Article fashion jewelry

Old antique engagement rings are those classic style rings that bring back the charm and history of an era gone by. Many couples enjoy the nostalgic feel of something their grandparents may have worn. Others simply like the idea of old-fashioned quality workmanship and styling. Whatever your reason for choosing vintage diamond engagement rings
finding the best rings at the best price is a concern.

Finding Antique Style Engagement Rings

Online auctions and the Internet in general have brought the world home. You can shop the tiniest Italian countryside village or Antwerp’s mega diamond dealers – all from your home computer.
If you like to shop closer to home where you can touch and feel the rings and try them on for size and style
then there are other great sources for vintage engagement rings. Flea markets or estate sales are two of the top sources for authentic vintage jewellery including diamond or sapphire jewelry in gold or silver.

Authenticating a Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring

Finding a vintage engagement ring is one thing
but making sure it is truly and antique is another. A reputable jewellery appraiser can help. There are telltale signs and markings on jewellery that will tell the trained appraiser when and where and by whom a specific piece of old jewellery was made. Each silversmith or artisan has a symbol that they will engrave in their work to mark it as one of their own. Counterfeiters will try to replicate the marks
but other design features will let the appraiser know if this is the case in a particular antique. The appraiser can then give you a guarantee or certificate of authenticity to go with your vintage diamond engagement ring.

The setting and the diamonds will need to be examined separately. You may find a vintage setting with newer diamonds. This won’t necessarily impact the value to you
but it would perhaps indicate that there were either several owners or that the person selling the rings as an antique may have changed stones. The number one consideration in choosing antique jewellery is to make sure you really love it. There are usually no exchanges for vintage diamond engagement rings.

It's been said that silver jewelry makes a person look youthful and energetic
while gold makes a person look sophisticated and mature. Hence
silver is a popular choice of the young for their adornments. It is also more practical
as it costs less than gold jewelry and is more widely available. There are more specialty shops that sell silver earrings
rings necklaces and bracelets
for example
than those that specialize in gold jewelry.

Silver jewelry has the impressive quality of being both affordable and stylish. Silver earrings are by no means "cheap" -- in fact
it is highly recommended as a complement to dark clothing
making for a very elegant and chic combination. Silver sets off dark colors and plays more on contrast
which makes for an extremely effective fashion statement. Silver jewelry and black attire is a favorite ensemble of artistes
as well as advocates of the popular "goth" movement.

All over the world
and throughout history
silver is thought of as a complement to gold. Silver as an element has been associated with the moon
while gold has been associated with the sun. The moon makes soft
mesmerizing silver ripples as it is reflected on a still lake. Its close relationship with moon imagery has made silver the color most commonly associated with dreams
fantasy and magic. Folklore has also endowed silver with special powers and healing properties.

Celebrities have also been known to patronize silver earrings. Oprah Winfrey and Sandra Bullock have sported chic chandelier-type silver pieces more than once. It is always interesting and a pleasure to behold the various styles and designs of celebrities’ silver jewelry
especially if it is worn in taste and in style.

A person who is building a collection of earrings should consider investing in a silver earring collection. In addition to being practical
the designs are immensely diverse and it doesn’t hurt to know that silver earrings are all the rage!

If you have been thinking about buying or wishing for a fancy colored diamond read this article first! Colored diamonds are the next big trend in jewelry design. The spectrum of colors is as big as your imagination. Choosing what’s right for you can be overwhelming in today’s diamond market. This article will address a few important factors to consider when buying a fancy colored diamond for yourself or a loved one. Most important is knowing the differences between colored diamonds that are formed naturally and ones that are man-made.

Natural Fancy Colored Diamonds
Diamonds colored naturally are very rare and fetch very high prices. There are three ways in which colored diamonds are formed by nature. The first method is when a foreign element is introduced to the carbon material that a diamond is made from. For example
nitrogen can cause a diamond to have yellow or orange hues while boron can make it blue. The second method is when pressure compresses the carbon and creates a red
pink or purple hue. Lastly
natural radiation deep in the earth generates diamonds with colors of green or blue. Green
red and purple diamonds are considered very rare and command high prices. Indeed
there are only six naturally formed red diamonds currently in the market. One can only imagine the prices these stones will fetch. Natural fancy colored diamonds are so rare that there exist at least 10
0
colorless stones for each colored stone.

Synthetic or Treated Fancy Colored Diamonds
Fancy colored diamonds can also be man-made in labs. There are a variety of methods used to color diamonds. Some of these stones are purely synthetic
meaning they were totally created in a lab to simulate the properties of a real diamond. They are formed from carbon just like the real thing. However
these stones can be formed in a matter of weeks where as it takes thousands of years for natural diamonds to be formed. These type of synthetic diamonds are so similar to the real thing that only high tech equipment can detect subtle differences in the crystal formations within the stone to know they are fake.

Another man-made method to produce fancy colored diamonds involves irradiating a natural diamond that possesses an unattractive color. Irradiation is a process in which a diamond is exposed to a source of radiation that changes the position of atoms within the stone thus causing its color to change.

Treated or synthetic diamonds may look very appealing to the consumer because of the price and uniformity of color; however
these diamonds have no value to the serious buyer and have little resale value. Therefore
if you are purchasing a colored diamond for investment it is vital to obtain certification from the diamond seller. The certificate should come from a reputable laboratory and contain the origin of the stone and the natural origin of the stone’s color.

Diamond Certification and the Four C’s of Diamond Buying
Grading colored diamonds presents another set of unique issues for the buyer. Colorless diamonds are graded on the four C’s: Cut
Carat
Clarity and Color. Colored diamonds are also valued based upon the four C’s but another factor weighs most heavily on the value of a fancy colored diamond. This factor is based upon the hue and rarity of the color. Indeed a rare fancy color will garner a much higher price than a colorless diamond of many more carats. Colored diamonds have three characteristics by which they are graded. These are hue
tone and saturation. Hue refers to the dominant color of the stone
tone refers to the light within the stone and saturation refers to the intensity of the hue. Be sure to look for these factors on the diamond certificate.

Having knowledge about the differences between natural and synthetic colored diamonds will help you to choose the diamond that’s right for you. One thing is certain
in today’s marketplace jewelry designers are using fancy colored diamonds to create beautiful and unique designs that consumers want to own.

Moissanite is a very affordable alternative to diamonds
one that everyone can afford. The reproduction of moissanite in a laboratory began in 1995. Created moissanite is a lab created stone that is based on the structure of natural moissanite
which is a crystal found in meterorites. Because moissanite occurs so rarely and is so small in nature in order to supply jewelry needs it is grown in labs.

Moissanites are not sold by carat size like diamonds
but are sold by size measured in millimeters. Charles & Colvard who are the sole-source manufacturer of moissanite do not allow jewelers to sell loose stones.

Laboratory created moissanite has a hardness rating of 9.25. The hardness rating of a diamond is 10. It is said that the most important characteristics of a jewel are it's beauty
durability and rarity. Some lab created moissanite stones actually have more brilliance and luster than actual diamonds. These are called optical qualities. Created moissanites are as clear or "eye clean" as SI quality diamonds. Created moissanite is able to withstand heat better than a diamond. At a temperature of 1100 degrees Celsius a diamond will catch fire
burn
and eventually vaporize. A created moissanite stone will remain intact.

The good news about created moissanite is that some jewelers cannot tell the difference between colorless created moissanite and colorless diamonds. However
you want to make sure that what you are purchasing is actually a moissanite and not a much cheaper imitation CZ. There are lab instruments available to jewelers to help them distinguish the difference. Jewelers can use a probe called a moissanite probe or microscope and some know how to distinguish "double refraction" in moissanites.

To make sure that what you purchase is a moissanite and not a cheap imitation make sure you buy from a reputable dealer and get a written verification from this dealer. It is also suggested that you get a written verification of the stone as well as a certified appraisal.

She is the most important person in your life. Maybe she picks you up when you’re down
or is the mother of your children
or just cares for you unconditionally. Or maybe it’s a combination of all three. Whatever your reasons are
the truth is simple and undeniable – you are crazy about her. So why not express your love with an unbreakable diamond ring? We all know that nothing melts a woman’s heart like diamonds
but the ring you select has to be a fit to her personality and style. In this article
we’ll give you some simple tips on making sure the diamond ring you give is one that takes her breath away.

The most important (and overlooked) aspect when it comes to selecting an unbreakable diamond ring is to keep your sweetheart’s tastes in mind. Many guys want to impress their woman by “picking it out themselves”. This often leads to a scenario where she “happily” accepts the ring. She may actually be thinking that she hates it
but will feel compelled to wear it because you picked it out with love. This is one situation you definitely want to avoid – and it is so easy to do

By keeping her in mind and paying attention to her preferences
you will express your love with an unbreakable diamond ring that she will adore. For example
watch her the next time a jewelry ad comes on TV or the next time you pass a jewelry store window. Pay close attention to her reactions to certain pieces
even those being worn by other people. Make a casual comment such as “Boy
that sure looks nice” and see what kind of response it gets. Women love to give “subtle” clues when it comes to diamond rings. Unfortunately
men don’t always pick up on them.

