Jewellery News and Reviews

A diamond has long been acknowledged as the hardest substance on the earth known to mankind. No matter where in the world you live, everyone knows that diamonds are highly valued and treasured in all cultures and countries around the globe. What is not as well known is what diamonds are composed of, how they are formed and what it is about them that makes them so very valuable and highly desirable.

A diamond is actually a mineral and begins life as carbon which is then formed over many, many years. In order for the carbon deposits to form into a diamond, the substance must be subjected to certain conditions that tempers and changes the mineral into the rare and beautiful gem. The first diamonds were recorded to have been discovered some 3000 years ago in India.

Ever since those days, diamonds have enjoyed a reputation for their value and their beauty. They are held by many as symbols of status, quality, abundance, power and even royalty. The term diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas,” which mean indomitable.

In fact, in many ancient civilizations, the diamonds were worn by warriors as they marched into battle to symbolize courage, strength and invincibility. This is just one of many examples of how the diamond has become such an integral part of culture, history and lore of many countries.

Today, the majority of the stones come from mines that are located in the countries of central and southern Africa. However, there are still significant numbers of the rare and precious gems that are mined in other parts of the world such as Brazil, Australia, Canada and Siberia, which boasts the single largest diamond mine in the world.

Anyone who has ever shopped for a diamond ring, diamond earrings, or other diamond jewelry are probably very well aware that the De Beers company controls a huge portion of the diamond market. The stones must meet stringent quality standards and the De Beers company is one of the diamond suppliers that is well known for the high quality of gems that they bring to the market. In fact, in some parts of the world, De Beers has even been accused on monopolizing the entire diamond market because of the considerable control they have.

There is no doubt that the diamond is still one of the most desirable and treasured gems of any that are available. Virtually all high-end jewelry is embellished with a diamond or two, which immediately makes a statement about the person wearing such a fine piece of body jewelry. A diamond engagement ring is certainly considered to be the standard that symbolizes love, romance and commitment.

Diamonds will vary a great deal in price based upon on the quality classification of the gem. Four aspects are considered when evaluating the diamond’s value. These four characteristics are the Four “C”s and they are clarity, cut, color and carat.

Of all the rings that were ever designed to impress or send a message to someone the eternity ring was created. A simple princess cut diamond ring as it is better known. There are of course many other designs and types of princess cut diamond rings that are used, but the eternity ring has kept the rankings for all time for this cut.
 
If money is not the main concern for any spoilage for a woman then you simply cannot ignore adding a princess cut diamond pendant to the collection that you may have started. Yes, when all the pieces have been collected it may seem in volume that you have purchased quite a bit of jewelry, but in essence the princess cut diamond ring or any of the other princess cut diamond jewelry is still the cheapest of the diamond cut ranges.

So don’t go flattering yourself too much, there are many other pieces that could really put a dent in your pocket depending on the design or shape of the diamond. Yes, keep it simple and sweet.

Always buy the simple jewels yourself to do away with your wallet going up in flames in a flash. As most diamond gifts are either for a proposal some are also given as a “forgive me” gifts. If for the latter, another simple princess cut diamond ring might not do the trick.
 
Considering The Collection
 
When you originally considered purchasing any jewelry for the one you love, it is important to remember that the jewelry has to not only suite your pocket but also the person who has to wear it. Make sure that if you are beginning a collection of some kind that they do match be it in color or size or design, but most of all that the individual wearing them would like to wear it.

A plain princess cut diamond ring is sufficient for a limited time to finish any hand that may need marriage too for the future. This would no doubted be followed by other lavish little gift before the wedding, followed by the earrings, pendant, and the matching bracelet. Now what woman wouldn’t feel nearly complete?
 
As plain as the princess cut diamond ring is, with the square or rectangular shape, it is still hopefully the ring of choice to make, it shouldn’t stand too tall as it does tend to hook on things which could make the person who has to wear it very frustrating, as this is how rings are often lost by having to take them off too often.

 A receded diamond ring could be the alternative if the person is a busy body and the ring would get damaged easily. 

Diamonds have remarkable physical characteristics. Not only do well cut diamonds disperse light in a way that gives extraordinary shine and brilliance, they are also the hardest of all the naturally occurring minerals. Diamond rings make the perfect choice for a romantic gift because they sparkle and give of fire but are also scratch-proof and extremely durable. A person can wear a diamond ring for life without fear of the jewel losing any of its original polish or sheen over time. The metal part of a diamond ring may wear away with use, but the jewel never will.

The Symbolism

Diamonds symbolize different things depending on who you ask. For some they are a symbol of wealth, material greed and even the fickleness of females. However, traditionally diamonds represent more wholesome values such as love, purity, strength, power, natural beauty, permanence and infinity. In fact the word diamond comes from the Greek word ‘adamas,’ which means unconquerable or indestructible. The symbolism associated with the jewel makes the diamond engagement ring or wedding band a more suitable choice than one containing any other kind of gemstone.

Four C’s

If you want to buy an exquisitely beautiful and valuable diamond ring it is worth keeping the four C’s in mind. The four C’s refer to color, cut, clarity and carat weight. These are the four variables which are used to measure the value of any diamond. Carat is the weight of the diamond. Diamond rings that contain a jewel with a higher carat weight are worth more. As far as color is concerned, less is better. If the diamond ring contains a jewel that is clear and devoid of any pigment it will be more expensive than one that contains a gem with a tint of color. Diamonds that are well cut also cost more. A well cut diamond has more polish and symmetry. The clarity of the diamond concerns inclusions which are natural markings within the diamond. The less inclusions the diamond has the higher the clarity and the value.

Design And Shape

Diamond rings are available in countless different designs from the traditional to the unique. You can purchase them with bands made out of metals such as silver, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum or titanium. Diamond rings also have an assortment of different gem shapes. The most popular diamond rings have a round or solitaire shaped jewel. They are also available in other shapes such as oval, emerald, radiant, marquise and princess. If you wish to purchase a diamond ring for the special person in your life, take your time to peruse the assortment of available designs, metals and gemstone shapes that are available until you come across something you really like.

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