by Brittany on June 5, 2010
Diamonds are not cheap. Especially if you want real, hand cut, authentic gems. It is common knowledge that a man spends two months of his salary on his bride-to-be’s engagement ring. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got rent, tuition, food, and other needs that I need to be working and paying for. And I am sure that all of the men out there have these obligations as well. It takes a lot of saving and frugality to work up to an investment like a diamond ring. But there is also a way for the every-day frugal person to get a diamond ring that isn’t as spendy as a two-month’s salary. These diamonds are real, yet they contain more authentic blemishes such as inclusions and exclusions, lower color grade, lower quality. But they are no Cubic Zirconia either.
Genuine Gems for Less
Photo by stevendepolo
When you are looking to buy a real diamond for less, the carat, cut, color and clarity will most likely be within a certain range that will differ depending on where you shop. When buying affordable diamonds, the buyer makes sacrifices between the 4 Cs. If he wants less color, it may be a smaller carat to get within the price range. If he wants a premium cut, he may have to sacrifice the diamond being near colorless instead of colorless. You give some and you take some when buying affordable diamonds.
The Carat weight of an affordable diamond will pretty much always be less, unless the other qualities of the diamond are low grade. Carat is one quality of a diamond that usually has a pretty heavy influence on the price of the diamond.
The Cut grade, ranging from preferred as the lowest, to premium and then hearts and arrows, will most likely be in the preferred range when buying a cheap diamond. This preferred diamond cut grade means that the symmetry of the diamond lets in less light, thus giving the diamond less brilliance. A properly cut diamond will bend the light that enters the diamond so that it returns through the top of the diamond, giving it that sparkle and shine that is most desired. The cut grade is honestly up to the buyer’s preference, and the brilliance cannot be strictly tagged to a scale from preferred to hearts and arrows. Whatever is appealing to the buyer in terms of cut grade is what is important.
Photo by Jenny Downing
In terms of Color it is easy to get a colorless diamond, which is more valuable, for a reasonable price. The reason that colorless diamonds are so highly valued is because the less color there is, the wider spectrum of colors that the diamond catches, which increase its brilliance and fire. The scale of color goes from colorless to near colorless to faint yellow to very light yellow to light yellow. A diamond with an E color grade is very attainable for an affordable price.
The Clarity of an affordable diamond varies greatly, depending on the other qualities of the diamond. The clarity ranges from the lowest of an FL all the way up to an SI2. But for an affordable diamond that is not quite two months worth of salary, around a VS1 clarity which is in the middle range of the scale, is an affordable option without having to sacrifice color or cut grade.
What is considered affordable is up to the buyer, but these are some guidelines to follow so that there is no confusion on what you are paying for when you buy cheap diamonds. I wish you well in your bargain hunting!
by Brittany on May 25, 2010
It’s undeniable that some women want to be treated like a princess by their man. And is there anything wrong with that? These are the women who love being pampered, are classy, and have a knack for all things glamorous. And when choosing a diamond for this kind of woman, you cannot go wrong when choosing a princess cut diamond. It’s traditional while also being uniquely cut to perfection for the princess-like personality. Go from toad to prince when giving her one of these princess cut diamonds. She may even call you her knight in shining armor.
What to know about the Princess Cut
Photo by Zales
- The princess cut diamond is a non-round diamond, cut with pointed corners most traditionally in a square shape. It’s unique cut make it a popular choice for engagement rings, because the square cut was specifically designed to get the maximum amount of brilliance. The shape of princess cut diamonds can very greatly on how square or rectangular they are. When looking for a diamond that is very square, look for a diamond with length-width ratios around 1-1.05. When looking for a princess cut with a greater rectangular shape, look for length-width ratios greater than 1.10.
- When looking to buy a princess cut diamond, it’s important to buy a setting that will keep the four corners safe from chipping. These four corners are areas that are easily chipped because of their sharp edges. This is why some square and rectangular princess cut diamonds are designed with cropped corner.
Photo by iLoveButter
- Princess cut diamonds require four-pronged settings, so keep this in mind when choosing the diamond and setting.
- For diamond cuts, princess diamonds are the 2nd most popular following closely behind the round brilliant cut. Diamond manufacturers love the princess cut because it retains 80% of the rough diamond, while round brilliants only retain 50%. Meaning that it does not waste as much of the original crystal. This is another reason that princess cut diamonds are so popular for their young age, being developed around the 1960s.
Deciding what kind of cut to purchase, along with a setting that will go with it isn’t an easy task. But figuring out how her personality goes with the diamond is the first step, while deciding on if it’s something she will actually like. While the princess cut is one fit for a princess, there is also something very simple and modern about it. The classic colorless quality of the diamond is universally appealing, so there shouldn’t be any question of her not liking it.
by Brittany on May 19, 2010
When a man thinks of buying an engagement ring, the picture in his mind is almost always a large Solitaire diamond ring (and most often it is what he only dreams of buying). Other gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires, and rubies hardly even get a chance to be considered as engagement rings. But why not decide on a gemstone engagement ring? They are gorgeous, have multiple personalities willing to fit whatever your fiancé’s style is, and they are just as meaningful as any old Solitaire diamond ring. Aside from diamonds, here are some colorful gemstones that you should consider buying for your loved one!
