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Yearly Archive: 2014

What Does the Color of Diamonds Mean?

April 19, 20140

color of the diamonds

4 C’s

When experts examine diamonds, they are looking at four different aspects of the gem, called the 4 Cs. These are the color, cut, clarity, and carat of the diamond. The color of diamonds is the element that many laypeople simply do not understand, especially since many people who are looking at two diamonds might not be able to pick up the subtle color differences that an expert can see. The colorless diamonds, also called white diamonds, actually have varying levels of color in them. Diamonds that have a yellowish or brownish tinge to them are not as valuable as the diamonds that are truly clear and colorless.

Color of Diamonds

To determine the color quality of a diamond, the expert needs to look at it before it goes into a piece of jewelry though. When it is in a setting, the metal can actually make a clear diamond look as though it has a slightly different color. When they are in yellow gold, they might appear as though they have a yellow tint although it is just a trick of the light.

Experts will judge the color of the diamond based on a system set up by the Gemological Institute of America, or AGI New York . They have a grading system for diamonds that goes from D to Z. Those diamonds that have a score of D are extremely rare. It means that they are entirely colorless, and these are the most sought after of diamonds. The diamonds that have a Z grade would have a lot of unwanted color in them. Naturally, where the diamond falls in this grade will greatly determine the value of the diamond.

The diamonds rated D, E, and F are colorless. Those rated G, H, I, and J are nearly colorless, and K, L, and M have some color to them.  It is usually slight but yellow. Most of the time, people can’t see the color with the naked eye. Diamonds graded N, O, P, Q, and R have a visible yellow tint to them. S through Z graded diamonds are visible as well, and they are noticeably worse. The diamonds that fall into that category may even take on a brown appearance. You may even be able to see the color difference when the diamond is mounted.

When you are choosing colored diamonds, try to understand What Does Diamond Mean to you? Always inspect the diamond and check the diamond report to see where it falls on this scale.

 

 

Diamonds

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Gemstone Shapes : What Are the Different Gem Shapes?

April 15, 20140

gem shapes

Variety of gem shapes are available today. Knowing more about the shapes and options available can make it easy to find what they need and to communicate with jewelers about the type of cut they want for their jewelry. The following are some of the most popular gemstone shapes and cuts, that might be just what you are looking for in your next purchase.

 

 

 Round Cut Gems

round cut gems

The round gem is the most popular gemstone shapes, and you can find it in a variety of different types of jewelry, including earrings and rings. Estimates are that nearly 75% of the diamonds sold are round cut diamonds. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the shape of the round gem allows them to reflect more light than the other gem shapes. They sparkle more, and this is very appealing to buyers. Even though round might be the most popular option, it is certainly not the only shape available.

 Princess Cut Gems

princess cut gems

Another popular choice is the princess cut gem shape. This shape has only been around for about thirty-four years, but quite a few people like the look. These are very popular for engagement rings, but they look great in other pieces of jewelry too.

 Oval Cut Gems

oval cut gems

These have some obvious similarities to the round cut diamonds. They reflect light beautifully as well, but one of the reasons people will sometimes choose the oval rather than the round diamond is because it can actually look larger, even if the carat size is the same, simply because of the shape. You could buy a smaller diamond and save money, but it will still look quite large, which might be ideal for those who are on a budget.

 Emerald Cut Gems

emerald cut gems

The emerald cut works for more than just emeralds. Any gem can have this type of cut, and it is actually quite popular with diamonds. The shape creates a very different type of sparkle than you would find with round or oval cut diamonds, and it can provide a very different look and feel than other cuts. However, one of the drawbacks with this cut is that it is easier to see imperfections the gem might have.

These are just four of the different types of gem shapes available today. Whenever buying gems, carefully consider all of the different cut options so you can make an informed buying decision. Click here to know more about different Diamond Cuts.

 

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Gemstones

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The Spectrum of Colorful Diamonds

April 3, 20140

colorful diamonds

Did you know that diamonds aren’t limited to just the colorless variety? While the colorless diamond is the most common, the jewelry market has seen a marked increase in colorful diamonds. Colored gem stones allow you to give your jewelry an added flair. Since each color represents a different mood, you can pick and choose your daily jewelry selections according to the way you feel that morning. Since diamonds represent luxury and opulence, with the emergence of colors of diamonds it has become easier for the upper crust to customize their jewelry without having to settle for one of the lesser known stones on the market.

Rarity of Color Diamonds

Colored diamonds are incredibly rare. They actually only tend to appear once out of every 10,000 diamonds mined. This rarity is what lends the colored diamond its desirability and hefty price tag.

One of the most sought after colored diamonds is the blue diamond. Recently, a 29.6 carat blue diamond was found in the Cullinan mine near Pretoria in South Africa. Some of the larger blue diamonds have actually sold at a price of over $1 million a carat. Out of the 1 in every 10,000 diamonds that yield a colored diamond, blue diamonds are only found in only a fraction of those.

The rarest of all colorful diamonds, though, is the red diamond. There are probably only 20 red diamonds in all of existence. In this case, if you have your heart set on a red stone, you may want to stick with rubies or garnets. Depending on how deep your pockets go, red diamonds may be out of your price range.

