My Pink Diamonds

Many people who trade in diamonds do not realize that the manner in which you handle your diamonds and diamond jewelry can actually impact the jewelry business. But there is a very simple and basic reason why this is true.Diamonds whether studded in jewelry or handled loose, have a natural tendency to draw oil and greasy dirt towards it and every time the diamond is handled by bare hands, it tends to pick up some grease from the hand. As we all know, grease attracts dust particles from the air and eventually there is a layer of grease and dust that covers the surface of the diamond. And we all know that when that takes place the light that reflects from the diamond is affected negatively.The property of diamonds to attract grease has not always been seen as a negative property. In the earlier years, this property of diamonds was effectively used by diamond miners to separate diamonds from other minerals in the same ore. This was done by covering a belt in grease and wax and then allowing the crushed ore to run over the belt. As the crushed ore passed over the greasy belt, the uncut diamond rough would stick to the belt as the other minerals remained unaffected.However, these processes have changed over time and there are more sophisticated methods that are now used to separate diamonds. But one thing is for sure, this unique property of diamonds continues to be the bane for those who handle and trade diamonds daily.The scientific reason for why a diamond that is covered with a layer of grease and dust looses its sheen is due to the refractive index. The shine of the diamond is dependant on the light that enters the diamond and the manner in which it moves out of the diamond. When the light passes through a clean diamond the interface is between diamond and air. The refractive index of air is 1.0 but the refractive index of grease is 1.5.In more practical terms what this means is that the diamond’s critical angle increases and the amount of light that reflects from the pavilion reduces significantly. The light does not go through the crown but falls inside and then some of it escapes out of the pavilion. And since the entire light that enters does not move in a focused manner but diffuses in the diamond, the shine, brilliance and glint of the diamond is far lesser than it could be.Now, the customers who buy diamond jewelry do so because of its shine and luster and way it attracts attention too. Therefore, it is very important for one to keep the diamond jewelry shining.Make sure that the diamonds are not handled unnecessarily except when they need to be. Keep the area where the diamond jewelry are displayed completelty clean and tidy. When you are handling the diamonds make sure that you hold it with tweezers, or wear gloves or use any lint/dust free cloth. After your customers handle the diamonds make sure that you wipe them with a soft, clean cloth before you replace them in their safe haven. As your diamonds dazzle your customers, you will realize that the cash registers ring more often and keep you smiling.

Why do people wear diamond watches?  If you have ever seen somebody wearing a diamond watch then you will probably realize that there was little point in even bothering to ask the question.  Simply taking one look at the watch on their wrist would be enough to make it more than evident why anybody would be proud to wear such a beautiful piece of jewelry.  Diamond watches have gained tremendous popularity in recent years for two major reasons.The first reason why diamond watches have become so popular in recent years is as a direct result of the hip hop or bling culture which has become a tremendously successful fashion style.  Most noticeably led by those hip hop or rap stars such as Eminem, 50 Cent and P Diddy, the hip hop culture is one that celebrates diamonds and all that sparkles and glitters.  Naturally children and young people are keen to emulate their celebrities, and as a result, bling jewelry, including diamond watches, has become a distinctive fashion statement.The second reason is that an increasing number of designer watches have come onto the market, with different brand names now being related to distinctive styles that have given the classic diamond watch a modern twist. There are seven main names to look out for if you are considering purchasing a diamond watch either for yourself or as a gift.  The first of these are referred to either as Joe Rodeo diamond watches or sometimes referred to simply as JoJo watches.  These are perhaps the most easily recognized diamond watches on the market and are available for both men and ladies.  Joe Rodeo diamond watches have a reputation not only for quality, but also for a style that is unmistakable.Luccello Diamond Watches are superbly crafted and all, even more affordable line of watches (their Sport line) use VS quality diamonds. Luccello offers real diamond watches ranging from only $200 to all the way to $250,000. It is the only brand offering VS quality diamonds in a $200 range diamond watches. If you are looking for a stylish, quality brand name diamond watch with no compromise to diamond quality Luccello watch should be your choice.Luxurman diamond watches is the brand to look out for the most affordable diamond watches with most diamonds of all leading brands. They provide the best bang for a buck and are our best selling watches. Luxurman watches often appeal to younger people wishing to make a distinctive statement.Another extremely fashionable and common brand is Benny and Co, whose diamond watches are beautifully crafted, and boast a distinctive look.  The watch movement itself is Swiss made and incorporates a date.  Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Benny and Co diamond watches are the vibrant colours in which they are available.  A Benny and Co diamond watch come with 3 (men’s) or 4 (women’s) interchangeable straps in a range of colours, and in almost all cases the colour of the face of the watch matches the colour of the strap, helping to tie the entire thing together creating an unmissable and unique diamond watch.When it comes to unmistakable style, and particularly when it comes to bling, then nothing can quite compare to an Iced Out diamond watch.  Iced Out diamond watches are unique in that almost every aspect of the watch is encrusted with round cut diamonds.  Usually almost the entire face of the watch, the bezel around the outside, and even the edges of the face and the lugs are decorated with diamonds. Hence the term ‘iced out’. Techno Swiss diamond watches is another brand of the most affordable diamond watches, and are available in a range of unique styles.  One of the most popular of these styles incorporates a world map on the face of the watch.  This world map is constructed from a mosaic of colored stones, and with the entire edge of the bezel encrusted with round cut diamonds, this is a watch which is not only affordable but highly distinctive.The last but not least name to look out for if you are considering purchasing diamond watches are the diamond Tenakey watches.  These are perhaps the most distinctive watches of all the leading brands and include large, chunky faces that ooze masculinity and strength.  Tenakey diamond watches are often considered by those who are looking for hip hop or bling watches, as the large chunky shape of the watch, combined with the sheer quantity of small round cut diamonds embedded on almost every aspect of the watch, makes these diamond watches stand out from the crowd.These are seven of the most popular brands.  There is also a wide range of diamond jewelry available to compliment your watch in range of styles, from hip hop and bling to the more conservative traditional style.  Which you choose is up to you, but one thing is sure:  whether bling bling or traditional, a diamond watch says something about you that no words could ever convey.

