Choosing your diamond shape is one of the key
elements in determining the overall appearance of your ring
or other diamond jewelry. There are many shapes and
variations from which to choose, but first off do not
confuse “shape” with “cut”. A diamond’s shape is just that:
the outward appearance of the stone, whether it is round,
oval etc.; while the cut refers to how the diamond itself is
fashioned, how many facets and so on. Below I’ll examine the
various diamond shapes and tell a little about each of them,
in order to help you make that all-important choice.

Round Brilliant Diamonds – By far the most popular,
accounting for more than 75% of diamonds purchased today,
they are also the most expensive. Most coveted as an
engagement ring, they also find their way into earrings and
pendants. Round Brilliant Diamonds are noted for their fire
and brilliance.

Oval Diamonds – A perfectly symmetrical design yields a
large surface area that gives the impression of a much
larger diamond, oval diamonds are favored by women with
smaller hands or shorter fingers, it’s shape giving an
elongated look to the hand.

Princess Cut Diamonds – Though in appearance the smallest of
diamonds, a Princess Cut Diamond is basically an inverted
pyramid which puts most of the carat weight near the bottom.
Princess cut diamonds are most often sought as solitaires,
and are a relatively recent shape.

Marquise Diamonds – Another diamond shape that looks larger
than it actually is, the Marquise diamond is elongated with
points on each end, though sometimes altered to a “French
tip” where the end point is excised. A great choice for a
solitaire.

Emerald Cut – Rectangular with corner cuts, this diamond is
also called a step cut, because of the shape that resembles
stair steps. Large, open facets on this diamond make it
imperative to choose a stone of greater clarity and higher
color, as inclusions and weak color are more noticeable in
this cut.

Pear Shape Diamond – Exactly as it says, this diamond is
pear-shaped, or sometimes reminding one of a teardrop. Most
often found on pendants and earrings.

Heart Shaped Diamonds - A brilliant cut, the heart shaped
diamond is a romantic choice that varies from jeweler to
jeweler as it’s shape can be greatly influenced by the skill
of whimsy of the gem cutter, as well as variable facet
configurations. Seek out a perfectly symmetrical stone.

Trillion Cut Diamonds – A newcomer, born in the late
seventies, this diamond is a triangle stone with equal
sides. These can make stunning earrings.

Baguette Cut Diamonds – Another step cut diamond shape that
is most frequently employed as side stones. Because it has
few facets, quality and color come into play more here as
imperfections become more visible in these uncomplicated,
though elegant diamonds.

Radiant Diamonds – A square or rectangularly shaped diamond,
the Radiant resembles the emerald shape but has 70 facets,
making it much more brilliant and dazzling than the Emerald
shape.

Asscher Shape Diamonds – A rectangular shaped diamond with high
crown step facets, this shape was patented in 1902 and is
know for it’s fire and ability to return light.

Cushion Cut Diamonds – Sometimes referred to as “pillow
cut”, this shape was popular in the 1800′s. Cut with candle
light in mind, (nothing else available at the time!) the
cushion cut is a rectangular/squarish shape, with more than
a touch of old world elegance about it.

Kite, Trapezoid & Half-Moon diamonds – Lesser know shapes
used mainly for side stones.

Choosing the right diamond shape can be more easily
accomplished with a little information and the help of a
professional jeweler. Here’s hoping you find that perfect
diamond!

Diamond Care

You just dropped several large bills to get your beloved (or
maybe yourself!) diamonds or jewelry that take your breath
away, and you’re suddenly struck with the thought of how do
I give these diamonds care? That kind of investment deserves
some careful attention, and that’s the subject of discussion.
To make your diamonds last a lifetime, there are several areas,
some obvious, some not; that you need to keep in mind. While
diamonds may be the hardest compound on earth, they still
need some loving care.

There are cleaning, checking your settings, security and
traveling.

