Learn the 4 C’s of Diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Click the Certificate link below to learn all about A.G.S – American Gem Society or the G.I.A – Gemological Institute America.

CUT…A diamond’s cut is not only about its shape, but how effectively the stone can return light back to the viewer’s eye. A well-cut diamond will appear very brilliant and fiery; while more poorly cut stones can appear dark and lifeless, regardless of color or clarity.

Color…When shopping for a diamond, it is generally preferred to have the least amount of color possible. Diamond color is divided into five broad categories:

Colorless: Diamonds within the colorless range are the most rare and valuable of all the colors. color stones display virtually no color, whereas colored diamonds will display a nearly undetected amount of color when viewed face down by a gemologist.

Near Colorless: Diamonds within the near colorless range appear colorless in the face up position, but do display a slight amount of color when viewed face down against a perfectly white background. This trace amount of color will be undetectable to an untrained eye once the diamond has been mounted. Near colorless diamonds offer a tremendous value for the money.

Understanding Fluorescence – How does it effect a diamond?

Some diamonds can display a visible light called fluorescence when exposed to an ultraviolet light source. This fluorescence will be measured as inert, faint, medium or strong. Blue fluorescence is most common, however diamonds can also fluoresce white, yellow, and orange (among other colors). Fluorescence usually has no effect on a diamonds appearance in regular light conditions. Strong blue fluorescence can make a yellow colored diamond appear more white, but in rare cases can cause a stone to appear milky or oily. This milky or oily effect is called an “over blue” and only applies to a small number of “strong” and “very strong” fluorescent stones.

Which Color should you Choose?

Most people find it very difficult (if not impossible) to tell the difference from one color grade to another. The difference in price, however, can be significant.However, you can find a tremendous value while still achieving a “colorless” look. Shopping on a budget or trying to maximize the size of your stone? If so then “J” diamonds are most affordable and still near colorless. You may also want to consider choosing a diamond with medium or strong fluorescence. Since these diamonds are discounted slightly in price you can often afford a higher color stone without paying the premium.

Angola

In 1998, the United Nations (UN) placed Angola under sanctions forbidding countries from buying diamonds from them. This was the first resolution of the UN which specifically mentioned diamonds in the context of funding war. Reports estimated that as much as 20% of total production in the 1990s were being sold for illicit purposes, and 15% were specifically conflict in nature.By 1999, the illicit diamond trade was estimated by the World Diamond Council to have been reduced to 3.06% of the world’s diamond production.The World Diamond Council reported that by 2004 this percentage had fallen to approximately 1%.

Angola is a former colony of Portugal and gained independence in 1975. Although independent, the country saw civil war between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (PMLA) faction, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) faction. During this war, diamonds were traded by rebel groups to fund their war. The UN recognized the role that diamonds played in funding the UNITA rebels, and in 1998 banned countries from buying diamonds from Angola. Today Angola’s civil war has ended and the country is now a legitimate part of the diamond trade.

Sierra Leone

In July 1999, following over eight years of civil conflict, negotiations between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front led to the signing of the Lome Peace Agreement under which the parties agreed to the cessation of hostilities, disarmament of all combatants and the formation of a government of national unity. The United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) helped facilitate the negotiations. In resolution 1270 of October 22, 1999, the Security Council established the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to help create the conditions in which the parties could implement the Agreement. Subsequently, the number of personnel were increased and tasks to be carried out by UNAMSIL adjusted by the Council in resolutions 1289 of February 8, 2000 and 1299 of May 19, 2000, making UNAMSIL the second largest peacekeeping force currently deployed by the United Nations (the largest such contingent is in the Congo.

Following international concern at the role played by the illicit diamond trade in fueling conflict in Sierra Leone, the Security Council adopted resolution 1306 on July 5, 2000 imposing a ban on the direct or indirect import of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone not controlled by the Government of Sierra Leone through a Certificate of Origin regime. An arms embargo and selective travel ban on non-governmental forces were already in effect under resolution 1171 of June 5, 1998.