Colorful Gems that will look great on her ring finger
Photo by The Guild
Aquamarine gemstones are typically a light blue in color, while coming from the blue and green variety of Beryl which comes from the Latin word meaning “sea water.” These gems are very pleasing to the eye, and are not the norm of what is usually put on a woman’s left ring finger. But why not? Aquamarine is beautiful, the gem’s personality is one of vibrancy and excitement, while having another side that is calm, collected and elegant. Aquamarine gemstones are sure to stand out… And isn’t that the fun part?
Photo by Amazon
Chrysoprase gems come from a very fine green color and texture. The translucent blueish green color is derived from the presence of nickel. Ranging from light apple greens to emerald colors, Chrysoprase gemstones are another kind of gem that is uncommon for engagements but would not be turned down. The beautiful hues of this gem aren’t just a symbol of marriage, they’re a fashion accessory.
Photo by Gordon's Jewelers
Citrine gemstones are classy, vibrant, and versatile. These gems can be from any shade of pale yellow to tangerine orange, with the absolute presence of yellows and golds. The yellow color is from the presence of iron, and darker colors mean the gemstone is a higher grade. This gemstone is a popular and affordable alternative to the yellow sapphire or yellow diamond. The gem symbolizes light-heartedness, joy and happiness.
Photo by Amazon
Emerald gemstones are more popular and well known than other colorful gemstones for their intense, deep green color. When in top quality, fine emeralds are more valuable than diamonds. The paler the color in emerald gemstones, the less value they are. Emeralds are known for their flaws, yet some prefer an emerald gemstone with minimum inclusions or exclusions as opposed to a flawless gem because it proves authenticity.
Photo by Zales
Garnet gemstones are most often known as being a deep and luminous red, ranging from a soft reds and deep cranberry colors to pinks, oranges and even greens. This gemstone is a bold choice for any fiery personality. Anyone who enjoys bold, strong and warm colors will enjoy the various shades that garnet gemstones offer.
Photo by Amazon
Kunzite gemstones are of the soft and delicate shades of pink and purple. The deeper the color of this gem, the more valuable it is. Kunzite gemstones are known for their sharp and immaculate cuts, creating the best possible view of pinks and purples from the base of the gem. The appealing color of this gem make it a popular gem, with its girly and princess-like personality.
With an eclectic variety of colors, gemstones and personalities to fit the hand that the ring will go on, no excuses can be made. the Aquamarine, Chrysoprase, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet and Kunzite gemstones are each individually unique, having a style of their own that can be uniquely fit to the personality of the recipient. Diamonds are great, but a change in color and style wouldn’t hurt.
by Brittany on April 30, 2010
There is something about going back in time to different eras, such as the Victorian and Flapper eras, that are so appealing to women of the 21st century. Styles are constantly going back in time when it comes to fashion, clothing and jewelry. For some odd reason, old is in. And since this is the motto, antiques have never been in such high demand. So that goes without saying that antique rings are what women are wanting for engagement rings, wedding rings and rings for no occasion whatsoever. So whether you are a gal looking for a fun piece of jewelry to add to your collection, or you are a man looking for an antique rock to propose to your girlfriend with, you have come to the right place.
Revisiting the Eras
The Art Nouveau Era was a decorative art form following the Arts and Crafts Movement, borrowing the movement’s flowery textiles and delicate, flowing patterns. It spread throughout Europe in the 1900’s and was a dominant art form at the Paris Exhibition in 1900. It was an era of flowing dresses and skirts, of organic forms of material that were simple and graceful. This style is very popular right now, as women are trying to recreate the flowing and simple patterns and materials that were once worn in this artistic era.
The jewelry of the Victorian Era was romantic and later influenced the Arts and Crafts Movement. Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 and most of the western jewelry was made in Europe until mid century when American and Australia began making it. The jewelry was heavily influenced by the new botanical discoveries of Darwin, leading to pins and jewelry that resembled butterflies, beetles, monkeys and peacocks. But along with this eccentric style was the elegant diamonds that were crafted with precious metals, encrusted with gems and gemstones.
The Retro Era of the 1940’s and 50’s had big, flashy and colorful jewelry. It was heavily influenced by the glamour of the 20’s and 30’s as well as the Duchess of Windsor who impacted the era with her bold and unique jewelry. This era showed more bold and flowing designs. And since the war was going on there were shortages seen in pearls and gems due to embargoes. Thus, semi precious and synthetic gems were used to create new jewelry styles.
During the Renaissance (15th to 17th century) was when jewelry became an even larger part of fashionable costume. The velvet and silk robes of men and women were embroidered with pearls and gems. Jewelry showed the close link between decorative arts and the art of painting, architecture and sculpture. Renaissance jewelry is most characterized by its richness in color and the religious theme that were placed within them. It was typical for pearls, enameling and colored gems to be combined into brooches, which added to the interesting and eccentric style.
Whatever era you decide to go with, all of these antique rings have their own unique personalities that should match with the personality of the owner. And especially when going with these authentic, antique rings, you will be sure to have a distinct ring that no one will be able to match.
*Art Nouveau, Victorian, Retro and Renaissance rings by Georgian Jewelry
