Choosing just the right jewelry for you goes beyond how good it looks on you, or how good it makes you feel. Some people have allergies to certain metals, so it helps to understand what to look out for if your skin is extra-sensitive, or you are prone to allergies. In our Spence Diamonds showrooms, we’re always ready to answer your questions about how metal allergies can affect you, but in the meantime here’s a bit of Metal Allergy 101:
Most often, rashes and infections on your skin caused by jewelry are a result of nickel allergy. Ever had an itchy red spot under a jean stud or watch buckle? Maybe when you had your ears pierced you developed an unusually uncomfortable reaction?
Nickel is the metal that causes the most rashes. And it is also quite commonly used in almost anything metal, for e.g.: jewelry, kitchen utensils, scissors, paper clips, keys and of course the coin by the same name. Nickel has a more whitish appearance, so such metals as white gold, silver and all kinds of silver-coloured metals (other than sterling silver) can and likely do contain some amount of nickel. 18 or 24 carat yellow gold do not contain nickel, but 10-carat yellow gold may have traces of nickel, too.
How Do You Know if You Have an Allergy to Nickel?
The first sign of nickel allergy is red and itchy skin, in the areas that have come in contact with metal, such as under a ring or necklace. Later on, tiny water blisters appear, making the skin moist and even oozy, and can even cause it to peel off. At this point, you probably want to be searching for jewelry that cooperates with your skin a little better. If the condition carries on for a long time, your skin may become red, scaly and cracked, and the rash can spread to other areas of your skin that have never even been in contact with nickel! So it’s worth doing your homework on how to avoid such a reaction.
Some Good News, Some Bad News
The bad news first: Once you’ve become sensitive to nickel, you’re likely to stay that way for the rest of your life. The good news is that over time, you may become less sensitive to nickel allergy. But there is hope as there are still plenty of metals that you can safely wear, including 18 and 14 carat gold, sterling silver, and a number of other hypo-allergenic metals. In addition, if you discover an allergy to nickel with an existing piece of your jewelry, Spence Dimaonds offers an electrochemical process called rhodium plating that coats the ring and protects your finger from exposure to nickel. It is a very easy and very common process that will not harm your ring in any way. If you’d like to know more, we’d be happy to answer your questions about rhodium plating in one of our showrooms.
If you think that you might have an allergy to nickel, ask a member of our staff in one of our Spence Diamonds showrooms to help you select an item that will not only add a bit of sparkle to your life, but will also be safe and comfortable next to your skin.
You slip the ring on your finger, or hold the earring up to your ear, and you can’t believe the flashes of light shimmering off that diamond. “It’s stunning,” you think to yourself, “and I don’t ever want to take it off.”
A diamond is a treasure that should last a lifetime, and with the right care and maintenance, so can that incomparable sparkle. At Spence Diamonds, we want you to enjoy your diamond’s sparkling beauty for generations, so here’s a few “dos and don’ts” of caring for your new diamond:
It is okay to:
Clean your jewelry in warm, soapy water with a soft brush
Use a mild soap, such as dish soap
Use products designed specifically for cleaning diamonds (ask us in store for details)
It is not wise to:
Wear your jewelry when using abrasive cleaning products, or ones that contain bleach or chlorine
Wear your diamond during manual labour activities, while using heavy equipment, weightlifting or while playing sports (for your own safety as well as that of your jewelry)
The setting of your diamond and the metals used in bands, bracelets and necklaces should be taken into consideration, too. Especially in the case of gold, you want to be sure that the cleaning products you choose won’t tarnish the finish of your precious metals. By following the guidelines above, you should be able to keep your valuables in showroom shape, plus it gives you a perfect use for your old toothbrushes! On that note, its best if you stick to mild soap and water with your toothbrush. Today’s new toothpastes are great for getting your teeth whiter, but are usually much too abrasive for your jewels.
Everyday wear and tear, and even the perspiration and natural oils from your fingers can have an effect on your jewelry’s natural glow over time, so a regular cleaning will ensure that they always look their best.
If you have any questions about the proper care of your jewelry, you can visit any Spence Diamonds showroom. We’d be happy to offer plenty of tips on proper care and maintenance of your jewelry investment.
When you buy something as significant and timeless as a diamond, for any occasion, it makes sense that you would like to know the history of that valuable memento.
In the late 1990’s, the world became aware of the existence of “conflict diamonds,” jewels that have been used to fund insurgent or invading army’s war efforts.
