Posts Tagged ‘jewelry’

Getting Your Diamond Jewelry Insured

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

From: princess cut diamond engagement rings. Aside from your home, car, and appliances/furniture, diamond jewelries and other kinds of jewelries is the next biggest investment.  Given that they are valuable, it is then important to insure them.  However, working or getting an insurance for your jewelries could be tricky.  There are incidents when insurance companies would not cover whatever happened with your gems.  

To avoid this kind of situation, it is important to completely study and research about the insurance company’s policy regarding the gem stones.  When applying for insurance for your diamond jewelries, make sure that you have the grading certificate and other certificates handed to you when you bought the diamond.  This would ensure that the diamond you will be insuring will not be under question by the insurance company. 

Even if you keep your gem jewelry in a safe place at home, theft and robbery could still happen.  diamonds would also get lost when the prong or the mount supporting the gem stone would come loose.  diamonds are indeed the hardest of gems, but that does not mean they are not destructible.  Accidents could happen and eventually send your precious gem stone jewelry into pieces. Keep the mentioned situations in mind when choosing insurance policies. Insurance policies should cover theft, accidental loss and damage.  

gem stone insurance policies could be categorized into three:

– Actual cash value.  In this type of insurance, diamonds are replaced regardless of their initial cost. The insurance policy would depend on the current value of the diamond jewellery and not on how much it cost the owner before.  This is the most preferable type of insurance for diamond jewelry, however, it could also be the most costly. Most jewellers would recommend this kind of insurance policy for those who own heirloom diamond jewelries or those with large diamonds. 

– Replacement value.  This kind of insurance policy is more affordable however the owner of the diamond may not be able to get the real value of lost gem.  When an insured diamond jewelry gets lost or was stolen, replacement value insurance policies would replace the lost jewel at a lower cost than the lost diamond was purchased.  Sometimes it is replaced with something that has lower carat.  The reason why it is more affordable is that policy holders would only be paying to get to the value of the diamond, but customers would not be getting the same value. 

– Agreed value. This is the most rare kind of insurance policy but some would say that this is best policy that could cover your gem jewelry.  the owner and the insurance company would undergo negotiations and agree on the value of the gem stone jewelry.  When something happens to the gem jewelry, the insurance company would be providing what is the agreed amount of compensation. 

Insurance policy rates may be different based on the location and other factors. When getting your diamond jewellery insured, it is best to shop around and check different insurance company policies.  Always make sure that the fine print will be not missed out.  Some insurance company policies would have loopholes in them which could eventually go against you.

For more please see inexpensive princess engagement rings and princess cut solitaire engagement rings.

Is Your Diamond Jewelry Real?

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

From: affordable princess engagement rings. Given very few exceptions, diamond jewelry is the world’s most expensive in its class. Even those gem stone items that are small or flawed still cost more than the best of the other gems.

It is small wonder, then, that some people would capitalize on this and put out fakes to rip off the unwary and make a fast buck for themselves. How does one make sure one’s diamonds are real?

As a layman, you can rely on your common sense and use some of the following random tips. Spotting a fake diamond may not be very easy (some con artists use very sophisticated techniques nowadays), but it can be done. 

When all else fails and you cannot trust your judgment, you can always have your stone appraised by a competent professional jeweler.

Scratches 

Check for scratches. As your elementary science had told you, diamonds are the hardest known element so far discovered in the universe. It stands to reason then that it cannot be scratched or gashed by anything softer.

Moissanite (which resembles a real gem) and cubic zirconium (another diamond dead-ringer) both scratch easily. Ask your jeweler for a magnifying glass and check it yourself.

Personal tests

Breathe into a diamond. If it clears up fast, it’s real. If it takes the stone some seconds to evaporate the moisture, it might be a fake. 

Hold the stone up to the light. If there is a rainbow of colors instead of shades of gray, your gem stone could be a fake. It does not have a diamond’s real property to reflect light.