Available Colors

There are several different colors available when picking out your diamond, although you might be surprised to learn what actually causes each one.

Nitrogen is one of the most common elements found in diamonds and has the ability to turn them yellow and brown. Brown diamonds have seen a sudden boost in popularity thanks to them being marketed as chocolate diamonds. Blue diamonds are created when boron is introduced to the gems while green diamonds are created by irradiation by alpha particles. Plastic deformation is also responsible for turning diamonds brown, pink, and red. The popular black diamond isn’t actually black. Instead it is just full of dark inclusions that give it the appearance of being black.

The truth is, even though colorful diamonds are incredibly expensive because of their rarity, the reason they have their colors is due to impurities and defects. This is probably the only time a defect will actually make you pay more for an item rather than less. No matter how they got that way, fancy color diamonds are a unique way to add a pop of color to your fine jewelry without having to sacrifice quality. Just be sure to have their quality verified before committing to a purchase. You wouldn’t want to spend tens of thousands on a stone only to find out later that it was one of the lesser quality gems instead.

 

Diamonds

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Top 5 Retailers of Jewelry Sales in US

March 26, 20140

Are you looking for something good to wear this Christmas? Or your beloved’s birthday is nearby and you have not yet decided on what to present her? Well, how about a nice delicate ring? Or a sparkling necklace with emeralds on it?

There is not a single woman on earth who does not like jewelry, which makes it the safest thing to present. By safest we mean you should be aware of your girl’s taste in jewelry and this is all you need to get her the best present.

Well, talking about jewelry, there are several jewelry retailers in the U.S. As a matter of fact, this industry is quite on the roll. The U.S. jewelry industry for retail has experienced a considerable growth in sales from the previous year. While there are a lot of jewelry retailers that are part of this growth, the major contribution is made by these five. They hold a large pie in the jewelry industry market share.

Now this piece of information gives you a headstart in your jewelry shopping expedition. Whether you are buying it for yourself or to gift someone, why not look at these places. The fact that they hold the top five positions in the U.S. jewelry retail industry implies they must have something unique to offer.

 

Courtesy of: Agi New York

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Infographics, Jewelry

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Appraising Vintage Jewelry

March 14, 20140

Appraising Vintage Jewelry

When someone is buying new jewelry, she will often want to have an appraisal done, as it can give her a value for the jewelry, which she can then use when she is buying insurance. Getting an appraisal before buying can also ensure they are not overspending on the items before they buy. However, in some cases, people might not be buying new jewelry at all. She might want to buy older vintage and antique jewelry instead. This can sometimes be more difficult to have antique jewelry appraisal simply because finding someone who knows about the older jewelry and Appraising Vintage Jewelry .

 Starting the Journey on Your Own: Appraising Vintage Jewelry

When trying to find the value of the jewelry you buy, you might have to begin on your own. Look over the jewelry and look for marks on it. Look at the scratches and imperfections and make note of them, but also look for any marks that might identify the jewelry maker. It could be a full name or a simple mark. Make note of that as well. Take photos of the jewelry from various angles as well, and make sure you have some close up, clear shots of the pieces.

 Finding an Expert

Once you have the photos and as much information about the jewelry as you could find, you can begin looking for an expert. Look for names of appraisers in your area, as well as online appraisers. Research the companies and make sure that they have a good reputation and that they are actually experts in the field. For those who are in your area, you can contact them and set up an appointment. Ask them if they want you to send over digital copies of the photos so they can see the piece.

You do not have to work only with those in your area though. Since you have the digital photos of the jewelry, you can find some experts who can look at the photos and who can give you an appraisal.

 Two or More Appraisers

When you are having older jewelry appraised, you might want to have two or more appraisers look it over, just so you can get a good and honest assessment. The values should be close, but each expert may have a slightly different opinion. Having at least two appraisals should give you a better idea of the actual value, which can be helpful if you hope to sell the piece.

Jewelry

Diamond Insurance: Do You Need It?

March 4, 20140

diamon insurance

Everyone who owns a home has a homeowner’s insurance policy, and many people who rent property will have renter’s insurance. These policies are a means to protect them from loss in the event of theft or some type of disaster. While it is always a good idea to have these policies, they may not be enough to protect all of the valuables that you have, especially if you have some rather expensive diamonds. Owning diamonds can be a great investment, but you need to make sure you are able to protect that investment. Diamond insurance could be just what you need.

 

Different Types of Policies for Diamond Owners

 

Diamond insurance is generally a separate policy from the others that you have for your possessions, and it is specific just to your diamonds. However, it is also possible to have it added to your homeowner’s insurance. You can choose from replacement value policies, agreed value policies, and actual cash value policies. It is important to understand the distinction between them.

 

When you choose a replacement value policy, the insurance company will pay you a predetermined and agreed upon amount if something were to happen to your diamond. An actual cash value policy will pay out the current market value of the diamond. The agreed value policies pay an amount agreed upon by you and the diamond insurance companies after the theft. This is rarer than the other types of policy.