On July 31, 2000 and August 1, 2000, Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1132 (1997) concerning Sierra Leone, presided over the first ever exploratory public hearing by the Security Council in New York. The hearing was attended by representatives of interested Member States, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, the diamond industry and other relevant experts. The hearing exposed the link between the trade in illicit Sierra Leone diamonds and trade in arms and related material. The ways and means for developing a sustainable and well-regulated diamond industry in Sierra Leone were also discussed.

As called for by resolution 1306 of July 5, 2000, the Secretary-General, on August 2, 2000, established a Panel of Experts, to collect information on possible violations of the arms embargo and the link between trade in diamonds and trade in arms and related material, consider the adequacy of air traffic control systems in the West African region for the purpose of detecting flights suspected of contravening the arms embargo, and report to the Council with observations and recommendations on ways of strengthening the arms and diamonds embargoes no later than October 3, 2000. The Chairman of the Panel was Martin Chungong Ayafor (Cameroon). The other members were Atabou Bodian (Senegal), Johan Peleman (Belgium), Harjit Singh Sandhu (India) and Ian Smillie (Canada). The Panel submitted its report to the Security Council on December 19, 2000. On January 25, 2001 the Security Council, at its 4264th meeting, considered the report of the panel of experts.

Diamond revenues in Sierra Leone have increased more than tenfold since the end of the conflict, from $10 million in 2000 to about $130 million in 2004,although from 1989 to 2003 Liberia was engaged in a civil war. In 2000, the UN accused Liberian president Charles G. Taylor of supporting the RUF insurgency in Sierra Leone with weapons and training in exchange for diamonds. In 2001 the UN applied sanctions on the Liberian diamond trade. In August 2003 Taylor stepped down as president, and after being exiled to Nigeria, now faces trial in the Hague. On July 21, 2006 he pleaded not guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Liberia today is at peace and is attempting to construct a legitimate diamond mining industry. The UN has lifted sanctions and Liberia is now a member of the Kimberley process.

Genuine Diamond Wedding Rings Will Last Forever

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Articles

Diamond wedding rings and wedding bands have an attraction all of their own. For many decades diamonds have been associated with being a girl’s best friend, and it has often been assumed that diamonds are to be worn by women rather than men. Fortunately in more recent years this trend has been changing quite dramatically, and today it is the height of fashion for a man to wear diamonds. Often men who wear diamonds do so in a way which compliments their masculinity, and as far as being able to achieve this is concerned, a diamond wedding ring is the perfect alternative to the traditional gold band.Diamond wedding band sets are available for both halves of the partnership or just for the woman if the man prefers to remain traditional. Many men feel self-conscious of wearing diamond rings, even though so many are now turning to them. Shopping for diamond wedding rings is much more enjoyable when both halves of the engaged couple are seeking a beautiful diamond, or a number of smaller brilliant diamonds set in a gorgeous 14 carat gold setting. For men the wearing of diamonds is slightly more limited than perhaps for women. The most obvious choices for wearing diamonds are a single earring, cufflinks or perhaps a diamond ring, and a wedding ring is ideal for the man seeking a good reason to wear diamonds. There is a wide range of choice of diamond wedding rings online, and any man or woman should find it easy to find something to suit their particular style, whether they are traditional or prefer something more hip-hop or bling. Nor need wedding rings be restricted to clear diamonds. You can get a beautiful diamond ring with 2.6 carats of white and blue diamonds set in 14 K gold for under $1200 online, or a simple solitaire diamond wedding ring for under $300. You have to know where to look, because good prices for genuine traditionally cut diamonds are not easy find. A diamond ring of any make has a very clear and distinct message to express about its owner. Simply sliding a diamond ring onto your finger will help to make you feel transformed and confident in your own success. Indeed very little can compare to a diamond to make a bold and simple statement about success, and the message that such a ring suggests is unmistakable.However, just any old diamond ring will not do, and a woman’s diamond wedding ring in particular should consist of perfectly cut glittering diamonds that transform light into a breathtaking display of dazzling reflected and refracted iridescence that will turn ever woman around you green with envy. Such a statement of wealth and success is difficult to emulate, and even for a man such a ring is more than just desirable. If bling is your thing then it is a must. No hip-hop wedding would be complete without hers and his bling diamond wedding rings. Think of a muscular 14 carat gold men’s ring, set with 2 carats of blue princess cut diamonds, highlighted with round black diamonds. That is a serious ring, but if you like yours even more dazzling, you can buy almost 1.7 carats of pave set round cut white diamonds that offers serious sparkle for any lover of bling. Why not complete the look with a fabulous iced out diamond watch – but make sure you don’t out-dazzle your bride. You will never be forgiven for that. Allow her to outshine you by purchasing her 3.88 carats of princess and round cut diamonds, pave set into 14 carat yellow gold. This is a real sparkler that she is going to love you for. A diamond wedding ring to kill for. For the other half in your life a diamond wedding ring is a lifetime purchase, so make sure that you get the best you can afford. The way to do that is to buy online from a jeweler that offers you genuine diamonds at bargain prices. You don’t find these jewelry stores in your local shopping mall – or if you can then you are very lucky. They can be found online, though, if you know what to look for, and you can save a massive amount of money. Make sure, however, that are getting genuine diamonds in your diamond wedding rings because many will try to fob you off with fakes. Insist on genuine diamonds because nothing possesses the brilliance and ability to reflect and refract light than a real diamond: you can easily tell the real thing, and so can others whose admiring glances will rapidly fade when they realize what you are wearing. So, real genuinely cut diamonds in real gold settings, and you will be buying the diamond wedding rings that you both deserve, and that will last forever so you can wear them proudly for the rest of your lives.s

