more ‘intentional’ and you’ll have a custom look indeed. Measure (or have your jeweler do this) the width of your engagement ring so it's easier to start the hunt for the perfect engagement ring.
Do you want to have your thin band ring engraved on the inside? That’s what couples often do as a way to further personalize the ring. So, if you are considering a private engraving inside your band, don’t forget to discuss this with your jeweler. They’ll be able to advise you of just how thin you can go with your engagement ring and still allow the engraver to do his work—so it will be legible. And if you do opt for engraving the inside, make sure to tell your jeweler to place the inscription (as much as possible) on the side of the band. This is just in case sometime later you need to re-size the ring. None of these sentimental words will be lost then!
Armed with all this info, it should be an easier task deciding if the thin band engagement ring style is the one for you. Your choices are nearly limitless today. Designers have brought us so many beautiful styles, there is sure to be one that is perfect for you. Even so, don’t forget to consider these delicate ring options that many brides are choosing. You just might find it’s calling your name too!
]]>The “shank” of course is a jeweler’s term for the band itself. And if we do a little digging, we’ll be surprised to learn that while this style has a very current mood to it–the split shank ring has deep roots in French antique jewelry, making it an especially romantic choice. Some say the two bands that unite to become one band (shank) in the back signifies the couple who were once two separate people, now their commitment has united them into one unbroken strand of love. Let’s learn all we can about split shank engagement rings and discover why they are popular. The more you learn, the clearer it will become if this is the right choice for you when it comes time to select your engagement ring.
Split shank engagement rings became wildly popular during the actual Art Deco era which occurred from the 1920s through the 1930s. That’s because it was seen as a modern interpretation of a fashionable design type that became popular during the height of the industrial revolution. While other styles came and went in the years after that, the split shank style witnessed another popularity surge during the mid-century 1960s through1970s. While some styles fade into the background after they’ve had their day, the split shank engagement ring continues to be a top contender today.
The classic split-shank engagement ring makes a chic statement with its single-band coming around to the front of the ring and then splitting into both sides as it reaches the center stone. Most often, this elegant band reveals a sideways V opening between the split band and the center diamond or gemstone. One of the most apparent effects of this design is that it makes the entire ring appear much larger and more detailed. At the same time, because the shank is split, you get a very impressive look without adding a lot of weight to the ring which could be uncomfortable for the wearer at times.
This artistic style of split shank presents opportunities for including distinctive engravings, filigree work, even modern design elements, all while creating the illusion of a much larger central gemstone—without adding unwanted weight. Choosing a split shank engagement ring gives the bride rich symbolism with her ring and a timeless setting she’ll be sure to keep treasuring decades from now.
Designers favor this large look for their bridal jewelry because many brides love the appeal of a more detailed engagement ring. But looking back in time, we can discover several antique rings created in that clever method.
Modern engagement ring jewelry that is vintage-inspired often features split shanks too owing to their popularity. On these true antique rings or modern vintage style rings, the band will often be French-set, which includes micro-pavé accent diamonds. By parting the band in front, a greater surface area is created to display these smaller diamonds. It’s a very smart way to increase the overall areas that sparkle on your engagement ring.
Split shank rings often take advantage of the center stone being halo set – a very glamorous way to showcase the center stone. Then between the split shank with its pavé diamonds and the surrounding halo of the center stone—the entire impression of the ring is one of a lavish style. From just a bit of a distance, these split shank rings dazzle all who see their wearer enters the room.
Certain split shank engagement rings feature a gold band that theatrically splits noticeably wider, giving a distinguishing variation on the traditional solitaire. This prominent band splits on each side of the finger give the effect of two dazzling diamond bands that meet in front. This highly dramatic style frames the center diamond giving it a stunning focus. In this specific type, a ring can have surprise diamonds cascading along its sides as well. This maximizes the striking effect of the main diamond itself, making the most of the surface area of the engagement ring against the finger. So, you see, with so many varieties of the split shank concept, each engagement ring crafted in this style has the potential to be utterly unique.
If you’re starting to feel like this style is for you, you’re in very good company. Several well-known Hollywood celebrities have opted for split shank engagement rings and wedding bands due to the WOW factor and the romantic vibes they convey. A few of these top personalities include Blake Lively, Beyonce, and Paris Hilton.
So, while you’re shopping for this most important piece of jewelry, you’ll ever wear, give some thought to the perennially popular split shank engagement ring. You’ll quickly discover its broad appeal, and maybe you’ll love it too!
]]>The diamonds called baguettes are likewise elongated and slender in shape. Some early incarnations of this lovely diamond shape appeared as far back as the mid-16th century. By the early 20th century, Cartier began re-introducing this chic cutting style once again. And fortunately, it was right on time. The Art Deco era, which began in the mid-1920s was characterized by artwork, architecture, and jewelry with clean lines and geometric shapes. At that time, the word baguette was ascribed to this beautiful slender diamond shape which rapidly grew in popularity.
The baguette is a long slender (pencil-like) shape, usually with proportions of 5:1, but they could be longer depending on their intended use. They are either rectangular or tapered on one end which fits nicely into certain designs. Those tapered baguettes for instance are commonly seen as the graceful side accents on the shoulders of the shank on engagement rings; their slender end is farthest away from the side of the center stone. Colored gemstone jewelry also frequently utilizes the lovely baguette stone to make a ring or ear pendant design shimmer beautifully with well-placed diamonds of this cut.