CLEANING YOUR DIAMONDS

Your diamonds can get pretty grotesque with day to day wear.
Lotions, harsh soaps, food and even the oils from your skin
can contribute to a less than lustrous diamond. Here are the
four most popular ways to clean your diamonds at home.

1- Give them a mild detergent bath, gently using a small soft
brush to wash away loose impediments. Be careful to do this
in a small bowl away from the sink as the only thing worse
than a filthy diamond is a lost one!

2- Soak them in solution of half ammonia and half cold water
for about 30 minutes. Be sure to only use a soft bristled
brush as it’s possible to scratch your diamonds.

3- Use one of the Quick Dip solutions sold in stores. Follow
the directions and be sure not to handle the clean diamonds
with your fingers, ruining all your hard work. Pick your
diamond jewelry up by it’s edges.

4- Ultrasonic cleaning. There’s lot’s of these small machines
that will clean your diamonds and jewelry in a snap. Just be sure
and follow directions, as each machine is different.

CHECKING YOUR DIAMOND SETTINGS

At least once a year have your diamond jewelry settings
checked by a reputable jeweler. Have them check for a secure
placement, particularly if your diamond is set in soft
metals such as 24k gold.

DIAMOND SECURITY

Some thoughts on securing your diamonds. Keep your diamond
jewelry in soft fabric covered jewelry boxes, preferably
with individual compartments. One of the only things that
can cut a diamond is another diamond, so keep them away from
each other. don’t wear it when doing hard heavy work. It’s
possible to chip your diamond with a hard glancing blow.
Keep your treasures away from small, playful fingers. If you
have a large amount, consider videotaping or digitally
storing photos of your gems for insurance purposes. And be
smart: don’t wear your 15 carat diamond necklace to a Raider
game and expect to make anything but a lot of new friends!

TRAVELING WITH DIAMONDS

When traveling, store your diamonds in soft jewelry bags,
individually, and use a specially designed jewelry travel
case if you can get one. They are made for this purpose, and
are handy indeed.

A gift of diamonds and jewelry means many things to many people.
Diamonds are a symbol of great affection. Please honor those
who gave this gift to you by giving your diamonds care
and attention and you’ll be rewarded with a
lifetime with a lifetime of sparkle!

You’ve seen the scene a million times: the thieves empty a
hefty bag of loose diamonds onto something dark, and images
of riches dance through your mind. Fortunately for all of
us, buying GIA loose diamonds is not merely the stuff of movies,
but a real and viable option for diamond jewelry buyers in
search of the best choices available for their purchases.
Here’s some of the basics of buying loose diamonds.

Most jewelers now realize that diamond shoppers are becoming
more savvy, and now offer loose diamonds as a normal part of
their business. In fact it has opened up an entire new
avenue for some merchants, selling loose diamonds to those
who are either unsure of exactly what they want, prospective
grooms, and people who want to use the diamonds in settings
they already own, and don’t need premade diamond jewelry.
Loose diamonds are available in all shapes, such as round,
princess, marquise, pear, heart and all the rest. You can
find them in all grades as well, and this is why you need to
come armed with an idea of just what you want, as well as
some basic diamond knowledge. You should know something of
the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Make sure
each loose diamond has a certificate from a respected,
independent gem lab (GIA, AGS, EGL)

Buying loose GIA certified diamonds is now easier than ever, with a lot of
the action taking place online. Not only can you educate
yourself easily online about your diamond purchase, online
diamond shopping can be more economical to boot! Most online
vendors offer equal or better terms than offline diamond
stores, and it’s hard to beat the hours. Shop 24/7, and
forgo the hordes of commissioned salespeople. Buying loose
diamonds is not only a great idea for those wanting to
design their own jewelry or use their own settings, it’s a
great way to save some real money. Take the GIA loose diamonds
plunge today!

A Christmas jewelry purchase of diamonds may be just the item that
makes this a holiday to remember! Whether it be a new
diamond ring, diamonds earrings, pendant, bracelet or some
other piece pf diamond jewelry, the Holiday season can be a
perfect time to express your undying devotion to those you
love with a diamond all their own! There are a few things to
keep in mind when buying diamond jewelry for the holidays,
and here’s a few of them.