The reason that it is so important to understand that uniqueness of diamonds, the difficulty with which the cutting process is fraught, the immense variation in cut grading, and the application of scientific tests, is that this understanding is imperative to gaining a full comprehension of diamond “certs”, how they are produced, and why there are so many conflicting opinions in the industry.The diamond “cert” as it has become known, is in actuality, not a certificate, as the name would suggest, but is rather a report issued by the gemological laboratory that was paid, by the diamond’s owner, to grade the diamond. The report, commonly called the “cert” (this will be referred to as a “lab grading report” for the remainder of this tutorial), is a printed record of the gemological lab’s determinations as to the quality of the diamond. The findings, although based on a scientific grading system, are really a codified representation of a subjective grading analysis that was performed by one or several human graders, each subject to their own grading style and grading predispositions. Each gemological laboratory has its own individual grading process, that stems off of its unique grading protocol, using its own predetermined course of grading procedures, and employing its own preselected scientific equipment for testing and observing the stone in question.The fact that there are many different gemological laboratories, each with its own grading system, has lead to a wide variety of “lab grading reports” being issued on diamonds, and presented to the general consumer as absolute fact about the quality of the diamond being purchased.Of course, at this point, the question must be asked…why are there so many standards…and why has no single standard been determined?  The answer is quite simple. Most consumers, when presented with a “lab grading report”, are wiling to take the information being presented about the stone at face value, many times with little or no knowledge about the gemological laboratory, its grading practices and procedures, or its reputation in the market place. This action by consumers, and the fact that retailers are aware of this fact, has lead to a very simple, yet very detrimental trend in the diamond grading industry. Consider this…if the average consumer takes a “lab grading report” at face value, without regard to the quality of the grading performed by the lab; and the value of a diamond rests almost entirely, excepting its weight, on areas of subjective grading; i.e. cut quality, color, and clarity; a lab that grades on a loose standard (issuing reports that give diamonds a slightly better grade than the lab’s stricter competitors would give) would allow retailers to present a “lab grading report” that is more “favorable” as well as giving them the ability to charge a higher price for a lower quality stone. The main basis for many labs that grade based on loose criteria is that of consumer ignorance. Diamond cutters, wholesalers, and retailers use these labs to grade their diamonds in an effort to increase the value and salability of their inventory, with the by-product of this effort being added expense to the consumer. It is imperative that, as a consumer, you have a solid understanding of the major gemological laboratories in the market, their grading systems, and their reputations for the accuracy of the “lab grading reports” that they issue. Below is a short list of the major gemological laboratories, in the basic order of their grading strictness.NOTE: It is important to remember that diamond grading is done by humans, which means that human error is a possibility. It is possible for any gemological laboratory to make a mistake in the grading of a diamond. Diamond Grading Laboratories•    American Gemological Society Laboratory (AGSL or AGS)•    Gemological Institute of America (GIA)•    Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL)•    HRD Antwerp•    European Gemological Laboratories USA (EGL USA)•    European Gemological Laboratories (EGL)•    European Gemological Laboratories Israel•    International Gemological Institute (IGI)Written by Timothy Andre, Emma Parker & Co.     www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com