Today designers love to include baguette diamonds in their jewelry pieces. This is because of the versatility of the stone. They can be lined up end to end or side to side and provide a glistening display of light in a piece. But baguette rings are also popular in both men’s and women’s sets in a variety of ways to accent the main stone.
In a perennially called-for baguette ring style—named the ballerina setting for its tutu-like appearance surrounding the central stone by forming a skirt that resembles one of the ballerinas. Most often the tutu-like effect is best exemplified with tapered baguettes on the outer edge away from the center stone. That way the skirt appears to flow away from the girdle of the central diamond.
Owing to the shape of the baguette diamond, you most often see baguettes set in a channel setting type of mounting, however, they can be prong-set if the design calls for it.
The baguette cut is not the most sparkly of diamond cuts. But that is not why fans are drawn to it. This simple step-cut diamond, similar to the way emerald-cut diamonds are shaped, relies on the step-cut faceting pattern. What they do offer is a sophisticated diamond look that’s ideal for the most upscale jewelry you can acquire. An interesting modern rendition of the baguette diamond cut is the ‘novelty cut’ which relies on mixed cut styles to present a more sparkly version of the classic baguette.
Are you a vintage diamond jewelry fan? Boy, are you in luck! Plenty of gorgeous authentic Art Deco jewelry features glistening baguette diamonds. But modern versions of vintage designs of course use these stunners to make the item look legit!
If you’re just learning to love baguettes or are already a lover of baguette diamonds there are things you’ll find handy when shopping for these charming diamonds.
Baguettes closer to the top of the color grade of D--Z is what you should aim for.
Examine your item to see if all the baguettes in your piece are close in both color and clarity. Also, they should closely match (to the naked eye) your center diamond.
When baguettes are lined up in a piece with noticeably different clarity and color from each other and the center diamond, you are left with an unattractive piece and a bit unappealing in its overall appearance.
Step cuts in a baguette diamond mean that its crown facets are arranged in a terrace-like system parallel to its table edge. Even slight aberrations in its symmetry are often apparent to the unaided eye and reduce the stone’s beauty. Check to see that every facet is parallel and symmetrical on the stone.
Look for baguette stones free from inclusions – they are more noticeable in a baguette diamond than other more complex cuts like round brilliants for example.
You’ll find that usually straight baguettes and tapered baguettes are to be purchased as a set. That’s because of their most frequent usage, like side stones on a ring for instance.
Like other diamonds available in the market today, baguettes can be enhanced to improve their appearance. These treatments include (HPHT) which is high pressure, the high temp did to improve on the stone’s color or a technique of fracture-filling which removes some inclusions and also helps with clarity. You may notice today baguettes are also available in lab-grown which shows the continued popularity of this diamond shape.
No matter what drew you to baguette diamonds, you’ll soon discover that their air of sophistication creates an understated elegance wherever they are found in jewelry. Since the Art Deco days, their popularity has never waned. Their versatility in jewelry makes them the go-to diamond shape to help designers create an unforgettable piece of jewelry. You might find one that’s unforgettable for you too! Happy shopping!
]]>Besides the engagement ring and wedding bands, there are always other important pieces that we can add to our story. One of them is the diamond eternity band. But we also hear of the anniversary bands. How do we tell the difference between each one of these treasured rings? And do certain rings have specific meanings? Let’s try and sort this all out. Because someday, you may just want to add these pieces to your collection of bridal jewels.
You know the traditional wedding ring is the band exchanged during your wedding ceremony. Both bride and groom can exchange them—and when they do, sometimes the couple has opted for matching bands. We love that. Wedding bands for the couple can be very plain (we like to think these are timelessly chic rings.) They can also be accented with diamonds or other side stones—that’s where you get a chance to personalize the rings to your style preferences.
But you’ve also heard of eternity bands, right? What’s the difference between an eternity band and your wedding band? Can you wear them interchangeably? Let’s look at this particularly romantic ring. In general, eternity bands (or called eternity rings) are not the same as wedding bands and are not exchanged on the wedding day. Usually, they are a gift to the wife for a milestone of the couple—like the birth of a child, maybe a special wedding anniversary, or some other special moment that needs commemorating. Another attribute of diamond eternity bands is that they are covered in diamonds around the entirety of the band. Therefore, like an eternity—there is no beginning and no end. Pure beauty all around. Marking specific milestone anniversaries like the 5th, then 10th, and so on are often reason enough to get an eternity band.
These bands can become confused for being the same item but they are not. There are specific differences between the two ring styles starting with their design and of course construction. But the main consideration is their intended purpose. Since we are living in a time of personalization with all of our wedding plans including the rings, we’d like to say if you love the look of the eternity ring with your engagement ring on your wedding day, go for it! This is your day—your way! We celebrate making the ceremony and your happily ever after a very individual choice.
The traditional wedding experience includes the exchange of rings, a very emotionally charged and tender moment that is part of the wedding ceremony. These rings hold great symbolism, like these rings representing your unbroken circle of love as a couple from this day forward. To mark this precious moment, the groom places the wedding band on the bride’s ring finger and vice versa with the bride lovingly placing his ring on his finger in front of the witnesses and guests at your ceremony. The bride's wedding ring often matches or at least coordinates with her engagement ring. For years, most wedding rings were simple a plain band. Today, however, modern rings will often include diamond accents as well. The bride might choose a matched set, where the wedding band was made to match the engagement ring. These wedding sets are known to be very comfortable to wear since they were made to fit precisely together.