It is also important for you to take stock of the rings she currently wears. And we’re not talking her grandmother’s antique ring that she only wears on special occasions. You want to be taking note of the diamond rings she wears on a regular basis
as these pieces will be your guide to the diamond ring you select. She wouldn’t wear something all of the time if she didn’t like it
right? So
pay close attention to the style of diamond she prefers as well as the choice of metal (white gold
yellow gold
platinum
etc).

One last key piece of information and you’ll be ready to buy. It is helpful
but not necessary
if you can somehow find out her ring size. While she is at work or running errands
you could simply take one of her rings to the jeweler and voila! – you now have that mystery solved.

These tips will help you express your love with an unbreakable diamond ring that is sure to elicit a major reaction on her end. Remember
you don’t want to be the guy who just “picked it out themselves”. You want to be the guy that picked it out perfectly.

Why Should I Buy Gold?
The world has been in love with gold ever since it was discovered. It is called a precious metal because it has a high economic value and is relatively scarce in relation to the level of demand for it. Gold was the standard in which the values of many currencies around the world were based until recently; because of confidence in its ability to hold it’s value over the long haul. At times of trouble
people always default to valuable portable property such as gold
diamonds and other valuable gems.

Gold has been the preferred metal for wedding rings in the west for a long time. It is very rare that couples exchange rings other than gold rings when getting married. In fact
in some Asian cultures
wealth is transferred unto the newlyweds in the form of gold jewelry.

Gold is very malleable and so has been the preferred metal for jewelers over centuries. It also does not rust or decay. If it gets dull
just applying a quick polish restores it’s luster and shine.

Gold is virtually indestructible and everlasting.

Gold keeps it’s value over time and is easily marketable
Gold is easy to work with so you will get the most beautiful jewelry made out of gold
Everybody loves gold.


What kind of Gold Should I Buy?
Before buying gold jewelry the most important thing to ask yourself is the reason why you are buying. This is important because it will help you determine how much to budget for your purchase
what quality and type of jewelry to buy and from where to buy it.

If you are only interested in buying a gold ring for fun
then you might not care too much about the quality of the ring or the supplier as long as it looks good on your finger. If
however
you are buying an engagement ring
an anniversary ring or a wedding ring
you had better pay more attention to the quality of the ring and the service you can expect from the supplier. A wedding ring
we hope
will be appreciated for a long time and you will want your partner to know that you put some thought into the selection of their ring. You want the perfect ring so you need to make sure that your supplier has a good return or exchange policy and that they are easily contactable.

There are different qualities and colors of gold used in jewelry. The different types of gold jewelry are determined by the metals mixed in with the pure gold
and whether the piece of jewelry is formed as a solid piece
plated or maybe hollow.

Gold Quality:
Pure gold does not rust or tarnish
and people that are allergic to some metals are rarely allergic to pure gold. However
pure gold is very soft and easily bendable. It is also very expensive. So to make it practical for jewelry that can be worn everyday it is mixed with different metals.

Gold jewelry is generally marked 18K
14
or 10K. The higher the Karat (k) the higher the percentage of pure gold to other metals in the jewelry.
ท 24K gold is pure gold.
ท 18K gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts of one or more additional metals
making it 75% gold.
ท 14K gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of one or more additional metals
making it 58.3% gold.
ท 12K gold contains 12 parts gold and 12 parts of one or more additional metals
making it 50% gold.
ท 10K gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts of one or more additional metals
making it 41.7% gold.

10K gold is the minimum karat that can be called "gold" in the United States. A high proportion of gold Jewelry is made in 10K gold.
European Markings:
Jewelry from Europe may be marked is a different manner with numbers that indicate their percentage of gold like this:
ท 18K gold is marked 750 to indicate 75% gold
ท 14K gold is marked 585 for 58.5%
ท 12K gold is marked 417 for 41.7%

Genuine gold jewelry should have
in addition to the karat marking
a hallmark or trademark that identifies its maker. Sometimes the item's country of origin might also be included. The hallmark or country of origin may sometimes be left out in very small and delicate pieces of Jewelry.

Colors of Gold:
Pure gold is
of course
gold in color. However
gold can be made into jewelry of different and exciting colors by adding different metals to it. When other metals are added to pure gold the result is called an alloy. Any gold alloy from18K
down to 10K can still be called solid gold. Anything less that 10k is not solid gold.
White Gold: Created by adding Palladium or Nickel to pure gold.
Rose Tint Gold: Created by adding copper to pure gold.
Greenish Cast Gold: Created by adding silver to pure gold


Gold Coated Jewelry
Applying a coating of gold on lesser value metals has always been a way of producing jewelry that looks as valuable as gold but not as expensive to manufacture. This is OK as long as the buyer is aware that the piece of jewelry they are buying is not SOLID gold and as long as they are also aware of the quality of the plating.
Gold Filled Jewelry:
Gold filled jewelry is usually 14k gold heavy-layered over sterling silver. More recent gold-filled jewelry have markings that indicate how much and what type of gold was used for the layer. A marking that says 1/20 12K G.F. means that the jewelry is at least 1/20th 12K gold by weight. Gold filled jewelry generally retain their coating longer than gold plated jewelry.
Gold Plated Jewelry:
The gold layer in gold plated jewelry is usually thinner than the gold in gold-filled jewelry. This means that the goal plating usually wears away more quickly. However
all gold plating is not the same. Some will be thicker and more even than others and thus may provide you with long lasting true gold finish
sometimes comparable to gold-filled jewelry.

Dangers to Watch out for
Gold plated jewelry can provide a great deal of satisfaction and joy to the buyer as long as they know what they are buying. It is unfortunate
but there are still unscrupulous people out there that try to pass off gold plated jewelry as solid gold. The only way to protect yourself from this is to look carefully at the markings on the jewelry; observe the color; feel the weight in relation to the size of the jewelry; and most importantly
know whom you are buying your jewelry from. If you’re not sure take an expert with you when buying.

So Now You’re Ready To Take The Step
When buying gold always aim to buy solid gold if your budget allows. This will last you a lifetime
many lifetimes actually. Anything from 10k to 22k or 24K is good.
If you are allergic to nickel or other metals then you should aim to buy the higher karat gold jewelry such as 18k or 22k gold. It will cost more but you can offset this by buying a smaller piece of jewelry or by buying fewer pieces and only buying ones with higher pure gold content. Your skin is still your most important and valuable piece of jewelry and you should treat it accordingly.
Gold plated and gold-filled jewelry is great for fashion jewelry that will not be subject to heavy usage. And oh yes
try not to wear your gold plated or gold filled jewelry when washing up or using any form of detergents. Although not as valuable or durable
gold plated and gold filled jewelry are cheaper and can last for years if treated kindly.
When wearing Jewelry always remember that a confident and happy wearer can make almost any piece of Jewelry look more beautiful and valuable.

By Alexander Michaels
ฉ 2006 Alexander Michaels
www.kensingtonjewelers.com

The Great Wall of China is not working. Built in 200 BC to protect the land from Mongols hoards
the Great Wall is a symbol of the vast breadth and scope of the economic development of the Chinese nation. International corporations have taken the place of invading Mongols
as they have occupied the Chinese worker in factories across the country. With the approval of the Chinese government
businesses around the globe have made China their main industrial source for all things manufactured. The silver jewelry industry is one such example.

The latest in silver jewelry designs come primarily from Europe
mostly from Italy. Annually
Europeans hold highly anticipated fairs and conventions featuring the newest styles in jewelry. From clothing fashion to jewelry design
Europeans have always been at the forefront of inspired modern style. Yet due to the rise in cost of production as influenced by higher wages for workers and regulatory restrictions in the production process
Europe
as a whole
finds itself unable to compete with Asia from a manufacturing standpoint.

European countries tend to feature the rights of individual workers in terms of reasonable compensation for services rendered
as well as protection from discrimination and an expectation of fair treatment. There are also restrictions concerning environmental standards for production
waste and materials that may be generally harmful. Most countries in the west adhere to these seemingly righteous societal constructs. As a result
the hands of the factory owners in Europe are tied
rightfully so. China
however
has a different perspective.

Workers in China don’t have the benefits of their counterparts in Europe. The government
as a non-elected body has allowed for the purest form of capitalism with market forces dictating all
without concern to the well being of the people and the environment. There are no restrictions concerning the individuals rights of worker to receive proper compensation and fair treatment
rather it depends on what depths the workers are willing to go. There are no regulations concerning the environmental impact of manufacturing
allowing for the cheaper production of goods. As a result
Chinese labor is the most cost efficient and productive in the world. Enter
silver jewelry.

The only advantage Europeans have is traditionally
they have set the trends when it comes to silver jewelry
including a high standard of craftsmanship. European retailers have remained loyal to their industrial core but more and more they are viewing China as a formidable opportunity. Other types of jewelry markets such as gold and gemstones have long since been penetrated by Chinese manufacturers. Silver has been the least affected industry as the Chinese manufacturing machine was busy in other more ostensibly profitable jewelry markets. It is within the last 10 years that Silver has been recognized as a viable industry with a great potential. So what was China to do match the quality and style of the Europeans?

China has had to compensate by introducing products based on European designs
in effect duplicating the look of the European style. They have also maintained a high level of quality craftsmanship including the use of .925 sterling silver and cubic zirconia imported from Russia. All is not lost for the Europeans
however
as they have maintained a strong hold on the production of sterling silver chains and necklaces
known worldwide for their distinctive perennial designs.

