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!

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

1. 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.
2. 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

3. Princess cut diamonds require four-pronged settings, so keep this in mind when choosing the diamond and setting.
4. 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.

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.

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

Ring enhancements, true to their name, are worn to maximize the beauty and elegance of solitaire diamond rings. Worn as an additional band and paired with a solitaire diamond ring, enhancers include ring wraps and/or ring inserts. A ring wrap (top photo) is a band designed to fit around a solitaire diamond ring, displaying additional diamonds on both sides of the stone which fits into the center. This type of enhancer wraps around the solitaire diamond ring without completely surrounding the stone. A ring insert (bottom photo) is a split, double band which the solitaire ring slides into. In this type of enhancer, the accent stones usually completely surround the center stone.

Functions of Ring Wraps and Ring Inserts

Ring wraps and inserts are typically used in addition to wedding bands, or even as the wedding band itself, coordinating with engagement rings. The enhancements can be given as anniversary gifts or given when renewing wedding vows. If giving the gift of an heirloom solitaire diamond ring, the wrap or insert is also chosen, as a unique addition to the ring. But most of the time, they are used to enhance the appearance of a basic solitaire diamond ring.

Choosing the Correct Ring Enhancement

It’s important to know the correct size and shape of your solitaire diamond ring when selecting a ring wrap or insert. The shape of the enhancer must mold to the fit of the diamond solitaire, allowing the center stone to fit properly into the enhancer. Consider also a similar metal band to that of the solitaire diamond’s band. In many cases, women will have the enhancer and their solitaire diamond ring welded together to ensure a tight fit at all times. The blending of the solitaire diamond ring and the enhancer is the priority when deciding to buy a ring wrap or ring insert.

Are you untraditional? Does your significant other like going against the grain as well when it comes to her style and the way she lives? You may want to consider buying her a black diamond ring. For an engagement, a marriage, perhaps even as an act of kindness. Black diamonds are very different from traditional white diamonds, but they still carry a deep and significant meaning within their luminous and deep black hue.

Black diamonds are…

1. Versatile. Though the elegance of the diamond itself is still apparent, like a typical white diamond, it’s not as ‘in-your-face’ and showy. Black diamonds can be worn with anything and give one’s style a unique twist. They give off an ‘I am different, and I like it that way’ vibe.
2. Clean. Though dirt, dust and grime are still able to get into the crevices between the diamond and the band, with a black diamond this dirt isn’t as noticeable as it is with a white diamond.
3. Funky. Let’s just face it, black diamonds aren’t seen very often on the fingers of women. Why is this? White diamonds are more popular—and more available—yet if black diamonds were just as available, wouldn’t they be just as popular? Black diamonds are different, and against-the-grain of society’s expectations on what is normal. So what I am trying to say is, if you want to rebel against the norms of society and what is ‘in,’ then get a black diamond.

Here are some examples of famous black diamonds that could be of inspiration to your unique cravings for these beautiful diamonds:

The Spirit of de Grisogono is the world’s largest cut black diamond and weighs 312.24 carats. It is the fifth largest diamond in the world. The black diamond is set within a white gold mounting of 702 white diamonds which total 36.69 carats. So if you want a good arm work out, this is the ring for you.

The Gruosi is named after a famous Swiss jeweler, Fawaz Gruosi, who was known for his enthusiasm for black diamond jewelry when launching a unique collection of the jewelry in 1996. This heart shaped black diamond is the largest of its cut and color in the world, weighing 115.34 carats. And this large black diamond is centered within 58.77 carats of smaller black diamonds, 378 white diamonds, 14.10 tsavorite garments (the green gemstones), all set in white gold.

 The Black Orlov is said to have taken its title from a Russian Princess named Nadia Vyegin-Orlov, who may have owned it for a period of time within the mid-eighteenth century. It’s color is actually a very dark metal, but looks much like a black diamond. It is 67.5 carats in a cushion-cut shape. An alternative name to the diamond is the Eye of Brahma.

The Amsterdam is a very rare black diamond of African origin, said to be completely black. The diamond weighs 33.74 carats and has 145 facets. In November 2001 the diamond was auctioned off for $352,000 which set a world record for the highest price that a black diamond was bought for during auction.