But why not mix it up a little today? Many contemporary brides like to mix and match their ring styles as a sign of personal expression. You’re not like anybody else, are you? You may be surprised to learn that some wedding bands are now including a notched base which allows the wedding band to fit right up against your engagement ring. Clever, isn’t it? The rings are meant to be beautiful, but also comfortable, since you’ll be wearing them every day---for your entire time. It’s not unheard of for brides to have their wedding band soldered to their engagement ring to prevent loss and unintended turning of one of the rings. Something to think about.
The hallmark of a classic eternity band is that it’s all diamond-covered, all the way around—even on the back where you can’t display the diamonds. But you know they are there. You can twirl the ring and you’ve always got diamonds. For the record, there is such a thing as a half eternity band. Ladies loving the look of the eternity band, but preferring the comfort of a plain band, get a half-eternity band for comfort. The front of the band has the larger diamonds found in the classic eternity band, but where the finger hides the band—no diamonds—all comfort.
There are wedding bands, or even anniversary bands—given just to commemorate that milestone—and those have diamond accents too. Often the diamonds are smaller in size. But the difference is that the diamonds on the design don’t completely encircle the entire ring. The back of the shank is a plain band. This allows for sizing should that ever become an issue later on. And the plain metal back is very comfy on the wearer.
Ok, so now we have the idea, but let’s talk about how you wear an eternity band? We love the freedom to choose how and when to wear your wedding bands and eternity bands today. It’s all about the individual—that’s you. Opt for tradition if you like. Or play by your own rules. Both are perfectly ok. Since the eternity band carries such a romantic message—of no beginning and no end—like your love, some brides tell us they select an eternity band for their wedding band and have it placed on their finger on their wedding day.
So, we’ll let you take it from here. You can get the traditional wedding band that matches your groom’s band—or one that matches your engagement ring. Or, select them both separately for the way they coordinate. Finally, you can jump right in and get an eternity band with its stunning beauty and deep heartfelt symbolism. You may say—hey, let’s get both—the wedding band, and then have something to look forward to on a special milestone in your life with an eternity band later on to mark that wonderful event. Good luck – we’re sure you’ll make the right choice for yourself with a sensational set of bands for your new life together! Congrats you two!
]]>There are so many options to choose from now. And that makes shopping for rings a really exciting adventure. Sometimes you don’t know what you like until you see it, right? We’re here to take this journey with you and simplify how to shop for and find the perfect wedding bands.
We’re talking about his and hers wedding bands — the kind that silently shows the world you are a couple forever and ever. So much romance, so much commitment, and if we get the rings right, so much of your individuality is put into these small rings.
You want to do it right—you want to shop so that you know when you’ve found the perfect his and hers wedding ring sets. And they should be an expression of your personality and a treasured symbol of a love like yours.
How do you go about shopping for his and her wedding bands in a way that stays joyful and creates some lasting memories along with your wedding adventure? By a little planning ahead—that’s the trick.
There are two people to consider, and you both may not agree on everything, but by thinking together about the rings you’ve envisioned, soon enough you’ll come to a consensus about what is right for both of you.
Ready? Great, let’s get started. There’s a lot to consider, but you’ll narrow it down to what both of you prefer.
A good place to start—even before you begin to shop is to discuss the metals you both prefer. There’s gold—but in that gold, you may select 14K or 18K. Your options are also yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or two-tone gold, where both white and yellow gold are featured on the same ring. That stylish option is favored by people who own and wear both colors of gold jewelry and want to make sure their wedding rings look perfect along with their other jewelry. Don’t forget to consider platinum too. This classic luxury metal was at the height of its fame in the Art Deco era, and many people still believe it’s the ideal metal for bridal jewelry
Now ask yourselves if simpler is better with your wedding bands. It’s hard to refute the truth behind the timeless appeal of simple wedding bands for both men and women. They’ll look as stylish decades from now as they do today.
With so many designs available, the world of ring designs is at your disposal. Do you like romantic detailing in your wedding bands? This cherished jewelry style is certainly the epitome of romance, so think about that as well. Remember, you both have to love wearing your rings for the rest of your lives, so you’ll want to come to a consensus on the overall design.
There are other styles to consider. Art Deco was a sophisticated era, giving birth to square-shaped diamonds that were the perfect fit for the geometrical type of jewelry popular in the 20s and 30s. Of course, modern designs offer exciting and imaginative takes on bridal jewelry.
Put a few minutes into considering if diamonds are what you may want to accent your wedding rings. You may not want any - or you may be open to seeing designs with these additional glamorous details.
Once you’ve thought through the options that exist, and agree on what suits you both personally—now the fun begins. You’ve narrowed down the vast range of options to something to focus on—from that smaller range of rings, you’ll just be searching for the best of the best in the categories that you like.
Did we mention comfort? Oh, we should. Normally, women’s rings are slimmer than men’s rings. But they don’t have to be. They can be what you like. But you may not be used to wearing bands in these widths (if they are say, 5mm or larger). Try on some bands at a local store in the widths you’re considering. See how they feel. Are they very noticeable? Do you think you’ll be comfortable wearing them all day—every day with the normal activities that you usually do? Ultimately the wedding rings you wear should begin to feel like they are a part of you and soon you’ll not notice that they’re on at all.
You’ve already done the most important part—you’ve found the perfect partner for life. We’re celebrating with you. Now, with these tips that we’ve mentioned, you both can discuss together and focus on what appeals to you as a couple with your his and hers wedding rings. They will have your personal touch and have a wonderful love story behind them to tell your friends and family for decades to come.
It’s true what they say about wedding rings—they do become more cherished as every year goes by. Let’s find the rings that tell your love story to perfection!