Today, over 99% of the world’s diamond supply has been verified to be completely conflict free, and reputable retailers and suppliers of diamonds the world over have embraced a policy never to support the countries involved in the diamond trade that still engage in these practices. Still, retailers such as Spence Diamonds see the value in educating their customers and staff on the issue of conflict diamonds, to better understand the importance and the process of diamonds that are procured through fair trade.
In 2000, a joint initiative supported by the United Nations General Assembly created the Kimberly Process, an international certification regimen that aims to put an end to illegally traded diamonds. Today, 69 countries are legally bound by the rules of this strict and thorough process.
Any trade of diamonds between these 69 countries (which includes Canada, the U.S., Belgium and many of the African countries involved in the trade of diamonds) must adhere to these guidelines:
Each participating country must have laws in place that mandate the Kimberly Process
Any shipment of diamonds must be inspected to ensure that each shipment adheres to the guidelines
They must then be shipped in tamper-proof containers
They must be accompanied by a uniquely numbered, Government validated Kimberly Process certificate
Shipments must only be made to participating countries in the Kimberly Process
Each diamond, when sold by a retailer must be accompanied by the following warranty statement:
“The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions. The undersigned hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds.”
In a very short time, the Kimberly Process has had a profound effect. In the six years since its creation, the Kimberly Process has reduced the trade of conflict diamonds, from 4% to less than 1% of the entire diamond industry.
Retailers like Spence Diamonds have always maintained a strict policy about the origin of their diamonds. The diamonds in Spence stores come from large, reputable diamond suppliers who ensure that the diamonds originated from Kimberly Process compliant countries such as Belgium and Canada. As a major centre for the trade of diamonds, Belgium has always had a system for diamond verification, even previous to the creation of the Kimberly Process. Today, Belgian diamond wholesalers employ one of the strictest levels of security when it comes to the trade of diamonds, according to the U.N.
All of the diamonds purchased for Spence Diamonds have been certified as conflict free.
Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Four C’s” of diamond quality. Each and every unique diamond in the world has its own defining characteristics, and understanding each of them will help you make an informed decision when you come into a Spence Diamonds showroom.
Cut
Nothing is more important to the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond than its cut, as it is responsible for around 40% of a diamond’s price. A well cut diamond will reflect light from one facet to another and back through the top, creating a dramatic sparkling effect that only a diamond can emit. Only the most skilled diamond cutters can shape a diamond with exacting precision, to release its full brilliance, taking into account such factors as proportions, finish, and of course symmetry.
Colour
When examining a diamond, be sure to view it “loose” (unmounted) under a neutral light source, to get the best view of its colour. In the “normal colour” range, the colour of a diamond is rated on a scale that goes from D to Z, with D being the whitest diamond available, and Z being a tinted, light yellow colour. For most jewelry, a colour grade from G to J is usually best.
Why “D to Z?” Before this rating system was invented, diamond professionals used many other symbols (including liberal uses of “A” and “AA”) to rate colour, so the creators of the new system started at D, to avoid any confusion with the outdated ratings systems.
There are also various coloured diamond choices available today, but when you are looking specifically at a white diamond, you should understand how this scale works, and where your diamond of choice is rated on the spectrum. Also, the mounting of a diamond can impact its appearance. A more yellowish diamond will appear whiter next to a gold setting, whereas a white gold setting will make the diamond look less pure if you compare the two side-by-side.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the number and nature of inclusions or blemishes that are visible when you view it under a microscope. Some diamond professionals refer to clarity as “purity” or “quality,” but neither of those start with “C,” so we’ll stick with clarity.
A blemish is an imperfection on the surface of a diamond, and an inclusion is a small spot contained within it. Diamonds with little or no imperfections such as these are rarer, and much more valuable. Five factors determine a diamond’s clarity: the size, number, position, nature and “relief” of the inclusions. Relief describes the level of visibility of these imperfections. The clarity scale of a diamond is the easiest to understand: It varies from Flawless, to Internally Flawless, and from there goes to VVS, VS, SI and I. These are easy to understand and remember, because they stand for: Very Very Slightly included, Very Slightly included, Slightly Included, and Included. Each of these designations has varying levels as well, but getting a handle on these will help you understand the importance of clarity in a diamond’s grading.