Sometimes, the setting and the mounting of the stone are both giveaways. Fake stones are usually set in inferior metals. Cheap stones and cheap settings usually go together. (The settings might also be plated in gold or silver to simulate the real things.)

Be forward about your purchase and ask about your gem stone stone. Ask if your stone is a diamond or a moissanite. 

The dealer should be able to provide the information. Some retailers have a “don’t ask, don’t tell policy”. 

Best of all, ask for the stone’s certificate. If the gem stone is real, dealers would be willing to issue such a certificate. 

The best certificate comes from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the European Gemological Laboratories (EGL) if you are from the continent.

These organizations examine diamonds and issues grade reports on them. GIA and EGL are the two of the most respected laboratories acknowledged by the whole diamond industry in the world.

Be a sometime expert

If you have the inclination, the resources and the time, you may enroll at the American Institute of diamond Cutting, for instance. This independent academy can train you to become a diamond expert.

Other companies, like the famous De Beers Group, have their retail personnel study at the diamond Academy for a training course that provides information all about diamonds. Getting into the company will make you an expert, too.

Studying on your own all about diamonds will also fill you in with some essential information about the gem. Libraries and the Internet abound with information. 

In the meantime, some of the tips on how to spot fake diamond jewelry can help. An inquisitive mind and a healthy skepticism are definitely advantageous.

For more see 3 stone princess cut engagement rings and antique diamond rings in princess cut.

Handmade Jewelry As A Hobby and Business

Monday, March 1st, 2010

From affordable princess engagement rings. What is handmade Jewelry and why is it becoming so popular? 

Handmade Jewellery is made by individuals with the aid of simple tools. To be truly handmade, nothing should be machine made and as such, it is truly unique. The uniqueness is what makes handmade Jewellery valuable and popular in this age of mass production and computer aided designs. Handmade Jewelry is a work of art. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of handmade Jewelry? 

Advantages
1. It is unique, no one else has the same item. No two items are alike and there are people who are willing to pay for the uniqueness of handmade Jewelry. 
2. Generally, more durable than the machine made Jewellery.  Many who are in the handmade Jewelry business are there not just to make money but also to practice something they love doing. Since they love Jewelry making, their creations are usually made with the utmost care and dedication. 
3. Makes for an interesting conversation piece because there is usually a story behind most handmade Jewellery. 
4. An expression of one’s individualism. There are handmade Jewelry pieces that the majority wouldn’t care to wear but there are those who see them as an expression of who they are. And since no one else has that item, then the wearer is truly unique. 
5. Could be a valuable item in time particularly if the creator becomes a popular artist. This has happened in other art forms where the value of the items go up with their creator’s rise to fame. It sometimes pays to invest in really good pieces of art.  

Disadvantages
1. More expensive than a mass produced item of almost the same model. This is understandable since everything in a handmade Jewellery is really handmade. You can’t buy machine-made parts, assemble  them manually and consider the finished item as handmade. 
2. Requires more time, skill and concentration. Yes, the process is slow and requires the skills of a crafter.
3. The Jewellery looks just like the hundreds or thousands that have been mass-produced. 
4. Loses its value with time. 

Handmade Jewellery as a Business

With the growing popularity of handmade Jewelry, there is also a growing demand for it. Since not everyone has the knack for actually making handmade Jewelry, this is the time for the hobbyists to become entrepreneurs.  Going into business is also a chance to earn doing something you truly enjoy.

For more see antique cushion cut rings and radiant cut diamond solitaire engagement rings.

Is Your Gemstone Genuine?

Monday, March 1st, 2010

From solitaire engagement rings. Jewelry is big business and the real value of any Jewellery is dependent on the Gemstone that is part of it. With this in mind, how do buyers know or make sure that they are paying for the real thing? What are the qualities or characteristics to check or watch for to be sure that the Gem is genuine?   