]]>Of course, you should always decide what’s right for you—but first, you have to fully understand what synthetic diamonds are. Then, as they say, you can make an informed decision. All good!
Let’s take a brief overview of natural earth mined diamonds. They are some of the most extraordinary miracles of nature that you’ll ever come across. Turns out, genuine earth mined diamonds are the only mineral in existence made from a single element. And that element is carbon. Some 120 miles or so below the surface of the earth under conditions of extreme pressure and intense heat, a simple carbon (think your No. 2 pencil) transforms into the crystal-clear sparkling stone we call a diamond. Of course, this doesn’t happen overnight. It takes about a couple of billion years to finesse. But then you have that stunning sparkler the world covets.
So, what are synthetic diamonds—now that we’ve looked at the earth-made kind? First of all, let’s clear the air—about what they aren’t. Synthetic diamonds are not fakes or simulated stones, or even CZ as some people have mistakenly assumed.
Synthetic diamonds are in fact--diamonds. How can that be? Synthetic diamonds utilize the same recipe as earth mined diamonds--that being carbon which is placed in a controlled environment in a laboratory to replicate the conditions that occurred underground to create a diamond—albeit in a laboratory. So, a bit of ‘diamond seed’ is placed in special lab containments under extreme pressure and high heat and allowed to develop into an actual diamond crystal. Rather than taking the billions of years to produce the result, this action occurs in months—or even sometimes one month.
So, a lab diamond (or synthetic diamond) has the identical chemical makeup—pure carbon—as earth mined stones. Also, it has the same optical and physical properties as your straight-from-the-ground diamond. Finally, they are the same hardness on the Mohs scale as the natural crystals. All that is to say, that what you love about natural diamonds is also what you can love about lab diamonds. They handle light the same way as your natural stones and sparkle plenty.
Here’s something worth considering. Natural diamonds come out of the ground in all different clarities and colors. When we say ‘colors’ when talking about diamonds, we mean that the most expensive diamonds are completely colorless and then go down the grading scale (from D to Z) as their color grade gets lower. Same with their clarity. The most expensive diamonds are Flawless, correct? Then they go down their clarity scale from F (Flawless) to I2 (Included, level2).
But when it comes to lab-grown diamonds, since they are made in a controlled environment, they are produced with higher clarity and color. When you think of it, it’s all quite amazing that technology has made such advances for diamond fans.
You probably already know this, but it bears repeating. Lab grown diamonds look identical to earth mined stones—and they perform equal to their natural counterparts. But synthetic diamonds for sale cost quite a bit less than diamonds from the earth. That’s a big motivation for many buyers today. The attractive pricing means shoppers can actually purchase a much bigger stone than they ever thought they could afford—and usually get one that is of higher clarity and color as well.
For the eco-conscious shopper, the idea of lab diamonds means there was no disturbance of the earth to produce their stone. And the concern over ethical practices for miners is eliminated too. So, there are a lot of things to consider.
Once you understand more about both kinds of diamonds, the earth-mined ones, and lab created — or synthetic diamonds, you can make the choice that is right for you. They both have their fine points and each option has benefits. So ultimately the final word is what you as a shopper feel is the best fit for you.
Shopping for a diamond ring, particularly when it’s an engagement ring is one of life’s great pleasures. It tells the story of your unique love and represents your individual preferences.
So, take your time, think through both options and make the choice that fits you best. Some people will always prefer the natural diamond from the earth, and we applaud that. They certainly are miracles of nature, to be sure. Other diamond fans take into consideration the value and beauty of a lab grown – called a synthetic diamond, and that’s a smart choice for eco-conscious shoppers too.
What’s your favorite? Synthetic diamonds or earth grown? You’ve got a lot to think over—and either selection will be dazzling.
]]>Many modern brides however are eager to break ties with their mother’s and grandmother’s traditions and forge a new way to memorialize their love story—so they have nixed the diamond ring idea. Until now. A completely new and exciting type of diamond holds broad appeal for modern brides who are looking to create their customs and new traditions. We applaud that direction!
The ‘different type’ of a diamond is a fascinating one with a very personalized story for the wearer. We’re talking salt and pepper diamonds. And yes, they are a real thing!
Besides choosing the setting which certainly personalizes your engagement ring look, you can now opt for a stunning salt and pepper diamond as the star of your engagement ring. The stone’s extremely unique qualities, every single one is distinct, help create that one-of-a-kind ring that’s as unique as its wearer.
Because salt and pepper diamonds are so unusual, many people are left wondering what they are and if in fact, these diamonds are something ‘new’. To answer that, salt and pepper diamonds are genuine earth mined diamonds without any man-made treatments applied to them. They have been around as long as colorless diamonds have been found. They are colorless diamonds that have a multitude of natural inclusions embedded within the crystal creating some sort of “one-off” pattern. The inclusions can be black, or white, or even display a natural color.
Most all-natural diamonds have inclusions of one sort or another. However, they are often so small that they are indistinguishable to the naked eye. But with salt and pepper diamonds, they are large—and visible without the aid of a jeweler’s loupe. They may create an ethereal dramatic impression, making the viewer stop and take a second look. Some salt and pepper diamonds seem dark and mysterious, while others seem ethereal with their pale inclusions.
What they lack in traditional sparkle, they more than makeup in the originality department. Therefore, you’ll see salt and pepper diamonds polished into beautiful cuts, unlike standard diamond shapes. Rose cuts are one popular shape produced with salt and pepper diamonds. Kite shapes and other unexpected silhouettes captivate the salt and pepper diamond shopper today. Some daring jewelry artists have even set rough crystal (unpolished) salt and pepper diamonds in jewelry to further enhance its extraordinary vibe.