It is hard to predict how this awkward relationship of style and substance between the Europeans and the Chinese will play out. Will China gain the ability to create inspired original design? Or will the Europeans find a means by which to produce their ideas more efficiently
perhaps through the onset of industrial and technological advances? Regardless of how this competition may develop
businesses in Europe and America will gladly benefit with lower prices and high quality merchandise for their customers
ensuring more silver jewelry will be bought and sold than ever before.

Author: Derek Belay holds a BA in English Literature from Cal State Pomona. He writes part time primarily as a hobby. He currently works for Jewelry Payless.com as a marketing manager.

Sterling silver is an excellent choice in estate jewelry. Long lasting
easy to care for
and so beautiful. Buying estate jewelry sterling silver can be a lot of fun but it can also be confusing.

Whether you are looking at sterling silver for a gift for that special someone or looking to add to your own jewelry to make that fashion statement
it’s important you understand the terms that are used throughout the industry. Once you understand the terminology you will be better equipped to choose quality pieces of sterling silver jewelry and you’ll be able to complete your purchases with a lot more confidence.

It doesn’t matter whether you are buying on line or at your local store. It doesn’t matter if you are buying in the USA or Canada or in Europe or China. The terminology used to describe silver are the same around the world.

Sterling silver jewelry has always been popular and remains so today. Sterling silver estate jewelry has also shared it’s time in the limelight but in recent years its popularity has exploded. That’s because buyers are looking for something a little more unique than modern sterling silver can offer. Everyone knows how beautiful sterling silver is and how durable it is
that’s one of the reasons it’s such a popular choice. And of course let’s not forget how affordable it is!

Silver has it history into ancient times
but has not survived as well as gold. Unlike gold which has no ill effects from age and exposure sterling silver does. It deteriorates over time. Throughout history sterling silver has experienced bursts of popularity where it was far more vogue than wearing gold jewelry. Today is one of those periods in time!

Silver is the most common of all the precious metals. Fine silver is pure silver but it not commonly used for jewelry because it is way too soft and bends and breaks far too easily. Instead fine silver is mixed with copper. 925 parts of silver are mixed with 75 parts of copper which is just enough copper to firm up the silver to make beautiful jewelry. This 925 grade is called sterling silver throughout the world and is recognized as the purest form of silver available for jewelry.

This is the mark you are looking for. Either that or the actual sterling mark. Both will guarantee you that what you are buying is sterling silver and not some cheap base metal like nickel which will wear and look awful very quickly.

Silver has many benefits over gold. It is much lighter weighing about half as much as gold. It is much more flexible but not as malleable so it allows for beautiful jewelry creations. Lastly it is much less expensive yet it will last you your lifetime and probably those of a couple of more generations. Two exact pieces one in silver and one in gold. The gold piece will cost 5 to 6 times more than the sterling silver piece.

Current fashion trends which include a lot of black or dark materials have added to the popularity of sterling silver as it looks very well with black. In fact it has much more of a dramatic impact than gold does.

Silver likes to be worn. It helps keep it shiny and beautiful. Left hanging for any length of time means you’ll need to polish it to remove the tarnish. In our fast paced world silver is an excellent choice. Just as we have wash and wear clothing silver is an excellent grab and wear style of jewelry.

So the next time you are in the market for some quality sterling silver jewelry be sure to check out estate silver jewelry!

If you’ve ever gone shopping with a teenage girl you know that teenagers can be a very picky bunch! Their physical and mental growth has them experimenting with all kinds of fashion items to improve their image and their look. Teenage girls have a fashion statement to make too! And estate jewelry is ready for teen fashions!

A teen’s fashion statement which includes both clothing and jewelry plays a role in their identity
how they fit
how they feel
how they blend. It has a big role on their self esteem during those developmental years. And moms and dads they don’t want your input! This is a time of discovery and you can be guaranteed if you like it they’ll toss the idea out the door in ten seconds or less. But that doesn’t mean you can’t subtly steer them. Estate jewelry and fashion jewelry are affordable choices that can work well for teens. So just gently lead them in the right direction and let them make their own discoveries.

Teen girls are busy picking up clues and tips from their favorite celebrities. The celebrities that teenagers watch in their favorite music videos
movies or television show greatly influence what a teen girl will see as fashion and trendy jewelry. And these days more and more of the celebrities are choosing estate jewelry because it is unique and does make a statement of individuality. So don’t be surprised if you teen finds estate jewelry attractive.

These days we hear allot about hip hop jewelry trends and we see plenty of bling bling replicas on the market. Manufacturers have replaced the real diamonds and gems worn by the celebrities with cheaper stones and metals so that teen girls can have jewelry that looks much like their favorite stars but at a much more affordable price.

Pierced and non pierced body jewelry has also grown in popularity. Teen girls are using it to make their fashion statement. The good news is that there’s a great selection available at an affordable price so mom and dad won’t go broke.

Friendship bracelets hit the streets about 10 years ago and they continue to grow in popularity being one of the hottest jewelry fads for teens. Friends exchange these friendship bracelets and wear them all the time. There style can be of the most basic twist or more elaborate with beads and sparkling faux gems.
Beaded jewelry is also very popular. Teens love the big and bold look of large beads and love to mix them up adding color and flare to their wardrobe. Estate jewelry is perfect for picking up a terrific mix of beaded jewelry for a very low price. And the girls love it because it is different and unique unlike the modern stuff found on the shelves. And because their favorite Celebs are choosing it
it becomes an option for them as well.

Another teen fad between friends is a necklace that’s similar worn by all members of the group. This identifies them as their own little clique. Their necklaces may have pendants or rings attached or just be plain.

Fashion rings are also very big with teens. Good news is you can buy estate jewelry rings and fashion rings for as little as $5.00. Your teenager will love them
wear them
break them
and forget about them and you’ll know they got their moneys worth.

The teen years are a time of growth and becoming independent so let your teen girls wings open and let her experiment with her fashion style. Remember you did it too many years ago. And remember to let your teenager know there are many options when it comes to jewelry. Estate jewelry is one of the most sought after jewelry by celebrities and if your teen is like most teens what the stars wear they want to wear.

Sure
a watch tells the time but it also speaks volumes about your personality. Show up for a job interview wearing a stainless steel Rolex Datejust - and you’ll see some raised eyebrows. While just having a watch in the first place is a feat for some
for watch aficionados
a good timepiece is a work of art
an heirloom piece. For guys with an eye for quality metal
their collection is second only to what’s stored in their garage. The ladies? An elegant watch is part of her jewelry collection.

Sound too extravagant for your budget? Essential Watches dosen’t think cost should keep you from owning at least one high-end timepiece. Specializing in discounting only the top Swiss and German fine watches from world-class manufacturers like Rolex
Patek Phillipe
Lange and Sohne
Panerai
Chopard
Frank Muller and Audemars Piguet. Even if you can’t find the exact watch you want on their website (although highly unlikely)
just let them know what you are looking for and they’ll get if for you.

Granted
there are a lot of watch peddlers out there but how many of them can you trust? Look for a solid reputation – just check their positive transactions posted on eBay (yes
you really can get everything on eBay). Buying a watch is an investment
so you don’t want to rely on a grainy stock photo. Instead
look for detailed photographs of every watch line so that you know exactly what you’re getting when that little box arrives in the mail.

So how does a watch dealer get their authentic top-of-the-line watches at below market prices? According to Essential Watches
it’s all about their relationships with the “major” players and whom they know. This is the stuff that allows a simple eBay store to grow into one of the leading watch sellers on the Internet.

Jewelry has always been associated with beauty
making women the natural focal point for designs. However
jewelers have discovered that titanium and tungsten metals are especially suited for creating jewelry for men
it exemplifies their essence of strength and power. This quality is underscored by their use in industrial
military equipment and aerospace applications. The metals strength is accented by its ability to be polished to a high luster that never fades or scratches
a quality that platinum cannot match.

Perhaps it is the fact that titanium and tungsten metals has been used to reach the stars that lends itself to the sense of adventure which underlies the designs in the mens' jewelry. Both titanium and tungsten speak to the future
titanium is the metal of choice in so many of the products that we use today
that its use in mens' jewelry was eagerly anticipated and its arrival warmly welcomed in the marketplace.

One feature that make titanium and tungsten jewelry such a popular choice for men is the freedom it allows them to express their personality. Because of its incredible durability and light weight
men do not have to be concerned about damage that accompanies jewelry made from other metals. And men do not have to sacrifice their sense of fashion style - titanium and tungsten jewelry are crafted into a wide range of designs; from lean classic metal bands to settings with diamonds
sapphires or other gemstones.

Jewelers turned their attention to the mens' market as they began to demand equal time. Now the mens' titanium and tungsten jewelry market is exploding
supported by celebrity exposure and fashion trends that accentuate jewelry as a prominent way to express their individual style and prowess. Add to these facts the increasing demand for diamonds and the affordability of titanium of tungsten make an unbeatable combination. In the past year
sales to men accounted for a 20 percent increase in jewelry profits
prompting an increasing number of fine jewelry manufacturers to introduce or expand their mens' lines to include titanium and tungsten jewelry.

Titanium and tungsten jewelry has also made its presence known in styles that include a mans significant other. There are incredibly beautiful designs for engagement and wedding rings tailored to enhance the beauty of the love that it represents. Men who choose a titanium diamond engagement ring for their bride
can take pride in their decision - it demonstrates their fashion sense and their financial savvy.