It takes training and the right equipment to determine if a Gem is genuine.  The term “genuine ” means that the Gem doesn’t only look as expected, it should also meet the physical and chemical characteristics unique to that Diamond.  It takes training and the right equipment to determine if a Diamond is genuine or not and there are testing laboratories to do this job. 

Before going any further, are treated Diamonds still genuine? A treated Gemstone, as long as its molecular structure isn’t altered, can still be the real thing but it is no longer natural. Some Diamonds are treated to enhance their appearance and decorative value.  

What to Check

Yes, there are professionals to perform the tests that determine if a Gemstone is genuine or not but it is a valuable asset to any Gemstone buyer to know the attributes to be tested. 
The following are the characteristics to check: 
1.0 Chemical composition and atomic structure
The atomic structure is what differentiates Gemstone from other carbon based matter like graphite. The stone’s hardness, and light reflection is dependent on the atomic structure. Gemstones usually have crystalline structures. 
2.0  Hardness and durability
Hardness is reported in a scale of 1 to 10, a method developed by Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist. The hardest are Gems at (10) and the softest is talc at (1). A Gemstone should have a hardness of no less than 7.
3.0 Other physical properties like the refractive index, dispersion and specific gravity.

Testing Laboratories

The following organizations provide certifications on the results of testing conducted. They also provide training and research services to their members. 

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
American Gemological Society (AGS) 
American Gem Trade Laboratory  of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). AGTA  the largest trade organization of  Gem traders
American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) 
European  Gemological Laboratory

The true value of any Diamond shouldn’t be determined by just the physical appearance. Advancements in science have produced synthetic “Diamonds” which cost just a fraction of the genuine Gemstones. Knowledge is the best protection  against paying for the price of the genuine item and getting a “fake”.

For more please see unique emerald cut diamond engagement ring and brilliant diamond solitaire princess cut engagement rings.

How to Sell Gemstones

Monday, March 1st, 2010

From discount solitaire engagement rings. If you are aiming to get a lucrative source of income through commission, why not try selling Gemstones? If you are familiar with the basic marketing strategies and the know-hows of Diamonds and Jewellery, then, don’t hesitate to get into action and earn from convincing people to buy Gems. 

There is not much added skills needed when trying to sell Gems. Aside from the basic marketing skills, a knack and genuine interest of Gems will truly be important. As you talk potential buyers and customers into purchasing an item, you should exude confidence and should create an impression that you are genuinely interested and well versed about the items you are selling. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be successful and you would eventually fail.

Here are some practical tips that would be helpful as you aim to sell precious Diamonds.

– If you are aiming to sell your own Diamonds, make sure to sell the items at premiums over your purchase investments. Diamonds’ values don’t decline over time. On the contrary, they almost always rise. 

– Make use of the basic marketing skills. Talk about the Gemstones you are selling, its history and some other basic information and trivia about the items. If you succeed in getting and arousing the interest of the prospective client, there is a greater chance that you will close a sales deal.

– Be able to appear authoritative and firm. Create an impression that you won’t give in to any demand to lower or bargain your asking price for any Diamond.

– If carrying Gemstones isn’t safe, bring brochures with you all the time. No matter where you go, you would find that there will always be opportunities to sell your item. Be alert.

– Advertise to promote the effort. You can run ads at local classifieds or promote your products at different online sites. If you can establish a Website to facilitate the selling transaction online, do so to secure convenience and reliability.

With the usually higher valuation of Gemstones, you would eventually have a hard time selling any item. Be patient and scheming in marketing and selling the products you are aiming to dispose. If you exhibit genuine interest and expertise about Gemstones, your selling endeavor will be improved. If potential buyers sense your expertise, you will be able to sell items at higher rates. That would mean higher income on commissions for you.

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Online Shopping: What To Keep In Mind When Buying Gem Jewellery

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

From: diamond solitaire engagement rings that are unique. Gem Stone jewelries, although expensive, are becoming popular gifts not only for engagements, but also for anniversaries, birthday and other joyous occasions. gem stone jewelry shopping could be a bit overwhelming, since there are national chains and local jewellers which could provide what you want.  Another place to search and purchase diamond jewelries is on the internet.  