WHAT DO THEY LIKE?

Everyone has their own personal style, and to have the best
shot at finding diamond jewelry that compliments their
natural chosen style you need to come armed with facts. What
do they like? Classic, contemporary, or vintage styling?
What metal do they prefer. Exclusively gold, platinum,
silver? Do they like bold or subtle diamond jewelry, and
what size are the pieces they own now?

SHAPES and SETTINGS

Diamond jewelry can come in many shapes and settings. Some
choices might include a round diamond, a marquise cut or
oval, a princess cut or emerald, pear or heart; as well as
many other cuts and shapes and indeed even colors of diamond
jewelry out there. Finding someone’s personal preference
when it comes to diamond jewelry can be a tricky endeavor;
you don’t want to give it away! See what they gaze at when
window shopping; you may get a hint at some of the things
they like. Be sure to take into consideration the size and
shape of their hands, particularly for a woman. Imagine how
it would look on her hands. If you’re in a retail store have
a clerk with similar hand structure model it for you. The
last thing you want to do is have a large ring that
overwhelms her hand.

WHAT SIZE DO YOU BUY?

You may have to become a secret agent to get this info, but
it would be nice to have an idea of size when you’re
Choosing that ring. Another option is simply buying loose
diamonds and shopping together for the setting. You’re still
her knight in shining armor and she get to choose how it
shines!

WHERE TO BUY DIAMOND JEWELRY?

This part is getting easier and easier. In addition to the
diamond retailers in your area, the internet has
revolutionized diamond jewelry shopping, to the extent where
it’s now preferable to do your diamond shopping online.
Time, convenience, much more readily available information
and inventory make diamond jewelry shopping on the net an no-
brainer. You often run into great prices online as well, as
there is no overhead online and also no commissioned
salesperson there to “guide” you into the diamond jewelry
they want to sell you, not necessarily what you want. No
pressure, no lines, no parking, no crime, and all the major
diamonds retailers have an online presence, as well as some
that are purely web-based. Let me ask you: would you rather
buy your diamond jewelry from a seasonal employee who is
selling you what they have left on hand, or make a much more
informed and leisurely decision from a web-based retailer
with a great deal more inventory and probably better prices?
Okay, you decide! Most of the major Most all online stores
will offer you guarantees and return privileges, and in my
view putting my credit card online is a great deal safer
than giving it to an eighteen year old dying for the latest
XBOX.

If you’re looking for diamond jewelry for the holidays, let
your fingers do the walking and find that perfect piece
they’ll adore forever!

Buying diamonds online sometimes sends shivers down the spines of many people, but the reality is that this needn’t be so. With just a little knowledge and some due diligence on your part, find the perfect diamond for your honey doesn’t have to be fearful or fraught with peril! Here are some of the things you’ll want to bear in mind when shopping for diamonds online.

Buying diamonds online offers many distinct advantages to the local mall, chief among them being price and selection. The online merchant doesn’t have to hire hordes of 19-year olds to hawk their limited selection of diamond jewelry. They have it all sitting out there right before your eyes, and you don’t have to wait for someone to come open the case! The vast selection an online diamonds merchant can offer is because they don’t have to service and pay for a physical store among many other items, and thus can afford to have much more stock readily available. Whether you are looking for wedding rings online, or engagement rings online, you’ll find that for these reasons prices are often much lower than you might find in a mall.

When buying diamonds online you still want to be sure and do your part: understand what kind of diamonds you’re after, and know something about the 4 C’s; cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Be sure and take your time, and don’t jump at the first thing you see. If you do, you’ll be missing out on the best reason to shop online in the first place, and that is the vast selection. When you have found something you like, check out the merchant a little. Comparison shop price, and see if they offer return, refund or guarantees. Also ask for deals on shipping. Many online diamond merchants offer free shipping. See if there are any been any complaints against the company. Ask if a diamond report from GIA, AGS is available. Be wary if it is not, particularly on a large purchase. You may even want to use a reputable escrow service to appraise the diamond and then pass the money on to the merchant. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself and make sure you get the diamond that’s advertised.