Men who prefer body jewelry will find that titanium is an excellent choice for several reasons. Titanium is an elemental
the most bio-compatible of all metals
and has a total resistance to attack by body fluids. Titanium is also corrosion-resistant and the alloy of titanium that is used for body jewelry is usually the 136 grade
which is titanium combined with 60 parts of aluminum and 40 parts of vanadium. Whatever your style
titanium and tungsten is a great choice for your jewelry.

When it comes to fashion don’t play safe
have some fun with your style and enjoy your look. Make your fashion statement! And the world will notice! Estate jewelry is the perfect finishing touch to your wardrobe so don’t forget to compliment your look with jewelry!

Even the most conservative dresser can find a beautiful piece of estate jewelry that says loads about them. Show your personality with your jewelry. From the serious corporate executive to the sexy flirt there is an estate jewelry necklace or earrings for you!

Estate jewelry stays in style year after year. It stands you out from the rest of the crowd. While others are busy buying the same modern necklace
earrings
or brooch
you’ll be showing off your unique style and tastes. You’re not likely to find someone wearing exactly the same piece as you.

You can turn estate jewelry from sophisticated
to fun
to trendy. Dress it up or down. Mix and match color
style
shape
and size. And you simply cannot beat the quality of estate costume jewelry from the past.

Estate jewelry can be used to show your individual personality. Think of it as fashion art and personal expression. We tend to think of our fashion statement as our hair style
the clothes we wear
the shoes and hand bag we carry. But your jewelry is an important part of that fashion statement.

Every now and then you change the style or the color of your hair. Each season you add and remove pieces from your wardrobe. But your estate jewelry will take you from season to season
year after year. All you need to do is mix and match it to give it a whole new look.

All types of estate jewelry are very flexible. They can be worn to the office
to that important executive meeting
for a night on the town
to the beach
or for that intimate evening. Bring out your softer feminine side
the sexy goddess
or present simple charm
sophistication and elegance. Wear it with your most formal evening gown
your casual sportswear
your office wardrobe
or your favorite pair of jeans. Wear it in the summer
winter
fall
and spring.

Estate jewelry is available with a variety of base metals. Silver
gold
copper
and brass are all popular. There are shiny pieces
matte piece
there are glittering rhinestones
subtle gemstones. Large pieces
dainty pieces. There costume jewelry of the earlier eras was often based on design ideas of fine jewelry and it had an artistic flare that has never been surpassed in the jewelry industry. Truly a time period where jewelry stood out above the rest. And it still does!

Estate jewelry has been popular for many years but just recently it has seen an incredible surge in popularity. Women are tired of looking like everyone else. They want to show off their unique personality and their very own fashion statement. Since this can be difficult to do with clothing that is mass produced and jewelry that is mass produced they have turned to estate jewelry for that gorgeous unique finished touch. They know that they will have the finishing touches that no other woman has. When they walk into the room they know that they will be unique and beautiful and make their fashion statement! No one will forget!

June is considered as a perfect month to get married. When you say engagement
what’s the first thing that comes to your mind to give out your love one? Is it a ring
a necklace
bracelet
or an anklet? Have you thought of giving out a watch as your engagement gift? Does it sound weird?

This would probably be the most uncommon engagement gift in the whole world. People don’t give out a watch when they propose to their girlfriends or boyfriends. They give out the common jewelries. But what I encourage you to do is give something that will symbolize your love for each other and at the same time will be helpful for the both of you. Watches are really useful because it keeps you track of the time. But it can also be a symbol of your love. Don’t limit a watch as a necessity or jewelry. It can be both at the same time.

Engagement watches: is it considered unique? For a start
I haven’t encountered someone who gave a watch to his girlfriend as an engagement gift. But being unique is not bad! Sometimes
you will realize that being totally different from others is cool. Soon enough you realize that everyone imitates you.

You are different because you don’t think the same with other people with regards of giving out a watch as an engagement present. A watch is not an uncommon possession
and watches are very useful.

Some people might think that as long as they’re giving out a jewelry as an engagement gift
then that’s fine. But for some women
the type of jewelry you’ll give them still matters. Giving them out an engagement watch will not only be special but also useful. They will be wearing it for all times and they will be proud of it because you’re the one who gave that to her
not just a gift
but as an engagement gift. Isn’t that priceless?

If you’re worried about the cost of the watch
then let me tell you that watches are cheaper than the engagement rings you’re giving. You can also engrave your names on it or buy a custom made.

They say that June is the perfect time to get married. You get to have beautiful weather
nice places
and astonishing views. If you really want everything to be memorable
then start off with your engagement. Make it special and everything will be meaningful.

The oldest recorded exchange of engagement rings dates back nearly 5000 years ago to ancient Egypt when a never ending band was linked with eternal love. Later for the Romans
a young ladies acceptance of a ring was a legal agreement and meant that the girl was no longer available. These ancient engagement and wedding rings were not gold engagement rings but were often made from simple and crude bands of iron.

Even in these modern times
the gold engagement ring is still regarded as a potent symbol of unity and marriage
which sends out a message about a persons marital status. Traditions have changed over the centuries and not only have the materials which the rings are made out of changed
but men too are now choosing to wear a ring as a symbol of lasting love
fidelity and commitment.

These early tokens which indicated the sealing of a marriage contract
were certainly very different from what we now accept today as an engagement ring and probably wouldn’t have turned too many heads or invoked the green eyed monster because of their beauty and brilliance. In early Roman times rings were simple hoops made out of iron and it wasn’t until much later times that this metal was replaced with precious metals such as gold and silver which do not rust and are more attractive.

Although diamonds were discovered in India at the beginning of the ninth century
it wasn’t until 1500 onwards that brides to be would be wearing something a little bit more special and even then
diamonds would be very much for the wealthy and for royalty.

Since their discovery
diamonds have always been prized for their beauty and brilliance as well as their extreme hardness and the word diamond originated from the Greek word adamas
which means unconquerable. Some even believed diamonds to possess magical powers and along with their other properties
this has made diamonds perfect as a representation of the marriage bond.

When further sources of diamonds were discovered in the nineteenth century
it increased the availability and they became more fashionable
particularly set in engagement rings.

Styles of engagement rings have varied greatly over the years but still some designs have remained popular throughout. The single diamond solitaire is a strong favourite and nobody can resist that big sparkler. The three stone styles have also remained popular and many still believe that this signifies ‘I Love You’.

Although some ladies have chosen other precious gemstones for their engagement rings such as rubies
emeralds
opals and many more
the diamond still is the favourite and as the song says ‘Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend’.

Platinum has also become a popular although a very expensive alternative to gold and silver. Recently there has been a surge in interest in engagement rings made from titanium and zirconium because not only are these metals attractive
lightweight and very hard wearing but they are also hypoallergenic. These metals lend themselves well to more modern styles and the metals can be heat treated to produce wonderful colour effects which make many rings totally unique pieces as no two will ever look the same.

Because of their hardness
Titanium and Zirconium are also used to produce stunning tension set diamond engagement rings
an effect which would be much more difficult to achieve with precious metals which are much softer and more prone to wear over the years increasing the likelihood of the precious stone working loose from the .

Most people wear their engagement ring on the third finger of the left hand although there are a few European countries where the engagement ring is worn on the right hand. The reason for wearing on the third finger of the left hand is thought to date back to ancient Rome and Egypt when it was believed that a vein that ran through that finger ran straight to the heart. Many women also wear their gold wedding ring with a diamond engagement ring and an eternity ring.

When it is time to make that all-important step of proposing to that special woman in your life
you will need to invest in an engagement ring. Before you begin shopping for that perfect ring
you should know exactly what to expect
what to look for
and the various types of rings that are available. The first part of any engagement ring is the band; there are many different kinds of bands of different sizes
colors
and metals. The gems are just as ranged as the bands
they come in a variety of sizes
weights
cuts
and colors.

The first thought that comes to mind in an engagement ring
is a diamond. Of course
this is the traditional engagement ring; however
it could be any gem the couple chooses
it is all the matter of preference.

Selecting a Band

When selecting a band there are a few different types of metals you have to choose from
these include:

• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum

Each person has their own preference
some people prefer the traditional gold ring
others prefer the shine that silver or platinum can provide. Gold is perhaps the most popular of all metals when it comes to engagement rings. The gold within a ring is measured in karats. The most popular karat weight of gold is 14 Karats
though you can find gold rings that are 18 Karats and 24 Karats as well. Gold also comes in two colors
yellow or white gold. The drawbacks of gold are that it can bend very easily when worn and tends to lose its shine after a period of time.

Silver or platinum are extremely hard and does not bend as easily. Neither of these are as popular as gold is and typically costs more than gold as well. Platinum is popular because it generally never loses any of its shine nor does it tarnish in any way and is perfect for those that are allergic or sensitive to other metals.

Selecting the Perfect Ring

Here are a few tips you should consider when you are ready to purchase a ring for that special loved one.

1. If you have already proposed and are ready to purchase the ring
take your loved one with you when selecting a ring. This will allow her to have a choice in the matter and this way you will always have the perfect size and fit.

2. If you are purchasing a ring prior to the proposal
consider retrieving (also known as sneaking) one of the rings she already owns and taking it with you. This will help in making sure the ring will fit on that big day.