Make your choice or buy your wedding ring set carefully

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Dress Rings

Wedding is a very important part of our life. It is considered the second beginning of our life. Two souls are made one for lifetime by this ceremony. It is really an auspicious and blessing episode of our lives. Everyone wants to make this ritual of life something different and more glorious than others. You will surely have an idea of your perfect marriage ceremony in your mind and you are planning your wedding like that. Everything in that list bears an importance that was completely new to you. This is because you want your marriage 100% perfect and devoid any kind of blunder. Wedding jewelry sets are an important part of your wedding plan. You can not ignore this part, not at all. Jewelry is something that should be according to your choice and wish.In wedding jewelry sets you can not ignore your wedding ring set. Engagement ring and wedding ring comprise the wedding ring set of yours. Without these two things your wedding jewelry set can not be completed. Now you can make you wedding ring and your engagement ring similar to each other or make them differently. You can make your engagement ring and wedding ring designed like a ban. For its simplicity wedding bands and engagement bands have been liked by couples now a day. Your wedding ring set can be totally made up with gold or platinum. You can make your wedding ring set even more beautiful with a diamond or a Safire, or a ruby or an emerald. The choice is yours as it would be better to choose that matching with your wedding dress and ambience. You and your partner should consult before making the final choice as your wedding ring set that is rings for you and for your partner should complement each other. Some couples prefer matching wedding ring set as it looks so cute and complementary. Matching wedding ring set with engraving the respective names on the rings has also been the trend of now. For preparing the matching rings jewelry makers apply a method which can be identified with both styles. Neither the style of masculinity nor the style of feminine is dominant in these types of rings. That is they are matching and they can be worn by both men and women. Your matching rings can be handmade. You can choose the thickness of the band and the embellishments to distinguish your ring set from the many others that are around.As it is matching so you and your partner both have to choose the design of the ring and the matching factor. It can suit yours’ personality. The color and style and size of ring do not suit everybody so it is very important to have a look at all these things. Different people suits different colors and also wear different types of clothes and accessories. There are practical implications as well. People are now prefers to have a design which is easy to clean and handle.

Diamond Wedding Ring Sets — Symbols of Eternal Love

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Eternity Rings

Diamond wedding ring sets are made up of a pair of diamond-studded rings intended to represent a bond between man and woman through marriage. By and large, the womans ring is thinner, whereas the mans is broader and thicker. Sometimes the engagement rings and wedding ring sets are one in the same, sometimes they are not.