Overall black diamonds have definitely made their mark within the jewelry industry—being large, rare and mysterious—but what do you think of these interesting and intriguing diamonds?

Photo By: Jennifrog

We all know the basics of the classic diamond: its hard, its a girl’s best friend, used in engagement rings, one of the rarest stones, but how are diamonds formed? What exactly makes them rare?

Diamonds are produced within the earth’s mantle layer which is about 100 miles beneath the earth’s surface. Diamond mines don’t necessarily drill 100 miles beneath the earth, rather they set up a mine where a volcanic eruption in the earth occurred. It is here that one finds the remnants of diamond within pieces of xenoliths. These xenoliths are pieces of the earth’s mantle that were pushed to the earth’s surface for miners to search and find the pieces of crude diamond. Now diamond isn’t automatically that picture of sparkling beauty, rather it is raw and looks like rock. The beauty is unfolded when the jeweler cuts into the diamond and polishes away the rock sediment to reveal the treasure beneath, much like other gems that are found within the earth.

Yet, many diamonds are not only used for jewelry. Industries often used pieces of crushed diamond to melt with metal in order to create a durable machine used for stone cutting, drills, and many other types of utility tools. Diamonds that are too big to cut for jewelry are often given to the metal industry to use in production machinery. The qualities looked for in these diamonds are heat conductivity and hardness to withstand different materials. Diamonds are often used in lasers to because they cooperate well with high intensity heat, used in saws and finely ground into a paste to help clean stones and metals.

photo by: tao_zyhn

Here are some of the desired characteristics within a diamond:

1. Hardness/Durability – the diamond is one of the hardest known natural minerals in the world. Its crystalline structure may become weak under different circumstances, however this is very slight in comparison to its excellent hardness under pressure.
2. Tolerance under pressure – the diamond withstands in high heat situations. It will remain stable in up to 6, 420 degrees Fahrenheit which makes it a very hardy mineral to use for different operations.
3. Dispersion of Light - the diamond can reflect and refract light with incredible accuracy. Its index of refraction is 2.33. This is useful for delicate operations and increases its beauty as a gem.

Can you tell which ring is fake and which one is real? What are the differences? The largest difference is that the ring on the top is set with real diamonds, as opposed to the Cubic Zirconias on the bottom. And the second largest difference is their prices. The ring on the top is $2,200 for the 18K white gold setting alone, while the Cubic Zirconia below it is a whopping $44.99.

The Cubic Zirconia is a diamond imitation substitute, which is a very affordable replacement for an actual diamond ring (though I would not suggest trying to pull any tricks by interchanging a Zirconia with a diamond). Cubic Zirconias, CZ for short, are popular for costume jewelry.

What are the differences?

While diamonds and Cubic Zirconias look very similar, there are some slight differences.

• The CZ has less brilliance and sparkle than a diamond, but the CZ does have more colors and flashes of rainbow colors. Because the two are so similar, trained gemologists often use special equipment to tell them apart.
• The hardness rating of a CZ is approximately 8, while the hardness rating of a diamond is 10.
• A CZ is about 75% heavier than a diamond of the same size.
• The only CZ gems that are sent out of the lab have no flaws with perfect clarity, while most diamonds have some sort of flaw internally or externally.
• While CZ gems are created to be completely colorless, this is an extreme rarity for diamonds. The noticeable difference between a Cubic Zirconia and a diamond is that a diamond may have a tinge of yellow in it, but a CZ will always be completely colorless.
• The cut of Cubic Zirconias are often rounded over the edges, as opposed to the sharp and crisp cuts found on a diamond.

So now that you’ve been educated on the differences between Zirconias and diamonds, don’t be fooled into playing dress up when you could be wearing true brilliance.

*Diamond ring photo from James Allen and Cubic Zirconia photo from Amazon

Since rings are worn on a daily basis, it is inevitable for them to collect dust, dirt and grime from the everyday duties that life requires of us. There is lathering up our dry skin, which requires lotion. There is laundry to be done, flowers to pot, food to cook! All of these daily tasks can prevent our wonderful diamond rings from looking their best. And so, we must fight against the perpetrators of dust, dirt and grime.