More people are choosing online shops rather than personally buying the jewellery from the shops.  Mainly, it is because the price tends to be more affordable when buying things online.  Aside from the difference in the cost, there are also more choices in online shops.  It would also give you enough time to make a guided decision and learn more about diamonds.   It would even make jewelry hunting easier, since you can do this while at home or in the office.  

If you have chosen to purchase online, there are guidelines that should be considered to make sure that you will be getting your money’s worth.  

– When buying jewelries online, always look for shops that would display their business registration number.  They would also be displaying company contact information.  You could start by checking if these online shops are credible enough by calling the company offices.   You could also check online stores by sending them e-mails.  Immediate reply to your call or e-mail would show how much the company value its customers. 

– Always check the money-back guarantee. There are online stores that would offer diamond and other kinds of jewelries in low prices, only to find out that they have no-return policies in the fine print.  

– Once the online purchase is finished, it is available to take the jewelry to a trustworthy jeweller for inspection.  If your jeweller decides to use a loupe or a scope to examine it, make sure that your jeweller would be done with the inspection before the return-policy expires.  This would help you get an idea if your purchase would be worth its price,  if not, then you could return it. 

– Don’t immediately buy the gem jewelry that would catch your eye.  Continue with searching for similar gem jewelry that could cost you lower. 

– When purchasing the gem, always ask for the diamond certification or grading report.  This would ensure that your jewelry was properly inspected and documented.  

– When buying diamond jewellery online, using your credit card for purchase would be a good idea.  There are some credit card companies who would prevent or intervene if the product purchased or site is fraudulent.  Check with your bank if they would be able to do this for you in case you would run into a problem.

Online shops and stores could be convenient but safety and precaution should be followed when purchasing on the internet.  Regardless of any kind of product you will be buying, research is very crucial. 

There are also organizations which you could approach to learn more about a particular business or assistance regarding a problem with a purchase.  There are also local programs which could help in resolving disputes about jewelry, even gem jewelry disputes.

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Modern Look: Hip-Hop Gem Jewelry

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

From: cheap diamond engagement rings. What’s great about gem stone jewelry is that it could go along with the latest fashion trend.  There are different designs and styles that could make diamond jewelry fit different fashion, even Hip Hop.  Hip Hop is the fashion trend that most of the young generation follow, even celebrities would follow the latest Hip Hop fashion style. 

Hip Hop jewelry is often characterized as extravagant, flashy and catchy accessories that would also serve as status symbol for some.  This would show or celebrate a person’s success and the quality of life they are experiencing.  This is not just about showing extravagant and expensive jewelries, but is also about celebrating life.  It is no different from how ancient cultures would use accessories.  Bones, shells and other decorative pieces are used to indicate their status in their society.  

Fashion jewelries for Hip Hop emerged during 1970s.  Celebrities from different fields, music, film and sports would show up with the Hip Hop trend from ’80s until the ’90s. Until it was not only the celebrities showing up with this kind of fashion.  Hip Hop jewelries started to become bigger and flashier as the years go by, along with its number of followers.   

Nowadays, it is not unusual to see artists performing with chains, diamond rings and earrings,  and watches encrusted with jewels.  Hip Hop fashion is not only about the clothes and the accessories.  It has become a lifestyle, living in extravagance, luxury and expression of success and celebration of the fruits of hard work.  

Hip Hop jewellery can be made from variety of materials, it could be yellow or white gold, platinum, silver and gem.  In the ’80s and ’90s, it was mainly just gold.  But later on, silver, platinum and diamond became more popular because of the brilliance and its slick feel. Hip Hop jewelry is often referred to as Bling-Bling.  It did not only materialize in watches, rings and chains.  It is also usual to see diamond or jewel encrusted belt buckles, dog tags, and other aspects of fashion.  