With so many reputable diamond merchants online now, and many offline stores now having an online presence, buying jewelry online doesn’t present the challenges it once might’ve. Take your time, do your homework and soon you’ll see that to buy diamonds online can actually be a pleasurable experience!

When considering how to find good diamond insurance for your
precious diamond jewelry, there are a few things you need to
know about jewelry insurance policies, and what they cover
and don’t cover. It’s a specialized type of insurance, and
your insurance agent may not have all the information he or
she needs to craft a suitable policy for you, so it’s up to
you to come armed with all the particulars you’re concerned
about.

There are basically three types of diamond insurance
available, and these are Actual Cash Value, Replacement
Value, and Agreed Value. Actual Cash Value means that your
diamond will be insured at today’s actual market rate for
the diamond, irrespective of what you paid for it.
Replacement Value means that the insurance company will pay
up to a certain amount to replace the diamond. They may
actually pay lees than the policy states, as they can often
get a better replacement deal than you can. Agreed Value is
simply that; you and the insurance company come to an
agreement on the value of the diamond, and that is what
they’ll pay in the event of a loss. This type is rare, and
if you can get it, jump on it! Most times people are steered
into Replacement Value, but that shouldn’t be your first
choice if you have one. Try for Agreed Value, then Actual
Cash Value first.

Most diamond insurance polices are written as riders to your
homeowners or renters insurance. There is one more major
thing to keep in mind, especially as regards Replacement
Value insurance. Don’t opt for the insurance companies
appraiser when assessing the value of your diamonds. They
work for them, and you should know that if they set the
value of your diamonds at $15,000 and after a loss they find
they can replace the diamonds for $5000, that’s what they’ll
do. Why that is significant is that all this time you’ll
have been paying premiums based on $15,000, not $5000. Big
difference. Always insist on an independent appraiser.

Finding good diamond insurance isn’t all that hard, but like
anything else when it comes to any type of insurance, you’ll
want to be armed with the facts so you won’t overpay, or
find yourself underinsured.

If there’s one thing you can be sure of when looking for a
special gift, it’s that diamond earrings are something no
woman can ever get enough of! An elegant, timeless gift,
diamond earrings have a special place in a woman’s jewelry
box. They are a perfect gift for a special occasion, and
because they go with nearly anything, they don’t cause
any wardrobe catastrophes. They look just as great with an
evening dress as they do with blue jeans.

When you’re shopping for diamonds earrings there are a few
things to bear in mind. There are several basic styles of
diamond earrings to choose from: stud, hoops, drops and
chandeliers. Diamond earrings can be found in most popular
cuts, and if trends are important to them, Princess-cut
diamonds are very popular right now in diamond earrings.
Other classic choices may include  round-cut diamond stud
earrings. When you are looking for elegant simplicity, a
diamond stud earring is the way to go. Easy to deal with and
sure to go with anything, diamond studs are a no-brainer.

Hoop earrings can give a very feminine and elegant look
also, and are usually very lightweight and easy to
wear. You can find them in many different metals and when
combined with diamonds make a stunning statement.

Drop earrings and chandeliers are obviously designed to
dangle below the ear lobe, as are hoop earrings with diamonds,
so other considerations such as personal style, hair and
choice of wardrobe may be more of a factor here. The sense
of movement they bring to the table though may be worth the
added considerations.

When choosing your diamond earrings, always look for high-
quality color and clarity. Any obvious imperfections should
be rejected. They should also be near-colorless.

Earrings with diamonds are a wonderful addition to any woman’s
arsenal, and it’s rare to find one who feels she has enough.
For a timeless and classy gift, remember diamond earrings
next time you need that perfect gift!