An “I” rated diamond will have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, whereas even a skilled diamond expert would need a microscope to see the inclusions in an “SI” diamond. Because of this, diamonds rated “SI” usually represent the best value for your investment.
Important Note: Skilled jewelry makers often mount a diamond so as to mask an inclusion from sight, helping it appear more flawless. Before buying a diamond, be sure to examine it loose under a microscope to get a better idea of its clarity.
Carat
The last and most obvious characteristic that a diamond is measured by is its Carat (abbreviated “ct.”). A carat is a measure of weight, and it takes 142 of them to make an ounce.
Interesting bits of trivia:
You can mail 142 one-carat diamonds with just a single postage stamp (Not that you would want to)!
The majority of diamonds used in jewelry weigh less than one carat.
Obviously, a diamond’s carat weight can have a big effect on its value. When written, carat weights are expressed as decimal numbers: 1.00 ct., 0.48 ct., 1.57 cts., and so on. In a piece which has more than one diamond, often times you will see the total carat weight of the diamonds shown.
At Spence Diamonds, each and every diamond comes with an official Diamond Certificate, which will give you a detailed blueprint of your diamond. Now that you understand the “Four C’s” of diamond grading, you’ll have a better understanding of these certificates, which give you detailed info on all of the factors discussed above, including a “plotting” that shows the exact location of inclusions and blemishes.
Can’t wait to get started updating your wardrobe for fall? Start now with small pieces like cocktail rings that will make a big impact. Having seen the costume jewelry trend explosion over the past year, it’s easier than ever to imitate the style of your favorite celeb or designer with CZ rings that are affordable and fashion forward. Check out the top trends and tips on how to wear them:Royal purple – Amethyst reigns supreme when it comes to rings that rock. Look for a Cubic Zirconia ring set in yellow gold to spice up a cocktail dress, all black ensemble or classic sheath. CZ rings in purple have a regal quality to them, plus they are fun and fierce. The best part is: you don’t have to have loads of cash to get in on this trend. Buy one or two rings that you love and wear them with confidence. Tangerine – This bright hue is a welcome trend for fall. If you want to try it in moderation, a CZ ring is a great place to start. Set in gold, this accessory can be the perfect accent to compliment fall’s neutral palette. Rock this ring with a sweater jacket, jeans and boots for a no-fail look. Teal – This cool color takes the cake when it comes to flattering hues. Great on blonds or brunettes, teal packs a punch that goes great with grey or black. To add a small amount to your wardrobe, try a Cubic Zirconia ring set in silver or gold. Black – Every season, black is back with new designs and styles that have us falling head over heads. This year, it’s about accessories – specifically cocktail rings that are a bit edgier and a bit rock n’ roll. Add a CZ ring with a statement stone to jeans and a blazer for added interest.
Being in style is a need for lots of people and it’s a every day consideration that takes up a great part of their day. People spend time on hairstyles that are fashionable and unique with the focal point on acceptance. Fashionable clothing has been a mainstay for centuries with trend setting going to those who sit in the superior classes of society. Fashion sense is nothing novel and it can be dated back to the dawn of people. So it’s no speculate that we remain transfixed on style just as deeply as we did centuries ago.Some people focal point on fashion accessories like tungsten rings to help them separate themselves from others in the dating scene. The ideal catch needs to be able to find you on that dance floor and the correct amount of style can do the trick. It’s extremely important to show who you are in your look because the first stages of magnetism are almost forever non-verbal. So, fashion plays an extremely important role in relationship building. Once the magnetism is established you can use your charm to reel them in but if you are not stylish for the scene you are into then you will have a extremely hard time connecting with anyone.The world of business typically has the similar high standards on style as your personal world. If your hair is messy and your cloths tattered and torn you will definitely have trouble bringing in new clients or closing the deal. The worlds most winning business people dress with an eye on what is stylish for their business. If you work in high finance you will generally likely be wearing a expensive high-end suit. If you are working in the fashion industry you will likely be more on the eccentric side and you willl accessories nicely with those tungsten rings mentioned previous.Even if you are counter culture and you avoid all things fashionable you will likely come across yourself subscribing to the fashion of the counter culture in which you identify yourself. It may seem like a vicious circle but it’s a fact of life that everyone identifies with a definite group of people and typically you will work to well in and fashion plays a large part of comfortably fitting in. As you get older your fashion will change but if you take note you will observe that your circle of relationships has changed and you are not working to comply with their fashion needs.