With the increasing popularity of Hip Hop jewelry, there are also Bling-blings which are designed for those with simpler tastes.  These kind of jewelries are becoming popular not only with the younger generation, but even with those who belong is a more mature age level.   gem stone Bling-blings are great gift ideas for both men and women.  There are different designs that could go easily with different occasions.  Although, Hip Hop fashion is characterized as being flashy, there are also tone-downed designs which could be given to those who do not have flashy tastes. 

But diamond and jewel encrusted jewelries are not the most affordable gift items.  Actually, they can be very hard on wallets. An option would be buying similarly designed jewelries but with imitation or synthetic diamonds.  These gems are not naturally made or mined which make them more affordable, but they mimic the characteristics of a real diamond.  

However, if you are decided on buying real diamonds for your Hip Hop fashion,  always get a grade certification from the jeweller.  This document would assure you that you got your money’s worth.  If you are not up to extravagant spending, then you could settle for some man-made diamond jewelry with the Hip Hop feel.  You could easily check for designs and costs on the internet.

For more see emerald cut diamond solitaire engagement ring and pear solitaire engagement rings.

Light Performance And Your Diamond Jewelry

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

From: unique princess cut rings. The one standout quality that gem stone jewelry possesses (that makes them so desirable) is their ability to absorb light and disperse it back to the beholder. Humans have always been mesmerized by these light displays for centuries now.

In the jewelry industry, light performance is the description of how well a diamond stone returns the light to the viewer. These light properties described in light performance are brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Brilliance

Brilliance is how we perceive the diamond’s brightness. Normally, brilliance is not just the simple return of the light to the eyes of the beholder coming from the stone’s external and internal facets. 

Brilliance is also more than just the scintillation, the availabilities of light sources and the contrasts. Included here would be the fluctuating variables of an imperfect human perception.

For some, brilliance is the most important feature to consider a diamond’s beauty. This is because once brilliance is compromised, the diamond’s fire and scintillation are both reduced, too. 

Steep diamonds should be set in such a way that the light can enter in the pavilion and is reflected back out to the table (the stone’s top-most facet). Leakages are when a “window effect” is produced and the gem can be seen through like plain glass.

Scintillation

The idea of scintillation had been thought of as alternating flashes of contrasting dark and brightness produced by facets, caused in turn by the viewer’s movement, the gem stone or the illuminating source.

For some experts, defining and measuring scintillation cannot be done accurately, claiming that observations are always personal assessments. 

Others would define it as a contrast for brilliant white or fiery colored sparkles that appear brighter to the human eye. “Sparkly” things always catch and attract attention. 

One expert defines two kinds of scintillation. Static scintillation is “the amount and the placement of darkness in a diamond seen … [face-up view] in a jewelry store environment from a distance of 16 inches.” Dynamic scintillation “is the sparkle effect [one sees] when [any one of the] diamond, the light or the observer moves.”

Generally, scintillation is the total effect when small flashes of light are seen when the diamond, the light source or the viewer is moved. Consequently, a diamond that is cut and polished that gives off a high level of this quality is considered high in light performance.

There is a common assumption that gems with additional facets are more scintillating. (Strangely though, some customers likes better the bolder, blocky scintillation of the Old Mine cuts.)

Fire 

The so-called fire in a gem stone is its ability to disperse white light into its component colors. These are the spectral colors which are produced when the diamond disperses back the light like an expensive prism. 

These flashes of color are more intense and more attractive, though.

However, maximum brilliance and maximum fire cannot be observed at the same time, with the same view and at the same point. Brilliance is best seen in well-lighted areas and fire appears better in a point-lit room.

Whichever quality attracts you to gem jewelry – brilliance, scintillation, or fire – you certainly are one of those men and woman who had fallen to the magic charms of a very beautiful-looking stone.

For more see diamond princess cut rings vintage and diamond cushion cut engagement rings.