Because they are unlike anything else on the market, designers have a wonderful time creating rings as distinct as the stones. You’ll be pleased to know that these natural earth-mined diamonds are often sold at very affordable prices. They are as durable as you’d expect from a natural diamond and will give you a lifetime of enjoyment. If you’d like a diamond that’s rich with storytelling potential, and obviously unlike anyone else’s diamond, then you may want to consider a salt and pepper diamond engagement ring.
Since you’re in the market for something unique, that will never be seen elsewhere, you can get even more creative by pairing your salt and pepper diamond with colorless higher clarity stones for a sophisticated look. There are also colored gemstones that will pair beautifully with salt and pepper diamonds to give you a couture effect. Their versatility is one of their most alluring features.
There has never been a time in history when the bride has been in greater control with more options at her disposal when it comes to selecting this most important jewelry item of her life. Your personality can shine through the engagement ring you choose. There has never been another love story like yours—so why should your engagement ring be hum-drum?
Choose what you want but don’t overlook these exciting diamond varieties—the salt and pepper diamond. Make sure you purchase from a reputable dealer who understands these diamond types and can guide you to the ones that will please you. The finest quality salt and pepper diamonds convey a personality and a beauty all their own. And think of the women who wonder if they will get the same diamond back from the jewelry repair bench. While that rarely happens, in the case of salt and pepper diamonds—you have nothing to worry about. There are simply no two salt and pepper diamonds that are alike owing to their unique inclusions. Rest easy!
Remember, you will be wearing your engagement ring along with your wedding band for the rest of your life and it will become the most treasured piece of jewelry that you’ll ever own. You’re not a cookie-cutter gal—and your engagement ring should not be either. We think these diamonds are a keeper!
]]>You have to get the engagement ring and the wedding bands of course. That’s a given. But there are more pieces of jewelry set than those that will play a starring role on your big day.
The wedding bands are a cherished part of the ceremony itself. So, you want that detail to be perfect. And don’t forget that your beautiful wedding bands will be photographed a lot—not just by the professional photographer but by the friends and family that want to make sure they’ve captured those spontaneous moments to treasure. That’s why many couples choose matching bands for their beauty and look of togetherness. That’s certainly the day for ‘togetherness’ if there ever was one.
The beautiful bride wants to complete her look with a marriage jewellery set that complements her gown. Earrings and a pendant are the often most called for items that finish her look to perfection. Leave nothing like this to the last minute. Make sure the pieces you choose photograph well and don’t ‘fight’ with the design of the gown. For instance, if the bodice of the gown is quite complex and detailed, you may discover that simpler—perhaps slim pendant earrings or even diamond studs may finish the look to perfection, while at the same time bringing sparkling light around the face of the radiant bride.
Choosing a diamond pendant or necklace is key as well. If it is to sit on top of the fabric of the gown, make sure it is proportioned correctly so it will add something to the gown—rather than take away from the overall loveliness of the dress. In most cases, if the bodice is high and lacey for instance, you may opt for a simple solitaire diamond pendant to add just a bit more polish to the look. If the gown is strapless or V cut in front, you have more options. Here you may choose a necklace with greater detailing as it will fill the space that’s open on the gown. If you’re wearing a scoop or V neck gown, make sure the bottom of the pendant leaves a few inches before it reaches the fabric of the dress.
Added Touches
Don’t forget to consider a diamond bracelet either. Especially if it’s placed on the opposite side of your engagement ring and wedding band. That can create a balance in your look. A slim diamond tennis bracelet or other delicate bracelets can add sparkle to every hand movement without detracting from your bridal rings.
Remember to consider the groom when it comes to bridal jewelry. He may welcome some diamond-studded cuff links if his shirt calls for that. Make sure it's flattering to his wedding band.
Now for the bridal party itself. Some brides give gifts of bridal sets jewelry to the bridal party—both the bridesmaids and matron of honor. And also think of the best man and other groomsmen. You can present the gifts before or after the ceremony as a way to thank them for their part in your wedding. It also helps them to cherish the piece more as they will recall the meaningful day, they spent with you. If you select a diamond pendant necklace or delicate bracelet and it coordinates with their clothing-then by all means present the gift before the wedding so they can put them on and wear them in the ceremony. This helps unify the wedding pictures that you will be wearing. The groomsmen and best man may appreciate their cufflinks to complete their look.
The family of the couple is often recipients of special jewelry items as gifts of love and respect before the service itself. For the moms, there are so many choices, from earrings to right-hand rings, bracelets, and of course diamond pendants. You can buy according to their taste and preference. They may want to wear these cherished jewelry items during the wedding itself, knowing that the jewelry will be captured in the family pictures taken that day. The same goes for the father and father-in-law. You know their taste and what would be meaningful to them.
Now’s the time to carefully make a list of all the important people in your life who will attend and take part in your big day. Of course, this may be the biggest day of your life, but to your loved ones who take part in your celebration—it’s also a big day for them. The memories you make that day will last a lifetime for all of you. Special jewelry gifts will enhance the sweet memories and remind your loved ones how much they mean to you.
Your wedding has so many ‘moving parts' and there’s so much to be planning for. This detail—of selecting your complete marriage jewellery set for your loved ones and friends helping you celebrate will be more treasured as each year goes by.