About Loose DiamondsThe term loose diamonds is used to refer to diamonds that have been polished, but have not been set in jewelry. Loose diamonds come in many shapes, sizes, and qualities. Increasingly, people shopping for diamond engagement rings, and diamond rings for other occasions, purchase the diamond separately from the setting, or the ring.Purchasing Loose DiamondsThe reason why people choose to shop separately for loose diamonds with the intention of setting them in jewelry, is primarily price. Set diamond jewelry often comes with a big markup, and sometimes, the quality of the diamond is not as good as it could be. Shopping online for loose diamonds enables buyers to seek out the best possible stones at the best possible price. The internet is a good medium for the purchase of loose diamonds. If the diamonds are purchased from a reputable online dealer there is no reason to actually view the product with one’s own eyes. Shipping costs are also minimal (due to the weight). Once loose diamonds are purchased, they can be taken to a reputable jeweler in order to create a setting. Diamond engagement rings, as well as other types of jewelry, are harder to purchase online. Diamond rings need to be fitted especially for the wearer. The same goes for diamond stud earrings. Purchasing loose diamonds and then getting the setting separately also provides a sense of satisfaction from being more in control of the purchasing process, and it also inspires creativity.Loose Diamonds 4 Cs and ShapesWhen purchasing loose diamonds several aspects need to be taken into consideration. The first four are known as the four Cs of diamonds: Carat, cut, clarity, and weight. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, whereby one carat equals 0.2 of a gram. Diamonds come in many sizes, and the size of the diamond is no guarantee for its quality or brightness. Cut is more readily associated with the quality or loose diamonds. Cut refers to the quality of workmanship that is put into the many facets (or faces) of the diamond. A better cut means more symmetry and more brilliance. Color refers to the natural color of the diamond. Diamonds are either various degrees of colorless, or else of a specific color, such as yellow, pink, and green. Loose diamonds often comes with imperfections or inclusions, and these affect the diamonds’ brilliance. This parameter is known as clarity. Then there is the shape. Loose diamonds are cut into all kinds of shapes. Examples include princess shaped diamonds, round shaped diamonds, marquise shaped diamonds, emerald shaped diamonds, oval shaped diamonds, and pear shaped diamonds.

The reason why is simple. Everyday products come and go, get used and then get thrown away. There is not much point spending lots of money on a Hugo Boss t-shirt or a James Dyson hoover because the former will be replaced by a new range very quickly and the latter will be replaced by a better model in the not to distance future.

‘Special’ products, such as a diamond ring for example, will always be special as it maintains its qualities for ever. This is why consumers will always spend a lot of time researching which diamond rings their partner will want. Sometimes choosing the right diamond ring can take up so much time that consumers do nothing else with the spare time until they find it. But once they know they have found a special diamond ring it, it is certainly something worth waiting for. The look they know their partner will have when they receive it is definitely worth waiting for!

So special are diamond rings these days that they can be found across the country more than ever before. From the local independent to the international success story, diamond rings can be found just about anywhere. They vary in shapes and sizes but more so in recent times their styles have really taken off. Although all of them are special in their own way, some of the new styles being brought to the market are extremely unique and therefore are perceived as even more special.

It is also worth noting that diamond rings are normally exchanged between people in relationships to signify a momentous day or occasion for example a wedding. This act of giving someone a diamond ring therefore makes the importance of choosing the right one even more important. Whatever diamond ring is given, it has to be something special.