In any and every given moment of your life, you are either in command of yourself, or you are being commanded. Guy Finley
Keeping a wardrobe that is complete and always new is rare. The costs of buying clothing today and with the constant change in styles, bargains are a treasure. There is a definite challenge to being well dressed at all times, especially on a limited budget. For working women this is difficult, yet, it can be done.
The key is in the planning. It takes money to build a wardrobe, or to start over from one season to the next. When you plan your wardrobe, keep in mind your particular style or look. If you find yourself asking questions like, What on earth will I wear today? Or, I have got absolutely nothing to wear! Another favorite is to telephone a few friends to see what they are going to wear. If you find yourself doing any of these, then, your goal is to plan.
Asking yourself some of the following questions may prove helpful:
Does your wardrobe consist of more than 20% of clothing you have not worn in over a year, thinking they may come back in style?
Do you own enough accessories to start your own craft store?
How often do you make impulse purchases?
Before purchasing, do you allow enough time to actually try on the garments?
Answering these questions may make you frown, but these fashion problems are not uncommon. Just realizing what your fashion sense is, is the first step.
Getting to know your own particular styles including the strengths and weaknesses of your figure type is a start. Make a point to focus on a clear image of what you consider being well dressed. Knowing what you like, want, and what looks well on you are important. Buy only what suits you best and not rely on the opinion of someone else. Nor should you base your decision only on what is currently popular.
Fashion is distinctive to each individual and does not need to be classified into a standard mold. Let your own taste dictate your fashion and beauty behavior. Pay attention to fashion and beauty magazines and adjust your taste to the fashions that are made available. Rather then being blindly led to something that may just be the popular style of the moment, adjusting your style is the better way to go.
Where do you start to build a best-dressed wardrobe? Start at the beginning and learn to stretch your fashion dollars by saving any clothing you already have. Make an inventory of what you have in your closet. Most of us usually make two main divisions. One is your summer-wear; the other is your winter wear. Stay within reason and keep anything that is still useful and in good condition. Just try not to cling to any clothing, even for sentimental reasons, that have not been worn for over a year. They only take up space.
Dresses, suits and coats are your most important investment and should be cared for properly. Upon removing them at the end of the day, be sure to immediately hang them up on their individual hangers. Check for spots and stains, and if necessary, brush them off and air them first before putting them away.
In dressing well, the other parts of your wardrobe include your shoes and accessories. Shoes are a major item and must be kept clean and in shape as often as possible. Constantly walking along cemented sidewalks can be a death march to your shoe heels and soles. Have them repaired as frequently as possible and discard shoes when they are unsalvageable.
Accessories are additional items that may be the central aim of your outfit. Give them your attention. Jewelry items must be sparkling clean. Any traces of tarnish on silver pieces can be cleaned with silver polish. Soap and warm water may be applied to jeweled rings, except on pearls, to remove dust and dried soap on the stones or settings. A little soap and water rinse, and even a little rubbing alcohol on many costume pieces can bring back the shine.
With a little planning, a lot of care, and special thought to your wardrobe purchases, you can add life to your clothing and have a closet that will rival any superstar. Dressing well is a sign of your self-esteem. And self-esteem is a part of your personal development. Without it, you may not be motivated to pay any special attention to the way you dress. Go do, and be well dressed!
There is nothing more exciting for jewelry lovers than wearing diamond rings. Diamonds are forever and girl’s best friends no matter what age. To get an engagement ring set with quality diamonds is every girl dream and she cherishes all through her life and finally likes to settle her life with a dream prince charming. Diamonds are wonderful gifts for all occasions type no matter what the season or fashion and winning one’s heart what else could be a better way than giving her the most exciting and sparkling gems that will become a lasting token of love and relationship.
Diamond rings come in various colors to choose from. Blue, white, yellow, pink or black colors all look gorgeous and elegant when set in either white or yellow gold and platinum. Since they are priced according to its quality based on color, clarity and carat, these rings come in various price ranges from $100 to $5000 or more. Shop around for the best possible affordable prices without compromising on quality.
If you are looking for yellow diamond rings, browse through all possible designs, diamond settings – as to how the diamond is set. There are many types of settings to choose from and each one gives a different look. Fancy yellow oval diamond rings or three stone rings or with half moon cut diamonds, the rings accented by pave diamonds and gold filigree. The designs and settings are endless and one should go only for the type that fits and looks perfect on your finger,
Designer diamond rings are equally popular and are the latest craze, as every woman wants to wear a unique diamond ring. It not only defines her persona to look elegant and beautiful but her good taste for wearing a piece of jewelry that is perfect in every respect.