Anyone wanting to make an informed purchase of diamond
jewelry needs at least a cursory understanding of diamond
grading specs and the 4 C’s of diamonds. These are the
standards used when grading diamonds, and ultimately
determine their value. They are Cut, Color,
Clarity and Carat weight. What follows is a brief
description to acquaint diamond shoppers with these
essential benchmarks that determine diamond grades.

CARAT WEIGHT – Contrary to popular belief, a large stone
alone does not a valuable diamond make! While bigger can be
better, it’s not the only factor. All the other C’s carry as
much weight in the end, and be sure to use the size as a
factor, though not necessarily a determining one. A carat is
actually a measurement of weight, not size, equal to 200
Milligrams.

COLOR – The less color the better. In other words,
everything else being equal, a colorless diamond will be
much more valuable. Diamonds range in color from colorless
to brown, and are ranked by letter starting with
“D”,(colorless) to “Z”, (brownish) This is determined under
special lighting, and does not include the “fancy colored
diamonds”, as these are graded differently. In short, the
clearer the better!

CLARITY – Another important characteristic of a diamond’s
value is it’s clarity. This deals with the number and size of
any inclusions; small clouds, crystals, feathers or cavities
noticeable under 10X magnification. The clarity grades are
F-Flawless (extremely rare); IF-Internally Flawless; VVS1,
VVS2- Very, Very Slightly Included; VS1, VS2 – Very Slightly
Included; SI1, SI2- Slightly Included; and I1,I2,I3-
Included. All you really need to know about this though,
(other than your diamond’s grades) is that you should not be
able to see any inclusions with the naked eye.

CUT – Most people think that the cut of a diamond refers to
it’s shape. That’s not so. It actually refers to the way a
diamond is shaped to refract light, thus enabling it to
sparkle. This is quite an art and requires that each facet
of the stone be cut at precise angles to each other, in the
correct shape and size, to bring about the desired effect.
Each diamond shape has different measurements for it’s
particular dimensions. There are eight basic shapes popular
today, and they are, in no particular order; heart,
princess, pear, marquise, radiant, emerald, oval and round.

Understanding these characteristics can make a diamond
jewelry purchase much less nerve-racking. You’re spending a
good deal of money; it’s nice to know what you’re spending
it on!

If you’re looking for the best diamond engagement ring for
your intended, then take heart; the search may not be nearly
as fearsome as you’re currently thinking. A great diamond
engagement ring can be found in just the right size, style
and price range by almost any prospective groom. There are a
few things to bear in mind as you shop, however, and we’ll
go over those right now.

Diamond engagement rings came into vogue in the 18th century
as a symbol of promise, of betrothal, of intention. It also
symbolizes to the world that the groom is financially able
to care and provide for his blushing bride-to-be. This fact
gets some grooms into trouble as they seek the best diamond
engagement ring money can buy, as opposed to one that they
can truly afford. Sometimes a little thought should go into
whether there is enough money for a home, vehicles,
insurance, and all the other necessities of married life
before plunking down most of one’s savings on a 2-carat
stone in platinum. She’ll love you all the more if her
diamond engagement ring is more modest, and her home is
spectacular, to tell you the truth.

As far as shopping for the a stunning engagement ring,
you’ll want to consider the 4 C’s: Color, Cut
Clarity and Carats. These all play a part in making your
diamond sparkle. Pay particular attention to the styles
she’s wearing now: does she prefer gold, platinum, etc.?
Listen for hints as to types of rings and styles she
prefers. Also take into consideration the size and shape of
her hands. The best diamond engagement ring for someone with
small hands isn’t going to be the same as for someone with
long fingers. Know her size, and possibly consider buying a
loose diamond, and she can have some input into designing
the ring herself after she says yes!