3. Furthermore
for surprise rings make sure that you take notice of everything about the love of your life. Take note of the type of rings she wears
small stones
large stones
or none at all. This will help your jeweler make suggestions on the ring you should consider.

Overall
it can seem like a daunting task in picking out that perfect engagement ring. Have fun with it and know that the end results could very well be spending the rest of your life with the one you love.

And when the day comes that we can communicate intelligently with dolphins, they may introduce us to the concept of survival without aggression, and the true joy of living, which at present eludes us. In that circumstance what they have to teach us would be infinitely more valuable than anything we could offer them in exchange.
-- Horace Dobbs

First of all
let's take a look at the rationale behind dolphin jewelry. What makes dolphins so attractive as jewelry motifs? Moreover
what would make them so important as to deserve a second look by jewelry-lovers
especially the socially conscientious?

Well
for one thing -- if there is any ocean-dwelling creature that is said to be the smartest and most compassionate – it is the dolphin. Dolphins have been known to guide stranded seafarers to dry land
and converse intelligently in a language that’s all their own. Scientists have been attempting to study the way dolphins communicate
and there is increasing evidence that dolphins have their own complex language. Dolphins are also the only ocean mammals that mate for recreation
and are closest to humans in this respect.

Dolphins are also among the most graceful of sea creatures
moving smoothly and effortlessly through the turbulent waves
turning backflips in the air with all the carefree air of a human child showing off a somersault. After all
who has never felt anything but goodwill and affection for Flipper
that most beloved of all celebrity dolphins?

But there is a sad twist to the dolphins' story. Believe it or not
some species of dolphins are fast becoming an endangered species. Pierce Brosnan (James Bond 007)
Dean Anderson (StarGate
McGyver) and Martin Sheen (West Wing) have been known to support causes that save dolphins from being killed for sport or commercial purposes. Pollution is driving many dolphins to flee their ocean sanctuaries
and there have been stories of dolphins being beached while fleeing desperately from nuclear testing grounds or oil spills.

Wearing dolphin jewelry may not directly save the lives of dolphins
but it will help other people become more aware of the situation surrounding these intelligent creatures. But most importantly
dolphin jewelry continues to be elegant and eye-catching through the years. It represents a serene
fun-loving beauty that perseveres despite harsh trials.

Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.
- Milan Kundera

The idea of wearing jewelry with dog motifs may seem strange to most people. The dog is normally not anywhere near as graceful as the cat or the dolphin
which both make for wonderful jewelry patterns
indeed. But the appeal of dog jewelry may surprise some
and the beauty that comes with the designs in dog jewelry would catch even gem-lovers off-guard.

Why wear dog jewelry? Well
it could be for a variety of reasons. Dogs have become the universal symbol of loyalty and unconditional affection. If you ever met a person who was so dedicated to anything -- in love or at work -- chances are that person is also a dog-lover. There are lessons you learn from keeping dogs
and among them are kindness and patience
fierce protectiveness
as well as strength in the face of adversity.

In ancient Egypt
Anubis
the dog-headed god of embalming
was held in high regard as the conductor of the underworld -- the one who saw the dead off to their final resting places. Anubis comes associated with death
and the sight of a dog
jackal or wolf head have come to be associated with death as well. Men have in fact opted for dogs as masculine symbols
denoting territorialism and acute survival instinct. After all
dogs have been known to survive through the toughest circumstances
and this in itself cancels out the idea of dogs as "death-bringers."

Toughness and loyalty are the main virtues associated with dogs. On the modern media front
Lassie has perpetuated the image of the companion that's smarter than your everyday human
and is therefore loads more useful
if not also loads more affectionate. Old Yeller has also taught us about how sheer faithfulness is sometimes enough to get you through the most trying situations.

Dog jewelry is not exclusively for humans to wear -- there are dog collar charms
too! In fact
pet and owner can have matching charms: one charm in the master/mistress' bracelet
and a similar one on the pet's collar.

If you are a dog lover
try out dog jewelry! Show the world your appreciation of the noble heritage of man's best friend!

Jewelry insurance comes in many forms and varieties and only an insurance agent can provide accurate and specific advice. However
it helps to know enough about jewelry insurance to ask your agent the right questions and to be aware of how the process works. The time to ask your insurance agent the questions is before you insure an item
not when you need to file a claim. Read the fine print in your insurance contract to be sure it provides the coverage you expect.

Understanding jewelry insurance begins with recognizing the difference between scheduled and unscheduled property.

Unscheduled property (jewelry not specifically listed) is typically included in basic homeowner or renter’s policies under blanket coverage. There is a usually a deductible (typically $500) and a maximum amount of coverage (typically $1500) although these amounts can vary with the specific policy. This type of coverage does not require an appraisal but sales receipts
written descriptions or photos are beneficial in proving the items existed and estimating their replacement value.

Scheduled property (jewelry specifically listed) is included in a floater
rider or endorsement to homeowner or renter’s policies. Jewelry insurance is also available with a separate policy
from a company specializing in jewelry insurance. For scheduled property
the insurance appraisal is vital because it describes the jewelry item and provides the “insured value” that is used in determining the premium you will pay to insure the item each year. Most scheduled property policies do not have an automatic appreciation adjustment as is common for the house and other unscheduled property. Therefore
even if it might cost 50% more to replace an item in five years
the “insured value” is still only that stated in the appraisal.

If you file an insurance claim
the settlement process and amount paid will depend on the policy and in particular
if the policy allows replacement or agreed value settlement. For agreed value policies
the settlement amount is stated in the policy whereas replacement value allows the insurance company to replace your jewelry or make a cash settlement based on the insurance company’s cost to replace your item. The insurance company’s liability ceiling is set at the “insured value” on the appraisal.

Do you have enough jewelry insurance? The answer depends on what kind of policy you have
the “insured value” is on the appraisal
the settlement procedure is for your particular policy
and the accuracy of the information on your appraisal. If you have a jewelry item valued at more than the $1500
you should definitely consider scheduled as opposed to unscheduled coverage.

The critical issue for scheduled property coverage is the how accurate is the information on the appraisal.
1) If the information on the appraisal is vague and general
the insurance company can replace the item with an item that satisfies the description but perhaps is not the quality and true value of the lost item. Be sure your jewelry appraisal has a detailed and accurate description of the jewelry item.

2) If the appraisal value is artificially high
the insurance company can replace the item at their cost even though the client paid premiums for years on a value twice as much. This is often the case for purchases from a jewelry store with prices double other retailers and the store provides an insurance appraisal even higher than the purchase price. You do not need an appraised value more than 150% of the price you would pay at low priced online retailer.

3) If the appraisal value is too low
the insurance company can make cash settlement that might not cover the current replacement cost of the item. This could be the case for items purchased three or four years ago from a low price online retailer and the appraised value was at or below the purchase price. With diamond prices increasing about 10% a year recently
it does not take long for appraisal values to be out of date if too close to online retail purchase prices. Be sure to have your jewelry insurance appraisal updated every four or five years so you do not end up underinsured.

An engagement is a very special time for most people
and giving the perfect engagement ring can really make the occasion extra special. There are many ring types to select from
but for those that want to give something that is extra special vintage engagement rings could prove the ideal choice. The beauty and classic elegance of this type of jewelry will thrill the recipient. You can make her feel like a celebrity when you present one of the fabulous vintage engagement rings available today. She will be thrilled to show off the ring at your engagement party or celebration
and you will be able to rest easy that you have presented her with a beautiful ring that she will treasure for years to come. Going for a vintage ring – whether for your engagement or your wedding – means that you can give something that really stands out and has its own unique charm…a real treasure that can be passed down through the generations and will retain its charm and elegance through its timeless beauty.

Select from different types of vintage rings

You can enjoy great choice when it comes to selecting a vintage ring for your engagement. Whether you want gold
silver
or platinum
and whether you want classic diamond or another type or precious gem
you will find some incredible rings available. You will find that these rings offer some really intricate designs giving them a very special and beautiful appearance – ideal for an occasion as special as an engagement. These rings are finely crafted and offer durability and strength in addition to elegance and beauty
so you can be certain that the ring will continue to bring happiness and will also continue to look great for years to come. The choice of rings available in vintage style means that you can get a ring that is perfectly suited to your needs
tastes
and budget
and you can present an item of jewelry that is really special. Your proposal will be all the more memorable when you opt for a vintage ring
and you will be thrilled by the character and quality of these rings.

Affordable beauty
incredible value – enjoy the benefits of both worlds when you opt for vintage rings

You won’t have to break the bank in order to propose with a vintage ring
because you can now enjoy incredible value for money on these rings. You don’t have to worry about compromising on the quality or beauty of your ring
yet you can still enjoy some real bargains and low prices when looking for a vintage ring. Often
you will find the lowest prices – and the largest choice – in vintage engagement rings when you go online. You can match your budget and your preferences up through a vast selection of vintage rings that boast character
elegance
beauty
and unique style – making for a very special and memorable engagement.

There are a lot of people that will not know what moissanite is. In fact if anyone offered to give them a piece of moissanite they would probably turn them down. Moissanite is quite simply a jewel and this jewel contains properties that other jewels do not have. If you have a piece of jewellery with moissanite then it is highly likely that that moissanite is mined. This is because if anyone was to try and create moissanite in a laboratory then it would take 104 years to complete this process.