When they are not, the engagement rings and wedding rings may be worn together or the first is replaced by the latter. Whatever arrangement is preferred, the bands of the diamond wedding ring set are normally, but not always, engraved inside with a very brief, simple saying, such as a promise, to personalize and seal the symbolic bond that the ring set represents. When wearing these rings, the bride and groom proclaim their love and devotion for one another.

Aside from the fine-cut diamonds, the bands of the diamond wedding ring sets are regularly made up of a valuable yellow gold alloy combined with copper, tin, or bismuth for firmness. Because silver and brass tend to stain the skin and corrode over time, stainless steel, which is more durable than gold and can easily be finished, is commonly used as well.

Diamond wedding ring sets are pricey, but deals, such as discounts, can be found all the time. Tiffany & Co., one of the leading jewelry makers specializing in diamond wedding ring sets, provides realistic prices. Sometimes, as in the case of forming mounts and inserting diamonds on the bands, labor fees tend to hype the over cost, but the work is always exact and high calibre.

Diamond wedding ring sets serve as the ultimate eternal promise of love and fidelity between man and woman through Holy Matrimony and beyond. These diamond wedding ring sets are as valuable as they are intricately designed, and are thus made and purchased with extreme care due to their intended symbolism and purpose.

Marriage is a beautiful thing. Visit our site for gorgeous suggestions on diamond ring wedding sets for you and your loved ones.

Some modern and contemporary designs of wedding rings

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Dress Rings

Wedding ring set   are important because it compiles the both ring for you and for your beloved. Therefore buying a wedding ring and making a right choice is crucial and tough. You can buy a matching wedding ring set which consists of same styled ring for men and women. Or you can choose a set which has contrasting but complimenting rings for bride and groom.     In wedding jewelry sets you can not ignore your wedding ring set. Engagement ring and wedding ring comprise the wedding ring set of yours. Without these two things your wedding jewelry set can not be completed. Now you can make you wedding ring and your engagement ring similar to each other or make them differently. You can make your engagement ring and wedding ring designed like a ban. For its simplicity wedding bands and engagement bands have been liked by couples now a day. Your wedding ring set can be totally made up with gold or platinum. You can make your wedding ring set even more beautiful with a diamond or a Safire, or a ruby or an emerald. The choice is yours as it would be better to choose that matching with your wedding dress and ambience. You and your partner should consult before making the final choice as your wedding ring set that is rings for you and for your partner should complement each other. Some couples prefer matching wedding ring set as it looks so cute and complementary. Matching wedding ring set with engraving the respective names on the rings has also been the trend of now. For preparing the matching rings jewelry makers apply a method which can be identified with both styles. Neither the style of masculinity nor the style of feminine is dominant in these types of rings. That is they are matching and they can be worn by both men and women. Your matching rings can be handmade. You can choose the thickness of the band and the embellishments to distinguish your ring set from the many others that are around. As it is matching so you and your partner both have to choose the design of the ring and the matching factor. It can suit yours’ personality. The color and style and size of ring do not suit everybody so it is very important to have a look at all these things. Different people suits different colors and also wear different types of clothes and accessories. There are practical implications as well. People are now prefers to have a design which is easy to clean and handle. When looking for a wedding ring set it is important to make sure that both you and your partner’s hand suits the rings. Different people suits different colors and also wear different types of clothes and accessories. There are practical implications as well. A person who needs to clean their ring because of work will need a simple design that is easy to clean.It is usually a good idea to choose the thickness of the band and the embellishments to distinguish your ring set from the many others that are around.

New Trends: Men’s Diamond Rings

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Rings

When it comes to wedding pieces, men’s diamond rings represent a fairly recent innovation. Prior to the late 19th Century, most men did not even wear a wedding band; diamond rings for women existed, but were exceedingly rare. The jewelry industry, trying to create a market where non existed, managed to sell the public on the idea of double diamond ring wedding sets, but the wedding rings themselves were plain gold bands more often than not. It was only after 1950 that mens diamond rings became popular.