Take some time and start making your list. You may change some items, and add more as you think of who should be acknowledged at your wedding. When it’s all over and you’ve had time to exhale and reflect on your special day—you’ll be so glad you thought through the jewelry for your entire wedding party. Congratulations!
What about the groom? We want to make sure he gets a little extra love during this whole fast-paced event called “the wedding day.” Let’s turn our focus for a moment to the man’s wedding bands. There are so many exciting styles today plus newer masculine materials for the men’s wedding band that you have a lot to choose from. Make sure it’s a perfect reflection for the one who will be wearing this for the rest of his life.
Of course, there are traditional metals like gold in all its colors, plus platinum. But be sure not to overlook the newer materials that offer a custom look for the groom. One of these more influential metals today that are fashion-forward and modern is tungsten carbide? Have you heard of it already? Great! But if not, no worries—we’ll go over all of the details so you can make the best decision for yourself. Remember it should reflect the style of the wearer, be comfortable, and be something that suits the person. Ready?
Ok, let’s talk tungsten carbide. This very modern metal has made the top hit-list for men’s wedding bands today when the wearer is looking for something that lends a personal expression to his look. Of course, some couples opt for matching bands and that’s perfectly fine. It shows a romantic side to the couple. But there’s also a case to be made for each of the married couple opting for a more individualized look with their wedding jewelry.
When that’s what you’re looking for then, you want to look at tungsten carbide. Some of the selling points of tungsten carbide wedding bands are the very smooth updated styles available at surprisingly affordable prices. There’s a great variety of designs when it comes to tungsten so you’ll have a lot to study. Remember to consider that you’ll be wearing this every day for the rest of your life. Then discover if tungsten carbide wedding bands are the right metal choice for you.
Tungsten metal or sometimes called tungsten carbide happens to be the strongest metal alloy used in jewelry today. This metal jewelry alloy may contain a mixture of tungsten, carbon, cobalt, or possibly even nickel added. The alloy is the way to go since pure tungsten is not appropriate for jewelry wearing and also is too soft for use by itself.
If you’ve ever had an adverse reaction to metals in jewelry, you’ll be glad to learn that tungsten carbide rings are hypoallergenic. The hypoallergenic properties in this metal also mean that it is free from tarnishing due to oxidization over time.
Men’s daily activities often allow their wedding bands to take a beating simply from everyday wear and tear. You’ll be happy to know that this extremely hard metal ranks high on the Mohs scale of hardness. That lets you know that tungsten carbide is both extremely scratch-resistant and durable too. So, years from now, your tungsten carbide wedding band will remain as new-looking as the day you said “I do!” Likewise sporty, active men can rest assured that no matter what activities they pursue, their ring will not bend or get out of shape. Just wear it and forget about it!
We should never overlook the affordability of tungsten carbide wedding bands versus gold or platinum wedding bands. But men who wear them say that’s just a side benefit to the real reasons why they chose this modern metal over traditional choices. Men like the ‘heft’ that this metal has, so while it’s exceedingly comfy to wear, it has a similar weight to the more traditional options like gold and platinum; like those luxury metals, it has a nice heft to it. If you prefer something lighter in weight where the metal doesn't feel like you are even wearing it, then tungsten may not be your number one choice. It’s purely an individual decision—and some men want to ‘know’ they’ve got it on, even when they’re not looking at their hands—it’s just there.
Finally consider the material itself, and how it holds up for you. Tungsten carbide rings is celebrated for its nice luster and the ability to keep its pristine shine throughout the years. Naturally, this metal has a beautiful gunmetal grey hue and works well with other design elements that are often integrated into this metal. You can be assured that tungsten carbide men’s wedding rings will take a polish extremely well and retain their original color throughout the years.
So, the decision is yours—and whatever ring type you choose will be the right one for you. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to selecting a man’s wedding band. It simply boils down to personal preferences. So, while you’re looking over all the options, make a mental note to include a preview of tungsten carbide wedding ring too. Happy shopping!
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And that’s a good thing because pink diamonds have become one of the most sought-after diamond colors this year. There are so many reasons for this trend too. First of all, they are super feminine. I mean, what girly-er color could you possibly ask for than a dazzling diamond in a pink tint? When it comes to engagement rings, they may be the color of the decade since they give off a very romantic vibe too. And if you decide to pair it with rose (or pink) gold in the mounting, then you’ve got a real show stopper. And you want others to admire your bridal jewelry, don’t you?
Think of the other jewelry types that will look spectacular done up with pink diamonds? The first thing that comes to mind is pink diamond earrings—either studs or pendant style. This is because these sparkly pink stones are so flattering against a ladies’ face. A pendant featuring a breathless pink diamond also makes a gorgeous piece of jewelry. So, you get the idea. The versatility is there and the beauty is drop-dead gorgeous.
Pink diamond ring are a delicate color that makes for a stand-out piece of jewelry and provides an individualized look to your jewelry for a more personal touch.
Even though we’re just now seeing pink diamonds on red carpet events and the fingers of celebrities, that doesn’t mean they are newly found diamonds. Pink diamonds have been found centuries ago alongside colorless diamonds in ancient mines throughout the world. The very big ones got snapped up by royalty for their regal vestments. Wealthy diamond collectors have always been on the hunt for rare and hard-to-find diamonds, and the pink stones top their list—if and when you could find them.
Centuries back, the mighty Indian maharajahs wore pink diamonds on their elaborate turbans as a sign of wealth and power. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II received a large pink diamond as a wedding present from one of the early African nations that she visited as a young bride before actually becoming Queen. And it was less than 20 years ago that Jennifer Lopez received a 6 -carat pink diamond valued in the millions of dollars from Ben Affleck. That wedding didn’t go through, but we’re learning that the power couple is back on track for Bennifer - Part 2!