Moissanite is a beautiful jewel and discount moissanite will look even better when you purchase it. Moissanite is usually compared to diamonds and there are many diamond vs moissanite websites. The main fact is that whenever someone mentions diamond vs moissanite the moissanite jewel will always win. Diamonds are still the strongest substance known to man but moissanite is the second closest. Also a diamond vs moissanite heat resistance test will show surprising results. A diamond will catch fire and then vaporize at 1100C. However moissanite will still be fully intact at this temperature and it will still look just as gorgeous as the day it was originally created.

Other diamond vs moissanite tests show that due to the high temperature moissanite can withstand it is easier to cast moissanite in place and so any jewellery can get the perfect design that they are looking for. Also diamonds are prone to heat damage when a jeweller is repairing these diamonds. However with moissanite the chances of moissanite becoming damaged are less likely when the jeweller is performing repair operations. During a house fire moissanite has a high chance of surviving. Even though the temperatures can be extreme moissanite has a greater chance of surviving compared to a diamond. This will mean that you are less likely to loose this precious jewel during a house fire.

It can be very tough to find discount moissanite anywhere. This is due to many reasons and just on of these reasons is because moissanite has only been available to jewellers for a few years
so this is still an exclusive piece of jewellery. One reason why people like to buy moissanite is due to the fact that moissanite is lighter then a diamond and you could forget that you are wearing a piece of jewellery that has an exclusive jewel in there. In a few more years the chances of finding discount moissanite will be a lot higher then the chances that exist today.

Pearls are produced in both salt and fresh water
but the difference is astounding. Usually
the salt water variety of pearls are of a better quality and are also more expensive than pearls found in salt water; however
the choice between fresh water and salt water pearls is completely personal.

For starters
pearls are made from shellfish. When an irritant
such as a piece of sand
invades the delicate lining of the creature
it secretes a smooth substance to coat the irritant
thus creating a pearl. Salt water and fresh water pearls are both made in the same fashion. This substance
known as nacre or mother of pearl
slowly builds up the irritant until a pearl is formed.

The main difference between salt water pearls and fresh water pearls is the type of create that produces this natural gemstone. Salt water pearls are produced by oysters that inhabit the seas and oceans. In days past
the only way to harvest salt water pearls was to dive to tremendous depths to recover the oysters. Today
these oysters are grown in farms
but the pearls produced are of supremely high quality.

Fresh water pearls are produced by mussels that burrow in the sandy bottoms of rivers
lakes
and streams. Like salt water pearls
the mussels that produce fresh water pearls are also farmed. In most places
“hunting” mussels to harvest their pearls is illegal due to the havoc it can cause on the ecosystem.

One can immediately tell the difference between a fresh water and salt water pearl by its appearance. Whereas salt water pearls are—or should be—completely round
fresh water pearls have a lumpy
potato-like shape. Usually
fresh water pearls are described as off-round
egg
or Baroque
and come with a more affordable price tag due to this irregular shape.

The colors of fresh water pearls encompass the entire rainbow. While salt water pearls come in a wide array of colors
fresh water pearls usually take on the hue of the mussel’s shell. Fresh water pearls can range from the traditional white
cream
and pink to more unusual shades like lavender
and copper. Although these latter colors tend to raise the price on fresh water pearls
the color of choice is purely at the whim of the buyer.

Many potential pearl buyers have the common misconception that the fresh water pearl is not “real.” This is completely untrue
as both the fresh water and the salt water pearl are equally authentic. The choice between the two depends on the tastes and the budget of the wearer. Some individuals enjoy the irregular Baroque shapes and special colors of the fresh water
where others want the classic white round offerings of the salt water pearl.

Amsterdam takes a special place in the world of Diamonds. Walking down the streets you will see a lot of Diamond and jewelry stores as well as a lot of places that are locked up with signs saying "guided diamond tours from 2 to 4 PM".

Actually going on some of these tours you'll have a chance to see some fantastic diamonds and you'll have a chance as well to see how they are cut and polished. And if you want to
you can buy them for $4000 to $400
0
each.


These are some of the companies offering guided tours:

Amsterdam diamonds

Amsterdam has a long heritage in the diamonds
and has been a major diamond centre since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry in the later 16th century. Nowadays there are about a dozen diamond factories in the city
five of which offer guided tours. The tours are free and are usually conducted 9am to 5pm every day. Diamonds aren't necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam but prices are fairly competitive. At least you will have seen how they are worked
and when you buy from a factory you get an extensive description of the purchase so you know exactly what you are buying.

Diamond tours

The following renowned diamond stores offer diamond-cutting and polishing tours
and sales of the finished diamonds:

Coster Diamonds
Gassan Diamonds
Stoeltie Diamonds
Van Moppes Diamonds the first company to offer guided tours.

If you have a chance eat an "uitsmijter" as well.

Best time to visit is april or late september when the leaves on the trees are not blocking the view of the monumental facades. The winters are penetratingly cold and damp with lots of rain and sleet.

It actually feels colder than 30 below in Canada.

Bring a pair of good glasses: we tend to use very small letter types for the legends in museums.

Here are some of Amsterdam's major attractions:

Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)
National Museum (Rijksmuseum)
Van Gogh Museum
Red Light District
National Museum of Modern Art (Stedelijk Museum)
Amstelkring Museum (Our Lord in the Attic Chapel)
Museum Het Rembrandt Huis (Rembrandt House)
Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum)
Dam Square
Sauna Deco


Amsterdam sail:
Sail Amsterdam

If you love boats
KNSM Island is where you should go. Not just because of its shipping past. Every 5 years this harbor area of Amsterdam hosts the Sail event. Each new edition attracts more visitors (Sail 2000 welcomed 2.5 million people). Each edition also offers more Tall Ships and more cultural activities in the area.


The Van Gogh Museum contains the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh who shot off his ear and then committed suicide. You will find more than 200 fantastic works from the Master’s hand
as well as 500 drawings and 700 written documents. Together these provide a fantastic insight into his life and work.

Amsterdam is a fascinating place with lots of things to see and do.

Also
remember and try all its culinary delights.

Precious gems are beautiful and they last a long time and they are very valuable. Diamonds in particular shimmer in any kind of light
providing an exquisite treasure. Some people give a piece of diamond jewelry as the sole gem gift a loved one will ever receive. Others add a diamond gift to a long line of precious gems. Before bestowing diamonds as a gift to a loved one
here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Diamonds are usually very expensive. If you come across a diamond that is being sold on the cheap
you have to wonder why this is the case. It may mean that the cut is not the best quality or it could have poor point value. Perhaps the gem is even stolen! You have to be careful about where and how you purchase precious jewelry to ensure that you get your money's worth in value. Check with several jewelry stores or diamond dealers. State up front how much money you have to spend and the type of gift you wish to make. The experts can help you make a good choice for what you have to work with.

Diamonds are for grown ups. Children or even teenagers rarely have a proper appreciation for diamonds. Perhaps diamond chip earrings would be an acceptable gift for older teen girls
but more lavish diamond jewelry should be saved for more mature wearers. A diamond necklace
brooch
ring
or bracelet conveys a sense of sophistication that younger women cannot often carry off. Save the gift of diamonds for a special occasion and an older girl.

Diamonds deserve special care. You don’t want to just fling a diamond ring in the jewelry box or leave it lying unprotected on a`dresser top. Preserve the beauty and keep it clean while avoiding scratches by placing diamond jewelry into velvet-lined boxes or containers. Depending on the size and value of your investment
your diamonds may need to be kept in a safe deposit box or vault at your local bank. You don’t want nosy workers or desperate thieves to make off with your prized possession. You may want to have your diamond priced or valued by an experienced jeweler for home insurance purposes. It also is a good idea to have it cleaned periodically
if needed.

Diamonds are for special occasions. Although they are often given on any occasion like a birthday or holiday
a diamond jewelry item is especially suited to commemorative occasions
such as an engagement or anniversary. Smaller diamond gifts can serve just about any purpose
but the larger
more valuable kind should not be handed off lightly. Give some thought to the meaning of your gift and what your receiver will think (as well as what you want him or her to think) before offering this unique token of affection.

For many people
there’s only one way to propose and get engaged: with a diamond ring. It is considered to be a symbol of a man’s enduring love that he will spend a large amount on a large diamond that the woman can then show off to her friends and family – it shows that he can and will support her for the rest of her life.

This idea of giving diamond rings before marriage has been around for less than a century
however
as it was popularised entirely by Hollywood
allegedly because worldwide diamond monopoly De Beers paid off filmmakers to create a romantic image around diamonds
using the slogan ‘a diamond is forever’.

The reality is that diamonds are not intrinsically worth very much at all
with many people who try to sell their diamonds being shocked to discover that they can only get back a fraction of what they originally paid for them. Worse
many diamonds come from parts of the world where the locals have been oppressed and local officials bribed just so the company could set up a diamond mine
especially in Africa.

For these reasons – unjustified cost and ethical concerns – many people now prefer to use other gems in rings instead of diamonds. Fake diamonds with names like ‘diamonique’ and ‘diamonte’ are popular
as stones like rubies and emeralds.