The Most Brilliant Marketing Campaign

“Diamonds are forever.” That simple phrase practically transformed the diamond ring market overnight. It was a phrase that was invented by an unknown advertising executive for the DeBeers Corporation, which to this day controls well over half of the world diamond trade. The campaign was rolled out in 1950; within a few years, diamond jewelers could barely keep up with the demand for diamond rings – including mens diamond rings.

Choices

Today, double diamond ring wedding sets are quite common; some even include the engagement ring as well.

When it comes to mens diamond rings, there are many options out there in terms of style, cut, and type of metal. White gold diamond rings are the most popular choice, followed by yellow and red gold. Recently, platinum, palladium and even tungsten diamond rings are available. Not only are these precious metals more valuable than gold, but are far more durable, as gold is a fairly soft metal.

At least one prominent company specializes in these types of rings, from which the center stone is left unmounted, so as to allow the customer to choose the diamond or other gem s/he prefers.

In other cases, one may be able to actually design their own individual rings with the assistance of a diamond jeweler. Such services may cost extra, but the client is assured of getting a completely unique piece of jewelry.

How Much To Spend

Diamond wedding sets vary widely in terms of price, from a few hundred dollars to several thousands. The general rule of thumb is to figure on about six months’ salary as the amount to spend on the wedding set, including the engagement ring. In addition, many couples now exchange “promise rings” at or near the beginning of a relationship, as well as “eternity rings,” which are typically exchanged at a later wedding anniversary. Mens diamond rings are available for these occasions as well as the engagement and the actual wedding.

The Meaning of Eternity Rings

Author:  //  Category: Diamond Eternity Rings

Eternity rings are beautiful symbols of love that your sweetheart is sure to cherish for years to come. But what are the true meanings of eternity rings? We’ve researched it, and found out that they can mean lots of different things to different people.

Eternity rings are rings, usually made of gold, white gold, or platinum, that feature stones that encompass the outside of the ring all the way around. Some feature stones that go half-way around, while most feature stones all the way around. The stones most often used are diamonds. Eternity rings are used very often for wedding bands, but are becoming increasingly popular as anniversary gifts and symbolizations of many special moments in a couple’s life.

Wedding bands symbolize the eternal circle of love and life. They are one continuous circle of precious metal that can never be broken. Many people have their wedding bands made to fit and don’t believe in sizing them. This is simply because they don’t want the band to ever be cut. The circle must never be broken. This is one reason that eternity rings are so popular as wedding bands. They don’t only beautifully compliment a diamond engagement ring, but they are one continuous unbreakable circle. Because of diamond placement circling the ring, you can’t size it. Cutting the band could cause you to lose stones and some believe, break the eternal circle. Eternity rings must be made to be the size that you need.

As one of the strongest substances on the planet, diamonds themselves represent eternity. Diamonds can mean undying love and devotion, loyalty, fidelity, eternal friendship, unwavering partnership and commitment. They can also represent the future, promising a life of togetherness and closeness. Diamonds on eternity rings represent all of these meanings in an eternal circle, essentially magnifying their meanings, continually encompassing the finger in a never-ending circle of lasting beauty.

Some people use eternity rings to symbolize various moments in their lives. One man described why he chose an eternity ring for his bride of fifty years. He realized that each one could symbolize something important that they had shared or an adversity that they had overcome together. He wrote a beautiful poem describing what each stone meant. One was for the first time he laid eyes on her. The next was for their first kiss. Then came marriage, children, their first home, getting through the hardships that they had faced together with unwavering commitment to each other, and so on. Coming up with his own meanings made this eternity ring extremely special to his wife and surely put a smile on her face every time she saw it after that. This special ring and it’s story will most definitely become a treasured family memory and heirloom in the future.

In short, the eternity rings that you give can mean whatever you want them to. Eternity rings should always symbolize something. Whether it is marriage, the birth of a child, anniversary or just a special time in your lives, eternity rings can really solidify the moment, capturing the uniqueness and sacred bond that you share in a stunning circle of stones. Your special relationships, friendships and love can be forever symbolized in eternity rings.