When diamonds develop this layer of film it prevents the diamond from looking its best, and showing its utmost brilliance. It’s important to clean your diamond consistently so that the diamond doesn’t develop a layer of dirt that is almost impossible to remove. Here are some safe and effective steps to cleaning and nurturing your diamond ring.

The Solution

In a small bowl mix warm water with a very mild and liquid detergent. This can be any household detergent but make sure it does not contain chlorine. Chlorine, like hairspray, can accumulate on a diamond over time giving it a washed out appearance.

The Brushing

With a soft bristled toothbrush, brush the ring within the mixture so that there are noticeable suds lathering on and around it. The hard and rough bristles of a brush may scratch the soft metal of the setting, so make sure to use one that is soft. Cleaning all around the diamond and the setting, continue until you have scrubbed the whole ring in the solution.

The Rinse

After mixing, scrubbing and brushing, rinse the ring off in warm water. Be sure to do this over a strainer so that your ring doesn’t fall down the sink. Once there are no longer any noticeable soap bubbles or suds, pat dry your ring with a soft lint-free cloth.

While this practical at-home treatment is the easiest and most convenient method of cleaning your ring, it is not the only way. Another way of cleaning your ring, that may take a little extra time, but well worth it, is taking the ring to a local jeweler. Taking your ring to a local jeweler for periodic ultrasonic cleanings is beneficial to those hard to reach areas beneath the diamond and setting that a brush can’t reach. And while you can be proactive with cleaning, you can also use…

Prevention (from the dirt that loves getting into the crevices of your beloved diamond ring)

• Before putting on any kind of lotion, hairspray or anything else that enhances beauty in the form of a spray, liquid or moisturizer—just take off the ring. It’s that simple! It will be helpful to keep it in a special place like the box that it came in, for example, to store it in when you are temporarily taking it off.
• When cooking, cleaning or doing chores around the house, take it off and put it in its safe little box so that you can prevent dirt from reaching your diamond.
• While wearing it try to resist from touching the diamond. The oils of our fingers can cloud the brilliance of the diamond.
• When you stow away your diamond each time, place it in the same box in the same place to prevent any misplacements. No one enjoys a little panic attack from a missing ring. And no husband enjoys taking apart the sink’s pipes just to be sure there isn’t a ring in there.

Happy cleaning and preventing!

*Top photo by: Kanzeon Zen Center Center photo by: Sergis Blog Bottom photo by: base2wave

Photo By: llsimon53

We’ve all heard, and I know it to be true, that chocolate is a girl’s best friend, next to the diamond. It’s creamy goodness is enough to satisfy her through any hardship or relationship. We’ve all heard also, that diamonds are a girl’s best friend; need I explain the logic here? With the best of both worlds a chocolate diamond is the sweetest gift to give your girl for her engagement ring. Though this sweet relationship is enough to make your girl cry, it’s bitter sweet ending is that the diamond isn’t actually chocolate, it’s only the name given to describe such a scrumptious color.

Chocolate Diamonds started as a campaign for Le Vian to help sell their brown diamonds, which are low grade diamonds, and not considered as valuable as clear diamonds. However, by calling these diamonds chocolate, Le Vian has sold more of these brown diamonds since the beginning of 2000. Many celebrities wear chocolate diamonds from Le Vian including Paris Hilton, Anne Hathaway, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Garner, and many others.

However, there aren’t just chocolate diamonds, there are also:

1. Honey Diamonds – which consist of a golden/orange tone.
2. Clove Diamonds – boast of a olive brown hue.
3. Champagne Diamonds – contain a warm golden brown color.
4. Cinnamon Diamonds – are a light brown hue.
5. Cognac Diamonds – consist of a red/orange hue with tones of brown.

These diamonds range in a wide variety of brown tones which give each diamond it’s characteristic color. By bestowing these diamonds their names we have a better understanding of what to expect when it comes to color variations in brown. Chocolate diamonds come in all sorts of jewelry ranging from earrings to bracelets, and necklaces to rings; there is a chocolate diamond waiting for you to dawn its splendor. However, make sure you are purchasing your chocolate diamond from a trusted jeweler like Le Vian, or ask for a certificate to know of its authenticity and origin. Many jewelers will sell you cheap versions of chocolate diamonds, which will never fully satisfy like a real chocolate diamond.