However
for the real traditional feel
plenty of people still feel you can’t beat a diamond. When you’re looking for a diamond ring
it’s common to be worried mainly about how many carats the diamond is
but remember that its cut (that is
the way it has been cut out of the original mined material) can be even more important in giving the diamond a pleasant appearance.

Also
although this is entirely subjective
you might find it worth buying a ring where many small diamonds are used to pleasant effect
rather than one big diamond poking out of the top
and you should also consider getting a guarantee that the diamond is not a De Beers ‘conflict diamond’
so that no-one has suffered to get it to you.

In most traditional relationships
women expect their man to give them gifts of jewelry
and the men do so. Today
more women are paying special attention to giving jewelry to their men than ever before.

Giving jewelry to your spouse or romantic partner has always been a popular gift. Often holidays like Christmas
anniversaries and Valentine’s Day prompt men to run to the jewelry store for something shiny and expensive. Imagine how much more valued this gift would be if given without a major holiday attached to it. Why not give your partner jewelry for no particular reason
other than love?

Diamonds are always popular when it comes to choosing jewelry
other gemstones or simply silver and gold can be just as popular. You probably know that each month has a gemstone that represents it
and those gemstones each have a symbolic meaning. If you really want to blow your partner away
select your jewelry for it’s significance to a particular month (birthday or anniversary for example) or for another more personal meaning.

Here’s a brief look at the gemstone for each month and their meanings.
January – garnet
represents faith and stability and is available in many colors
except blue
February – amethyst
represents sincerity and happiness and is royal purple in color
March – aquamarine
represents hope and bravery and is a blue-green or sea-green color
April – diamond
representing joy and innocence
May – emerald
represents peace and tranquility and is always green
June – pearl
standing for wisdom and pureness
July – ruby
represents passion and nobility and is always a beautiful red
August – peridot
stands for patience and has a yellowish-green color
September – sapphire
represents honesty and hope and is available in a variety of shades of blue
October – opal or tourmaline
represents confidence and sweet love
November – topaz or citrine
stands for friendship and faithfulness and both are brown through orange or yellow
December – turquoise
represents understanding and success. In 2002
the AGTA added Tanzanite as another December birthstone

As with any gift from the heart
presentation can count nearly as much as the gift. How would you feel if your beloved just tossed you the diamond ring and said “Gotcha something?” Now
what if they went to some amount of effort to present it to you? There movies and personal stories everywhere about how people have presented a special piece of jewelry to their spouse. Believe it or not
food is one of the most popular methods! People tend to place rings in champagne or other clear beverages or bake it into their special person’s favorite pie or cake. What is often left out of these stories is the precautions you need to take. Make sure your loved one doesn’t actually eat your gift
or worse
choke on it. Next
check with your jeweler about any physical precautions. Champagne will actually dissolve pearls and if you baked a ruby it may crack!

Giving the gift of a lifetime is a significant investment
and you shouldn’t enter into it lightly. Do your research
make sure you know what you’re buying
and how to make a good decision. You can visit the website for the Jewelry Information Center at www.jic.org for free advice on a variety of jewelry related topics.

Diamonds are allotropes of carbon
whose hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry.

Diamond in Greek means "impossible to tame". Diamonds are found mainly in central and southern Africa
although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada
Russia
Brazil
and Australia.

There are Synthetic Diamonds and Natural Diamonds.

There is something so special about diamonds
and they are so valuable
that people have been trying to make them for a long time.

Synthetic diamonds were first produced in 1953
in Stockholm
Sweden by ASEA
Sweden's major electrical manufacturing company. Pressure was maintained within a device at an estimated 83
0
atmospheres for an hour to produce these diamonds.

It now seems that it is possible to make diamonds in a laboratory so perfect down to the same atomic structure that DeBeers
the world's largest diamond consortium
is running scared.

And you know what
these diamonds can be made and sold at a profit.

Apparently there are in Russia alone 5 laboratories producing synthetic diamonds that have the same atomic structure as natural diamonds but with ONE difference
they are too perfect.
They have the same characteristics as real diamonds
the same hardness
same conductivity
the same sparkle.

Different types of Synthetic Diamonds:

2 different processes are being used to produce Synthetic Diamonds:

The oldest process uses pressure
lots of it
and carbon.

Since diamonds are carbon
eventually people were able to make diamonds in this manner
but these diamonds were easily distinguishable from natural diamonds.

Originally
the pressure process was developed by GE and
by major manufacturers
on a much larger scale.

There is also a cubic press system.

The newest process actually grows diamonds layer by layer as a chemical process and is called Chemical vapor deposition.

This process allows many new uses for diamonds which in the past had previously been either too expensive to implement or too difficult to make.

The most important characteristic of CVD diamond growth is the ability to control the properties of the diamond produced.

Diamonds are now being used to machine tools
especially for non-ferrous alloys. CVD diamond also has applications in electronics. Conductive diamond has been demonstrated as a useful electrode under many circumstances.

Diamonds are also being used as radiation detection devices. Diamonds also have uses as semiconductors because the diamonds can be contaminated with impurities.

Diamond is the ideal material. It can be used in computers to run them at speeds that would melt anything on the market today.

Diamonds can also replace rubies to make lasers of extreme power.

Diamonds can be used as memory storage devices which could be so small as to allow a cellphone to fit into a watch and an iPod to store 20
0
movies.

Undeniably diamonds may present itself in different attractive colors. This makes
them to be very precious because they are very rare. The common color which diamond has which you usually see is white to yellow. The whiter a diamond gets much better.

Nitrogen in diamonds results to its yellow color in appearance. Diamonds with much greater shade of yellow has definitely lesser value. But it shows sparkle when it posses a shade of yellow while when if it is white it shows sparkling shine.

In every rule there will always be exception to it. Just like with canary diamond. What is canary diamond?! Canary Diamond is a diamond which is a bright yellow diamond and much way too expensive. There are some which is very particular
when it comes with the color of a diamond.

Gran Fall Spectrum Colorimeter is used to best judge the color of the stone.
You can use the GIA color grading scale as your guide:
D
E
F: Colorless
G
H
I: Nearly colorless
J
K
L: Slightly yellow
M
N
O: Light yellow
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X: Darker
yellow(least expensive)
Z: Fancy colors(expensive)

You should be knowledgeable about diamonds. Diamonds has reaction to ultraviolet light which is called Fluorescence. A fluorescence which is a faint one
is better which wouldn't fog the diamond.

Do you know that a diamonds' clarity and color compliments each other?! Matching these two is known to be as Corresponding Grading.

Diamond is really very thrilling hobby but I must admit a really expensive one. But if you will not look at its cost but to its worth you will consider it to be a
worthwhile to spend your time and money for. Precious stone such as a diamond is something we people should we aware of. A stone from nature which we should consider a gift. A gift for human kind and for its being.

Diamonds are known for their sparkle and brilliance making them popular in jewelry as their shine is unmatched by any other gemstone. Symbolizing eternal love
diamonds are popular in engagement rings and wedding jewelry. Because of their hardness
diamonds are also used to cut and wear away other substances and are used for industrial purposes in drills
saws and engraving tools.

The jewelry and industrial uses for diamonds created a demand for the stones and also prompted the creation of imitations which mimic the qualities of a diamond with some differences. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are two of these that are popular in jewelry.

Both are diamond simulants meaning non-diamond materials are used to create them and simulate the properties of a real diamond. Both are less expensive than a diamond and have their advantages and drawbacks.

Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamonds

Cubic zirconia (or CZ) has been used in jewelry since the 1970’s. Cubic zirconias are more reflective than glass or crystal so they sparkle like diamonds. A CZ is not as hard as a diamond but weighs more
a fact that does not lessen cubic zirconias appeal since traditional carat sizes are small enough that their weight isn’t perceived as greater. The majority of diamonds have inclusions
or flaws (these are measured by the Clarity component of the four C’s of diamond buying.) CZs are optically flawless and they are colorless
another characteristics that is found in few diamonds as most diamonds have some yellow shading to them.

Moissanite vs. Diamonds

Moissanite is the jewelry name for silicon carbide and was introduced as a gemstone in the late 1990’s. Moissanites are more refractive than diamonds meaning they shine more brilliantly making this one of the easiest ways to tell it is not a diamond.

A moissanite is not as hard as a diamond but is harder than a cubic zirconia and it weighs less than a CZ. Moissanites do have inclusions like diamonds and may have green shading to them.

Both cubic zirconia and moissanite have a close visual resemblance to diamonds – they offer the luster and fire of diamonds while being mostly colorless and can be cut in the same shapes as diamonds. In jewelry making cubic zirconia and moissanite are not as popular so they are harder to find in specific cuts and are not regularly found in jewelry stores or traditional online jewelry sellers.

Diamonds radiate with more than their sparkle. They radiate with romance! With love! With dreams come true! For some people these words are all synonymous. “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
” sang Carol Channing in the Broadway show
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
” and a half-century later these words still resonate with some truth. Immortalized as a symbol of love at an engagement
diamonds have adorned the heads of kings and queens
and been the bait of ransom for others. Many men have died trying to acquire diamonds
and women have been known to sell their honor to be able to wear them. Diamonds themselves were found in India many thousands of year ago and adorned only the wealthiest at that time.

Diamonds also play another role in our society – that of being one of the hardest known substances that modern industry can use. The word diamond originally came from the Greek word ‘adamas
’ which meant indestructible. Because the majority of diamonds mined are either too small or too imperfect to adorn the hand of love
they are used for industrial purposes where their hardness
rather than their beauty
reflects their value.