So, while famous people have had a love affair with pink diamonds for quite some time, there’s no reason why you can jump in on the trend now. And let’s be clear, just because something is trending this year, doesn’t mean it’s a fad soon to be over.
A pink diamond engagement ring will remain one of the loveliest and most romantic diamond selections you could ever hope to have. Decades from now, you’ll be so glad to make a personalized choice to get a pink diamond ring. The cool icy pink is so exquisite you’ll be sure to have a ring-like no one else. You can add to your pink diamond bridal jewelry over time with a bracelet, and for sure, lovely earrings that will sparkle beautifully at the side of your face. A pendant in pink diamonds, and maybe a right-hand ring in pink diamonds could become your signature jewelry.
One thing you’ll be sure to notice when shopping for a pink diamond is the variety of tints that are available in this color. If you are looking at natural pink diamonds, called ‘fancy color diamonds in the trade, you’ll be amazed at the variation in tones and pink tints. There are so many—and because they are from the earth like that, these stones will be as individual as their wearer. And that’s important when you’re building a jewelry collection today.
A wise person once said, ‘collect what you like’ since jewelry is a reflection of your personality and your style. No one is quite like you-so your jewelry should also have that unique touch.
Opting for pink diamonds will show everyone what a knowledgeable and thoughtful collector you are. You don’t follow the crowd, but rather you lead the way. As a fashion-forward lady, you may discover that pink diamonds are just the right stone for your bridal jewelry and your happily ever after as you build a jewelry wardrobe in the future.
Here’s to the exquisite pink diamond trend that will never be out of style.
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Keep in mind, your bridal jewelry will be something to wear every single day of your lives and it must be comfortable—so that it becomes part of who you are. While your wardrobe may go through an evolution over time as your taste evolves, you want your bridal jewels to be a reflection of your best self and be happy with it for years to come. Our bridal jewelry, unlike other fine jewelry pieces that we own, grows more precious as the years go by because there is so much meaning behind these rings.
So, let’s start looking—and considering all the details of engagement rings that we’ll want to get right. This is a joyful time in your life and shopping for your engagement ring is also a much-anticipated happy process.
Some people begin the process by considering the center stone first of all. Do you want a diamond? If so, what size and shape? Certain settings are better suited for different diamond shape center stones. Let’s not forget the trend of getting a colored gemstone as the center stone. If royals can do it, why can’t we? It’s all up to you.
Now, looking at the setting of the ring itself, there are many things to consider. You could go vintage—with an antique wedding band, or even one that is a modern manufactured ring that looks antique. Or you can opt for modern wedding jewelry. There’s a lot to consider so let’s break it down.
In the truest sense, anything antique is at least 100 years old. Victorian and Edwardian engagement rings are true antiques. However, the popular usage of the word antique has also carried over to the vintage rings that are less than a century old. Now an actual vintage engagement ring is said to be at least 50 years old. And these can be named for their era of manufacture since each period had specific styles. Art Deco, Mid-Century, and so on are various vintage periods that can be defined in jewelry and other manufactured items.
There are actually authentic engagement rings of those earlier eras that you can purchase today, either from estate sales, or the estate jewelry section of a retailer—even online. And that may appeal to you. However, be aware that the age of these pieces may bring with them unintended challenges. As we said, you are going to wear your bridal jewelry every day for the rest of your life. So, the age of true antique and even vintage rings may work against a new lifetime of everyday use. The shanks can become weakened, especially if the ring needs to be sized for its new owner. The prongs and other methods of setting the stones can be less secure.
There is however an alternative solution that allows the bride to enjoy the beautiful detailing found in antique and vintage engagement rings. That would be selecting a new ring that uses the graceful shapes and outlines of centuries-old styling. The old pieces carry with them certain femininity and charm of days long gone. They are certainly a perfect match for a romantic lady. So, consider a newly manufactured ring that has been crafted in antique styling. You’ll be sure to have a ring that is strong with the crafted stability and integrity to last a lifetime. You’ll cherish it and be assured that it will last forever.
You’re a modern lady? That’s great. The modern engagement rings made today offer such a wide array of design options. If you can think it, it has probably already been made. And modern diamond engagement ring choices are more flexible with the center stone that you select. So, you’re good there—and even if you want to choose your setting first and the center stone after, you’re safe with a modern engagement ring. The manufacture of the rings themselves is stronger and more durable since modern methods of jewelry-making build those traits into the process.
We know that the engagement ring is one of the most personal items of jewelry you’ll ever buy. It can reflect not just your personality, but your style preferences, and show the world what an individual you are. You can choose so many metal options now with modern bridal jewelry. White, rose or yellow gold, platinum, and other specialty metals give the bride lots to choose from. And if you need to size the ring you select, your modern engagement ring will still have great strength in the back of the band. So, no worries there.
You’ve got lots to think over with choosing your engagement ring. Whether you opt for a genuine antique ring, a newly made antique or vintage style, or the latest modern styles direct from today’s best designers, you’ll find one that’s just perfect. The choice is all yours. Happy shopping!