You can expect to pay between $150-$5,000 for the best
diamond engagement ring for you, and the range is merely
indicative of the size and quality of the diamonds, settings
and metals. The bigger, the finer, the more expensive.
Generally 1-carat ring of good quality, certified in 18k
gold or platinum will run anywhere from $3,500-$5,500. That
is only a rough guide. Your mileage may vary.

When shopping for that perfect diamond ring for your bride, it’s
best to do a combination of online and offline shopping.
Many times this is the first diamond a man has ever bought,
and going into a mall store would provide him with a visual
frame of reference. Shopping for diamonds online will
provide you with a much wider choice, cheaper prices and
fast service. Either way you can be assured that the ring she’s been dreaming of is either a click or a short drive
away.

When Archduke Maximillian of Austria bestowed a diamond ring on Mary of Burgundy in 1477, giving a diamond as a symbol of love and commitment was birthed. Prior to this only royalty wore diamonds, believing they symbolized strength and courage. The root of the word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas”, which means unconquerable”. Other folklore surrounding diamonds links them to Cupid, whose arrows were said to be tipped with diamonds.

A diamond is an exceedingly rare item. Over 250 tons of ore must be processed to come up with just one 1-carat diamond of any quality. There are five nations in the world which account for over 90% of the world’s rough diamond supply, and those are Australia, Botswana, Namibia, Russia and South Africa. Several other countries produce smaller but significant stones, like the Canadian Excellent Cut diamonds from the Arctic circle.

Now that we agree that they are rare and quite valuable, why still do we want to give them as gifts? Because they’re beautiful! And elegant, dazzling and all the other adjectives she’ll likely apply when she opens the gift you’ve come up with. Diamond jewelry is like nothing else, and if you’re looking to make this a Christmas or Holiday to remember, the gift of diamonds will make this an unforgettable Holiday season!

So how do you go about purchasing that diamond bauble she’s always wanted? Here are some guidelines to follow that will give you the best chance at success!

WHAT DOES SHE WEAR NOW?

Notice her style now. To have the best chance at finding a diamond style that compliments her natural chosen style you need to come armed with the knowledge of several things. Some of those include does she like classic, contemporary, or vintage styling? What metals does she wear. Is it exclusively gold, platinum, silver? Does she like bold or muted pieces, and the relative size of the jewelry in her possession now.

WHAT SIZE DOES SHE WEAR?

You may have to be sort of James Bondish to get this information in order to preserve the surprise, but getting ahold of a ring just long enough to have it sized would be the mission, should you choose to accept it! That said, there is always the option or buying a loose diamond and letting her shop for the setting. You’re still a hero and she gets exactly what she wants!

THE SHAPE & SETTING

Diamonds come in many shapes and settings. Would she like a round diamond, a marquise cut or oval, a princess cut or emerald, pear or heart; there are many choices available to you to find just the diamond jewelry she wants. When you’re out shopping, linger by the jewelry counters long enough to let her look but not long enough to arouse suspicion. You may be rewarded with hints of preference that will help you. Take into consideration the size and shape of her hands. This will have a bearing on how the ring looks on her. For instance large rings sometimes overwhelm small hands. Try to think proportionately.

THE OCCASION

What is the occasion? Is it a Christmas or Holiday gift? A birthday bauble? Anniversary? Engagement? Whatever the occasion, know that she’ll look upon this gift as something special, a gift of love and endearment. Choose wisely!

SHOPPING FOR DIAMOND JEWELRY

Choosing where you buy a diamond has never been easier. Besides the plethora of diamond retailers in your very neighborhood, the internet has made diamond shopping incredibly convenient. Most of the major jewelers have an online presence, and often this will get you more stone for the money, as they have little or no overhead online. Most offer guarantees and return privileges, and buying online is in my view very much safer than handing my credit card to an eighteen year old with a spending problem. Also, as you know if you’re reading this, information is readily available online, and suspect at times offline. A website is not on commission or limited so much by inventory as a commissioned salesperson might be.

Do some discreet research, gather your data, go online and find the rock of her dreams! Make this or any day a Diamond Christmas!