For more information about choosing the right diamond ring see http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/static/news/choosing_the_right_diamond_wedding_ring.do

People who buy diamonds are often adviced to take note of the four C’s – clarity, color, carat weight and cut.  All things being equal, most people will usually base their purchase on the diamond’s cut.  The cut, after all, not only influences the diamond’s size and shape but also its brilliance.  One of the most popular cuts that people choose these days is the princess cut — simple, beautiful and capable of bringing out the fire in a diamond.  Here are just a few reasons why princess cut diamonds are a good choice for engagement rings:BrillianceThe most stunning and desirable quality in diamonds other than their hardness and durability is their brilliance.  Regardless of how well some gemstones are cut and polished, nothing quite achieves the same reflective power that a diamond has.  The princess cut was first seen in 1964.  Before then, round cut diamonds (or brilliant cut) were the more preferred cuts over square cuts (also known as emerald cut) because they tended to reflect light more.  The princess cut was developed as a way to combine the brilliance of the round cut to the unique beauty of the square cut.  With princess cut engagement rings, even square diamonds could exhibit multiple facets.  The princess cut made square-shaped diamonds sparkle.  As a result, they have become more attractive not just for traditional jewelry but also as engagement rings.  With the extra faceting, princess cut diamonds look more stunning, especially when worn by a blushing bride-to-be.Choice of setting styleProbably the most known setting type is the Tiffany, a setting that utilizes a set of crowns or prongs to hold a diamond to a band ring, which is plain.  Although the princess cut engagement ring can look beautiful on this type of setting, it can also look its best using other settings.  For the popular eternity ring, for example, the preferred style for anniversary bands, princess cut diamonds are considered the most ideal gemstones to use.PriceThanks to improved methods, diamonds these days are not exactly rare but they remain pricey.  Princes cut diamonds, however, are sold at pocket-friendly and relatively cheaper prices.  This is one of the best reasons why princess cut engagement rings are a good choice.  They are affordable (or even reasonably priced, depending on the carat weight, color and setting) but do not sacrifice style, beauty and brilliance for their user-friendly price.

What Influences The Price of Diamonds?

Diamonds are cut in a range of shapes, sizes and qualities all of which influence the price. Diamonds that have an excellent or very good cut grade will reflect maximum fire, brilliance and sparkle and the price of these diamonds will be higher than diamonds with a good cut grade.

The Shape of Diamonds

Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds are the most popular diamonds for diamond engagement rings followed by Princess Cut Diamonds. Any diamond that is not Round in shape is known as a Fancy Shape Diamond. Asscher, Cushion, Emerald, Heart, Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess, Radiant and Trilliant cut diamonds are all fancy shape diamonds.

Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds are the most expensive mainly because when cutting a Round Brilliant Cut diamond there is a greater loss in rough which has to be factored into the price. Another reason why Round Brilliant Cut diamonds are priced higher is because they take longer to polish and cut than other diamond shapes and the demand for Round Brilliant Cut diamonds is greater than all the other diamond shapes.

Clarity Influences Diamond Prices The Most

The clarity grade of a diamond influences the price obtained more than any of the other factors. Diamonds that have high clarity grades of VVS1 or VVS2 have extremely hard to find inclusions even with a jewellers 10x loupe. These diamonds are almost pure and rarer to find than diamonds with lower clarity grades such as SI1 or SI2 and therefore command a much higher price. The rarest of diamonds have an Internally Flawless Diamonds -IF or Loupe Clean clarity grade and these diamonds fetch premium prices.

Colour Influences Diamond Prices

Colour is another important factor that influences the price of a diamond. Diamonds are graded for their colour alphabetically starting at D colour going down to Z colour. Diamonds that are colourless or show the least amount of colour obtain the highest prices along with fancy coloured diamonds such as pink, red, green and blue diamonds. Diamonds that display the least amount of colour are known as exceptional white. Exceptional white diamonds includes D and E colour graded diamonds. Rare white is the next colour grade and this includes F and G colour diamonds. H colour diamonds are graded as white and I and J colour diamonds are known as slightly tinted white diamonds.

Cut Influences Sparkle, Shine & The Price of Diamonds

Did you know that if the diamond is poorly cut, the colour and clarity can not make up for it? The cut of a diamond is what makes a rough diamond sparkle and shine. If a diamond is poorly cut, the light that enters the diamond from above will leak out of the sides and bottom of the stone, and the diamond will not have the optimum amount of sparkle or fire-regardless of its colour or clarity.

Excellent and Ideal Cut Diamonds have been cut to precise standards to display the beauty of the diamond. Excellent and Ideal Cut Diamonds have perfection in proportion, symmetry and polish and they will always display the maximum brilliance, fire & scintillation.