Diamonds are measured by weight
much like coal or potatoes. The basic unit
called a carat
is 200 milligrams
or 1/142nd of an avoirdupois ounce. Although measured by weight
a well-cut
one-carat diamond will measure one-quarter of an inch diameter. A most interesting fact is that an eight-carat diamond will measure only one-half of an inch diameter. Among the largest diamonds ever found was one weighing an awesome 3
106
carats – fist sized. It was cut into eight of the world’s greatest diamonds and 96 lesser gems.

Some occupations allow the craftsman to make a mistake
but not that of the diamond cutter. A large
rough uncut diamond has the potential of being worth millions. One slip on the part of the cutter and the stone becomes almost worthless. Legends tell of the rich diamond owners of years ago standing over their cutters while they worked.

Should they make a wrong cut he would order their immediate execution.The true aim of cutters then and now is to bring out the maximum brilliancy of the stone while eliminating as many flaws as possible and still retaining the maximum weight.The cutters are truly artists at this most specialized trade. While Nature made the raw stone
it takes a talented human to reveal the potential of its hidden beauty.

The services of an expert are truly necessary when acquiring diamonds for one’s own personal use. No other product has such potential for deceit or fraud. The reputable dealer remains your best insurance as you fall in love with the brilliance
fire and beauty of each diamond.

A diamond is a girl’s best friend! It is a beauty and unique nature makes it easy to admire. Diamond purchasing is a great task and an exciting pleasure. There are various types of diamonds so when buying real diamonds
one should learn about fake diamonds so that you will be able to distinguish between the fake vs. real diamond. Nowadays the best fake diamond is in great demand. Here are some of the simple solutions or the methods that will enable you to find out the difference between the fake vs. real diamond. The best way to know about the precious diamond is to acquire knowledge from a diamond professional. If possible take the diamond along with you to the shop and get all the details from the jeweler. The best fake diamond looks so similar to the real diamond that even a professional diamond jeweler may get confused and may have hard time to finding out whether it is a fake or the real diamond. In case you are not satisfied with the views regarding the real diamond from the professional
here is a way to find out which is a real diamond and which is a fake diamond.

The first method is to check the diamond with the help of diamond tester as it will help you to differentiate between real diamond and best fake diamond. It is an electronic tester that can check all the diamonds except the moissanite stone for which the diamond tester is not reliable. The best fake diamond is the cubic zirconia and the weight of this diamond is around 50% more than a real diamond of the same size and shape. This weighing test also can find out the difference between fake vs. real diamond.

Another method for checking the best fake diamond is the transparency test in which the diamond is placed up side down on the news paper and if the written matter from the newspaper is legible then be sure that the diamond is not the real one and it can be a best fake diamond. One of the disadvantages of this method is that some of the stones may appear to be a real diamond due its fine cutting. In this case
one needs to be sure about the cutting methods of the stones. This method is very common and enables you to find the real diamond from the best fake diamond.

The third method that helps you to differentiate between fake vs. real diamond is the fog test. Hold the stone or the diamond and blow some air from your mouth on to the stone
if the fog appears on the stone and stays there for next few seconds then it shows that the stone is a best fake diamond because in case of a real diamond
the heat disappears instantly. The oily layers and dirt on the stone might create some problems to differentiate fake vs. real diamond. Thus
before carrying out a test for best fake diamond
clean its surface properly.

The ultra violet test is another method that will enable you to find out the real diamond from the best fake diamond. The real diamond projects blue color light if put under the ultra violet light or the black color. There are two options
if the blue light does not appear
it can be best fake diamond or can be a high quality diamond.

All of the above tests can satisfy all the test conditions to differentiate between a best fake diamond and the real diamond.

Clarity is an important aspect of a diamond
and it is important to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond before you buy one. It is actually quite easy to learn how to grade the clarity of a diamond.

There are basically two things that you must understand:

Diamonds with visual inclusions and blemishes
and those that are ‘eye clean’ meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishesthat can be seen with the naked eye. From there
the clarity of a diamond is further broken down into subcategories.


Many people mistakenly think that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is. This isn’t so. Clarity actually refers to the internal and external imperfections of the diamond. The best diamonds
of course get a grade of FL or IF – Flawless or Internally Flawless – meaning that it is perfect. A grade of I-1
I-2 or I-3 means that the diamond is imperfect
with a grade of I-3 being the worst.

Other grades are VVS1 and VVS2
which means that the diamond is very
very slightly imperfect; VS1 and VS2
meaning the diamond is very slightly imperfect; SI-1 and SI-2
which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.


When buying diamonds and diamond jewelry
visit a reputable dealer and ask the right questions. By doing your due diligence
you will be happy with the result of your eventual purchases.

Diamond wedding rings are no longer just for women. Many grooms today choose to purchase a man's diamond wedding ring to match the bride's. Still others enjoy the social status that comes with wearing a diamond wedding band. Purchasing a diamond wedding ring means that the groom must consider not only the material and design of the ring
but also the quality of the diamonds.

Although often not considered to be as important as the diamonds in the bride's engagement and wedding rings
the groom's diamonds should also be purchased with care. The man should take the same "4 Cs" into consideration: carat weight
clarity
color
and cut.

A carat is exactly 200 milligrams
but very few men's bands will sport a diamond of this size. Most bands will instead have several smaller diamonds that may of may not equal one full carat. A full carat is also equal to 100 points
so a jeweler may refer to a ring as having several 10 point diamonds (each of which would be equal to one tenth of a carat).

While the clarity of a diamond is often considered the least important of the 4 Cs
it is still a key consideration in your diamond purchase. The clarity of a diamond measures the number and extent of the flaws in the diamond. For the most part
a more valuable diamond will have fewer flaws. It is extremely rare that you will find a completely flawless diamond; only a couple hundred "FL" diamonds are produced a year. Although there are several grading systems used to determine a diamond's clarity
the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) score is by far the most popular. It ranks diamonds as Flawless (FL)
Internally Flawless (IF)
Very Very Slightly Included (VVS)
Very Slightly Included (VS)
Slightly Included (SI)
and Included (I). (Note: “inclusions” are slight specks
cracks
or other flaws in a diamond). These ranks are not subjective; the scale has extremely specific criteria that are used to differentiate between the grades.

The color of the stone
referring to how yellow the stone is
can also be graded on a GIA scale. An ideal diamond is completely colorless
being ranked as a D. The alphabetical scale ranks nearly colorless stones as I and J
increasingly yellow beginning with M/N
and a Z is a completely yellow stone. The average color for engagement diamonds in the United States is G to H.

The cut of a diamond is possibly the most confusing of the "4 Cs
since it can refer to the cutting style, the shape of the stone (round, square, heart-shaped, etc), its proportions, or the workmanship and the diamond-cutting process. The brilliant round cut is the most common cut for diamond engagement rings and wedding bands.

One activity that you will undoubtedly appreciate when preparing for your wedding ceremony is the wedding ring selection. Like most young girls
you have probably spent most of your life dreaming of the perfect diamond wedding ring. Hopefully
you and your fianc้ have decided to shop for rings together
or you have informed him of what you like. You will wear the wedding ring for a significant amount of time and it only makes sense that it's something that you like. If your knowledge of diamond wedding rings is limited to size
it's a good idea that you obtain more information before you make your wedding ring selection.

Loose or Set
When most people think of a diamond wedding ring
they often think of a stone that is already set or mounted. You can actually buy a diamond only and choose a setting later. The intelligence in doing so is cost. When you shop for loose diamonds you will notice that diamonds are available in various sizes
including oval
round
and marquise. If you don't have a personal preference for a certain style
you might want to consider your hands. Certain styles complement certain types of hands. A good guide is to match the shape of the diamond to the hand. Do you have long
narrow fingers? An oval-shaped diamond or similar elongated style diamond for your wedding ring would probably work for you. Round diamonds are considered a good choice for most hands.

The Perfect Setting
Something else to consider when shopping for a wedding ring is the setting. Do you choose platinum or yellow or white gold? Yellow gold is the setting that most people choose for their wedding ring. It is typically less expensive than platinum or white gold. If you choose a yellow gold wedding ring
be careful that you don't choose a higher quality just because you think it is better. As the quality of yellow gold goes up
the softer the metal becomes. A wedding ring set in 24k gold will be less resilient to scratches than a ring that is set in 14k gold. Platinum is by far the most expensive and most durable of the trio. White gold is a good choice for a wedding ring setting if versatility is important to you. White gold tends to go with everything.

White diamonds are by far the most popular. Did you know that you could buy a pink diamond? Diamonds are available in other colors
but these are typically more expensive. Second to the classic white diamond is the yellow diamond. When shopping for your wedding ring you will actually find more of these than any other color of diamond.

Considering Cost
Your budget probably carries the most weight in your wedding ring selection. A wedding ring featuring a diamond can cost as little as $100 and as much as $1
0
0
In general
the amount of money you can expect to pay for a diamond wedding ring will vary according to the type of stone and the setting. The more carats a wedding ring has the more it will cost. Diamonds set in platinum will cost you the most
while you will spend very little on a wedding ring set in 14-carat gold. You can balance the cost by buying a wedding ring with a high number of carats and set in a less expensive setting.