When buying yellow diamond rings, one should always look for good quality diamonds as they are not only a true life time investment but can be a treasured heirloom that will be a part of your family for many years to come.
The number one question that most people have before they propose to their lover is which diamond engagement ring should they choose? This is perhaps the number one problem most men face because they simply don’t know what their lover like about jewelry and rings. This is not uncommon because many men are busy and they simply don’t have the time to know their lover preferences and tastes in jewelries.
If you’re one of them, it’s nothing to worry about. There’s no definite answer to the question either. Women taste in jewelry and rings can change any moment, just like the trend and fashion. However, you still need to know what are her current tastes in jewelry and most importantly, what she doesn’t like. Nothing can be more disastrous than being rejected simply because you bought the wrong engagement ring that she dislike.
You will need to consider what kind of metal attracts her attention most. White gold, silver, platinum, yellow gold or titanium. Titanium is not very popular among the women but again, you must be well educated enough to make the decision of buying the perfect diamond engagement ring for her. If you choose white gold or sterling silver as the metal for your engagement band, be sure that your lover is not allergic to nickel. Some people finds that their skin will get rashes if they wear jewelries with nickel in the alloy.
After you’ve decided which metal will make her happy and satisfied, it’s time to decide what kind of diamond you should buy for her. Most brides like to have diamonds on their engagement ring, so again, try to confirm this too. You don’t need to ask her upfront if she would like a diamond on her engagement ring. Try approaching her friends or family, they can give you a clue or two.
Picking the perfect diamond for your engagement ring requires some research and patience on your part. For your information, colorless diamonds are the most valuable of all but diamonds are limited to colorless. In fact, you will find blue, red, yellow, green and even pink diamonds sold in the jewelry market. Another important thing to consider is how you would like your diamond to be cut. You’re not going to cut the diamond yourself, rather your jeweler or the ring designer is going to do it. Basically, the more sophisticated and precise a diamond is cut, the more valuable and beautiful it will be.
If you’re truly serious about marrying your lover, be sure to do everything in your power to get the perfect diamond engagement ring. You don’t need to break your bank account to do this but you will certainly need to invest some time and patience. After all, you’re going to spend the rest of your life with her so be sure to get her a diamond engagement ring that will make her cry with joy and happiness. Give her every reasons to happily say “yes” from the bottom of her heart.
For more information about picking the perfect ring, visit the diamond engagement ring article.
——————————————————————————-
Copyright 2006 – Jewel4Love.com. You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author’s name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.
——————————————————————————-
The Xcite prom dress delivers as promised. This is definitely not the prom dress that your mother wore back in the 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s. Whether it is Silk Chiffon, Charmeuse, or Satin, the Xcite prom dress brings plunging necklines and bare backs to the prom. Needless to say, there has been quite a stirring controversy over parents allowing their young daughters to wear these flesh baring prom dresses, but that hasn’t curtailed their popularity any. Face it; this is a new generation that loves belly rings, midriff exposing styles, and open work blouses strung together with sequins and lace. The Xcite prom dress is no exception. It is the prom dress of choice for girls who are as daring as the dress they wear.
Xcite Prom Dress: Going Formal
While the racier styles found in the Xcite prom dress are not for everyone, Xcite does offer a line of more formal dresses that are more reminiscent of prom days of the past. The trick to shopping Xcite is to understand the terminology used for the prom dress you are looking for. If your goal is a new twist on a formal classic and you still want to feel “covered” at your prom, then choose one of the Xcite prom dresses ball gowns. These tend to be more formal and less revealing.
Xcite Prom Dress: Fashion and Flair
One thing is certain; Xcite prom dresses will get you the attention that you deserve. If you love fashion then you will find that the Xcite gowns are the newest, hottest, and sexiest trends when it comes to the prom. You’ve heard the saying, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it” and nothing could be truer to the word when it comes to these gowns. It’s your prom- the only one in your lifetime. Choose the prom dress that best represents who you are: your tastes and your personality. In the past, there was all but one prom dress to wear in an array of pastel colors. But now, with the Xcite prom dresses, you have more options today of revealing who you truly are.