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As couples seek to individualize their relationships even more now, a new category of bonding rings has evolved. Some are called purity rings, pre-engagement rings, promise rings, commitment rings, and more. So, what’s a couple to do when they’re not exactly ready for an engagement ring but want to form a loving bond between themselves and show their loved ones this next step in their relationship? First of all, let’s look at the promise ring. What's the purpose of it anyway? And better yet, what finger does it go on? Are they just for the ladies, or can the men get in on the promise ring trend too? So many good questions here, and we’ll sort it all out for you. Maybe your relationship is ready for a promise ring. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Let’s look into this a little more then.
Simply put, a promise ring is exchanged from one person to their romantic partner as a celebratory sign of their faithfulness and commitment. This is often—but not always the case, done before an official engagement. At its core is the sweet symbolism. Giving a promise ring represents one partner's devotion to the other. Likewise accepting that symbolic ring acknowledges that same sentiment for the recipient.
But a sweet one nonetheless. Just as its name suggests, promise rings embody a ‘between us’ promise made by the couple. Still, the extent of the promise can vary from one couple to another. The symbolism is so personal, it’s really up to the couple to decide what it means to them and how they will move forward with this endearing gesture. There are no hard and fast rules, and that’s part of the appeal with modern couples. This highly personal exchange takes on the life of the couple on their terms. While it may be that couples proudly wear promise rings as the first step to their anticipated engagement, others may not look that far down the road. Those couples are enjoying the moment now, and want to display more of a general commitment.
It’s the next step up from dating—everyone including the couple understands that these two are exclusively committed to each other. Sometimes it just feels good to show the outside world how you feel inside.
Because they offer the personalized modern aspect of a couple’s commitment. But if you look far back enough, you can discover the idea of giving a promise ring as a public symbol of love and affection has roots in ancient history from hundreds of years ago. Even as far back as the 16th century in England, something called posy rings, engraved with romantic inscriptions were popular with young couples who saw a future together—or wished for one. Another widespread tradition in Georgian times through the Victorian era was the curious but charming acrostic rings. These rings cleverly spelled out a personal word like ‘care’ or something else by arranging gemstones and using the first letter of each stone to spell that meaningful word between the two. For example, care could secretly be spelled out by citrine, amethyst, ruby, emerald. They ought to revive that ancient tradition—it’s fun and personal at the same time.
Modern promise rings have gained popularity, especially over the last decade. It’s due in large part to celebrities mentioning their promise rings given in commitment ceremonies or during not-so-private moments that are posted on social media. However they choose to announce the happy new status, we celebrate with them.
While promise rings aren’t the same as wedding bands, they still are regarded with respect for their sincere meaning—so we don’t treat them lightly. A promise ring is often given after a couple has been together for some time. It could be a year, maybe more. But the point is that after some time when the couple knows they want an exclusive relationship, it could be the natural next step for them. So, naturally, this precious piece of jewelry should only be worn when both people are sure of their mutual commitment.
It conjures up an image of the man giving it to his girlfriend. But not so fast, jewelry experts caution. Men’s promise rings are becoming a thing too! Some couples exchange promise rings with each other so both people feel as involved in the bond. In a wedding ceremony, the exchange wedding bands is an emotional time during the ceremony. So, there’s that option available. The couple can determine if they prefer exchanging rings to demonstrate how they value their relationship. Whomever the couple is—it’s their story and should be done their way.
Let’s consider the details of a promise ring. Which finger—or which hand—does the promise ring belong on? This is the most flexible aspect of a promise ring. It can be worn on any finger that the wearer prefers. Some people like their promise ring to be flaunted on a chain around the neck. Most often the promise ring is proudly displayed on the ring finger –and usually on the left hand before marriage. If the couple gets married later on—they move the ring to the ring hand. That way, it can still be a treasured memento of their early relationship. Ancient legends claim there is a vein in the ring finger running straight to the heart. It’s called the vena amoris. Wearing a ring on the left-hand ring finger will send beats straight to the heart as a special connection between the loved ones.
Consider how you wish to give a promise ring—or in what setting you’d like to receive yours? It should be in a personal moment that is meaningful for both of you. While the giver doesn’t have to get down on one knee or create an elaborately staged proposal moment (ready for viewing on social media) it should be given at a time and place that symbolizes the two of you. Do you both head to the shore for quiet walks at the day’s end? Is your favorite romantic evening a small restaurant where you had your first date? Whatever you chose will be part of your love story years from now. Often giving a promise ring can coincide with a birthday, Valentine's Day, or another important holiday. It might be nice if the giver prepared some simple but heartfelt words ahead of time to sweeten the moment—simple and meaningful is always best.
This next step moves your relationship to another level. Best Brilliance has so many gorgeous rings, you’ll be sure to find one that reflects your taste and personality perfectly. You can browse through the dazzling array of diamonds for that one ring that says “Choose me!” When it comes to the style of a promise ring—whatever you and your partner like is a perfect choice. Promise rings are often less costly than an engagement ring — and they may be in the $500 to $2,000 range. But you know your budget so if it’s more or less — terrific either way. Trending patterns with promise rings include diamonds. But they’re also seen with colorful gemstones, and ruby is a hands-down favorite. It looks like the color of love — like a heart or Valentine’s card. While you’re thinking of it, you may want to browse through our heart-shaped diamonds or other gemstone rings. What better message than a heart shape itself? You may consider rings with a by-pass setting or cross-over look. These intertwined symbols say ‘togetherness’ in your relationship.
Make shopping for your promise ring a joyful fun experience. With so many options, whatever you chose will make a tender statement of love. If you could use a little help, we are right here for you. Our diamond experts are happy to guide you in the style you want and the right budget. Selecting your promise ring is a big part of your relationship. Contact our experts now, and let’s do this together.
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