Excellent and Ideal Cut Diamonds have properly proportioned facets, excellent symmetry & polish. Since 97.5% of a diamond’s brilliance is controlled by the quality of the cut Excellent and Ideal cut diamonds obtain higher prices. The Diamond Cut Grade is made up of three main controlling factors – Proportion, Symmetry and Polish. The light return of the diamond more commonly known as sparkle or brilliance is also an important factor but it is governed by the proportions and symmetry of the diamond cut.

Diamonds with a Very Good cut grade reflect most of the light that enters them, dispersing a good deal of brilliance. Very Good cut diamonds have proportions which often overlap and are comparable to Excellent cut diamonds but just differ slightly in one area or measurement. Very Good cut diamonds are also highly valued.

Diamonds are Sold By Carat Weight

Carat is a unit of measure not size. Two diamonds that have the same carat weight may appear to be different sizes depending on how the diamond is cut. Some diamonds will have extra weight on the bottom part of the diamond, the pavilion, or a thick girdle and therefore will appear smaller visually.

Diamonds are sold by their carat weight. The heavier a diamond weighs once it is cut the higher the price per carat. A diamond cutter always try to retain as much carat weight and as few inclusions when cutting a diamond in order to obtain the best possible price per carat. Sometimes the cut of a diamond might be sacrificed in order to produce a diamond with a higher carat weight. Hundreds of tons of rock and ore must be processed to uncover a single one-carat gem quality diamond.

4C’s – Cut, Colour, Clarity & Carat

After diamonds have been sorted into their different shapes they are then assessed with what is known as The 4C’s- The Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight. These individual factors are all combined resulting in the price of the diamond. The price of diamonds is also influenced by international market conditions such as exchange rates, supply and demand, fashion trends as well as inflation.

Diamonds, just like your marriage, are an investment, and have been an investment device for several thousand years. Diamonds are a symbol of love and commitment so buying the perfect diamond for an engagement ring or that special occasion is a crucially important decision.

To learn more about diamonds and for further information about diamonds please visit our website – Diamond Education

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Eternity rings are becoming increasingly more and more popular, and for good reason. An eternity ring is more than just a ring. An eternity ring symbolizes something. It symbolizes eternity. It symbolizes everlasting love. It tells someone that you love them forever. If the diamonds go all the way around, then it symbolizes how your love is a continuous circle that never ends. When you give an eternity ring, you really are saying how much you cherish someone and it is like a promise that you will always feel the same way about them. Eternity rings are so popular because the recipients will remember how you feel each and every time that they look at their beautiful eternity ring.

Some people believe that each stone symbolizes something about their relationship. Come up with something romantic that each stone represents when you give the eternity ring. One could be for the day you met. The next can represent your first kiss. One diamond can represent you falling in love. One can be for your wedding day. The next one or more can represent each of your children. If you do not have children yet, or if you just want to make a statement about your life ahead, you can leave some stones to represent your future that has not happened yet. Then, as you make your memories together you can name the next stone to symbolize its importance to you as a couple.

Eternity rings make great gifts for many occasions. The birth of a child can really spark a flood of new emotions and mark a special time in a couple’s life. An eternity ring can represent this new life that you are embarking on together. Eternity rings make very beautiful wedding bands. Eternity rings compliment almost every engagement ring. The timeless beauty and simplicity of the eternity ring will ensure that you never grow tired of the style of your eternity ring. The sparkle and beauty of an eternity ring far surpasses that of traditional wedding bands.

There are two types of eternity rings to choose from. Full eternity rings have diamonds (or other stones) that go all the way around. These are very beautiful rings with the maximum amount of sparkle. They sometimes cost a little more than half eternity rings because they have to be custom fitted. You can not buy a full eternity ring and have it sized later, because of the stones going all the way around. Some people prefer the full eternity rings because they symbolize the eternal circle of love that they have for the recipient.

Half eternity rings have the stones only on top of the ring. Having exposed precious metal on the bottom of the ring makes it possible to have it sized. Another benefit of the half eternity ring is that you can put bigger stones in it. This makes for a more dazzling display of diamonds (or other stones). Some believe that half eternity rings are slightly more comfortable, but jewelers keep comfort in mind when designing both types of eternity rings, so feel free to pick the one that you are drawn to. Keep all of these things in mind when selecting the eternity ring that is right for your special someone. You are sure to have a special moment in the giving of your eternity ring, followed by a lifetime of love and memories.