The Most Common Token of Celtic Wedding Jewelry

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Celtic wedding jewelry is often associated with myth and mystery and now it s a highly fashionable piece in demand. The chronicle of Celtic wedding jewelry dates back to Celtic history which is a part of Ireland s story. Celtic wedding jewelry symbolise love and loyalty to each other.

Celtic wedding jewelry consists of many motifs and patterns that are found in manuscripts and crosses. Celtic wedding jewelry may appeal as an art and for some it might come across with spiritualism. The ring contains the symbol of love and commitment. When considering purchasing Celtic Wedding jewelry, you need to take into head the design and elements.

The wedding band is a token of harmony and devotion towards the marriage. The knots and motifs in Celtic culture are specific and different. Celtic Wedding jewelry also has its influence from Christian symbolisation. To represent the mystery of Christian faith, the trinity knot is formed in some of these Celtic jewelty pieces and many people really love this.

The most common item under the Celtic wedding jewelry is the ring named Claddagh which is still used in many wedding ceremonies. This ring is worn on the right hand with the heart pointing out before marriage and after marriage it s later worn inwards. The rings are made out of gold, silver and platinum metals.

When determining on buying Celtic bridal jewelry it may not be an easy task as the local jeweler may not have a wide range of selection and in some cases it will be hard to find a place that sells Celtic wedding jewelry. Cyberspace would a better idea to buy but given that the Celtic wedding jewelry is rather expensive it s risky. There are some important facts that need to be considered before buying and these are outlined below:

1.    Consider the reputation of the company and ensure if they belong to Business Bureau
2.     Check the quality of the Celtic Wedding jewelry i.e. the skills of the jeweler
3.    Depth of the line is important as it differenciate the man and the woman; wider for men and narrower for women.
4.    Make sure to inquire about the several knots in Celtic wedding jewelry as these are related with meanings and do your own home work.

Celtic wedding jewelry is full of magic and brings an aura to the wearer. Make sure that you purchase it from an honest and reliable jeweler.

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Picking out a Complete Bridesmaid Jewelry for You

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Brides nowadays present their bridesmaids with a gift as way of thanking them for being a part of the wedding and celebration. The standard sum that a bridesmaid spends to be a part of a wedding ceremony would be $234. Therefore aiding with their bridesmaid jewelry is a great way of thanking them and cutting their burden financially.

There are many things to consider before buying the jewelry for bridesmaids. First Off think of the style of the bridesmaid dress that you have selected for them. This will assist you in deciding what complements the clothes as there are so many trends available in the market at present. Consider the style of the clothes whether it s a strapless, wide neck or a halter before purchasing.

If the clothes is a sweetheart neck shaped clothes a simple necklace would be elegant. If it s a halter clothes avoid purchasing choker as it will not complement the dress. For strapless dresses nearly any type of Bridesmaid jewelry would do, try Swarovski crystal or pearl jewelry and these would make the clothes look eccentric.

There are various types and prices of bridesmaid jewelry that you might choose for your bridesmaid from the dearest to less expensive ones. You need to position yourself a budget when it comes to bridesmaid jewelry. When shopping around it will assist you to focus on purchasing the jewelry within the budget.

Internet is an easy way of comparing the prices of the jewelry and you can do this online with no obligation. There are many websites that cater to bridesmaid jewelry and are available at low-priced prices such as auction or charity sites. Certain charity or auction stores deal with bridesmaid jewelry and dresses which have not been worn too much.

An important factor to be considered is that if you are looking forward to purchase the bridesmaid jewelry from an online store, check for their return policy. In some cases these online stores will not do a return if you are not satisfied about the jewelry. Always try to meet up with either the person or the store if they are available in your vicinity this will ensure that you are happy with the bridesmaid jewelry. Some stores offer you a adjustable return policy that will give the right to purchase several types of bridesmaid jewelry at once and this will allow bridesmaids to have a try on and check which would complement the dress.

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