 

Finding the Right Company for Diamond Insurance

 

When choosing a company for an added insurance policy for your diamonds, always make sure they specialize in these sorts of policies. Research the insurer to be sure they are legitimate and that they have good customer service. The last thing you need to do is have a long and drawn out ordeal when you are trying to replace your diamonds after a theft.

 

You Need Insurance for Your Diamonds

 

Your diamonds often have sentimental value attached to them as well as financial value. While the diamond insurance policies are not able to replace the actual gems and rings that you might lose, and they can’t replace the sentimental value, they can at lease help you with the financial loss. Having these policies in place and never needing them is far better than being caught unawares. If you own diamond jewelry, it really is in your best interest to start exploring the options available for diamond insurance.

 

 

Diamonds, Insurance

What are Certified Diamonds? Want to know?

February 25, 20140

Certified Diamonds

Another term for a diamond certificate is the diamond report. These reports come from accredited gemological labs and they tell you about the diamond in question. In the report, they cover the 4Cs of diamonds – the color, cut, clarity, and carat. Today, the labs will use high-tech gear and equipment along with the expert eyes and experience of the gemologists to provide the most accurate diamond report possible. Anyone who buys a diamond, for whatever reason, should request a diamond report.

 Benefits of Buying Certified Diamond

Why should you buy certified diamonds? One of the biggest reasons is so that you can be sure you are getting a real diamond and that you are not paying too much for it. The report gives you a rundown of the diamond so you know exactly what it is you are buying. You can look at the report and know what the diamond will look like even without seeing it. In addition, certified diamonds tend to be able to hold their value better than those that do not have certification. By looking at the diamond reports, it makes it possible for non-experts to understand what they are looking at when they are examining a diamond. They can also use the reports to compare several different diamonds and know which one is the best. Since most people buying diamonds are not experts, the certificates serve as shorthand for understanding the diamond. Of course when buying, it is important to make sure that the certification comes from a high quality, accredited laboratory that has a good reputation when it comes to certification.

The Difference Between Diamond Reports and Appraisals

Many people do not realize there is a difference between appraisals and diamond reports, but the difference is actually huge. The report, as mentioned, covers the color, cut, clarity, and carat of the diamond in terms that the readers of the report can easily understand. The appraisal on the other hand is an actual valuation of the diamond from an expert. People will often need to get an appraisal if they want to insure their diamonds, which is always a good idea. The next time you are shopping for a diamond, make sure you ask for the diamond certificate so you can give it the once over for your own safety. It will help ensure you are making the right decision when you spend your money.

Diamonds

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Importance of Stone Appraisal and Insurance

February 15, 20140

diamond

Diamonds aren’t cheap. Because of this you may want to consider having your diamonds and other precious stones appraised and insured. While the stones themselves will last more than your lifetime, situations can occur that are beyond your control. Just like any insurance, it is better to plan ahead so in case of emergency, you don’t have to scramble around to ensure your possessions are protected and covered. Following points will provide a deep insight into importance of stone appraisal and insurance

Appraisal

If you’ve inherited or been given a piece of jewelry that contains a fine diamond, the first thing you want to do is have it appraised. Certified appraisers will verify the four C’s of the diamond which includes color, cut, clarity, and carats. You will be given a full grading report detailing the proportions and finish of the diamond along with an estimated replacement value for your specific stone.

The purpose of having your diamond appraised isn’t just so you can flaunt its worth; it is more for your peace of mind. These detailed reports you will receive regarding the diamonds you have appraised will come in handy should anything happen that would require you to have them replaced. This is where diamond insurance comes in.

Insurance

Just like your life insurance protects the ones you love from any financial burden, diamond insurance is there to protect your investment or inheritance in the event you are robbed or lose belongings due to an act of god.

Once your diamond has been appraised, you should keep the report in a place of safe keeping away from your home. A safety deposit box is ideal for these situations; that way you know if anything were to happen to your home, it would still be there. In the event your jewelry is lost or stolen or damaged beyond repair, the diamond insurance would give you either actual cash value, replacement value, or agreed value.

The actual cash value insurance would give you back, in cash, the amount the diamond is worth on today’s market rate rather than the actual amount paid for it. Replacement value insurance would give you a pre-determined amount to replace the diamond, which could actually be less than was originally paid. With agreed value insurance, you set a binding amount at the time the insurance is purchased and should anything happen to it you would receive that set amount of money.

It is a fact of life that bad things happen when you least expect it. By taking the initiative and having your fine jewelry pieces appraised at the time of purchase or receipt and then having them fully insured, you can be sure that your assets are protected in the event they are lost, stolen, or damaged. It is a wise investment to make when you consider the total value of your diamonds and other jewelry. It would be a shame to spend $25,000 on a beautiful diamond engagement ring only to have it lost within a year or two during your honeymoon or while she’s washing dishes. By appraising and insuring your diamond, you will be able to replace it without breaking the bank all over again.

Appraisal, Insurance

Selecting the Right Diamond Cut for You

February 9, 20140

right diamond cut

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. They look fabulous on men, too, though. These exquisite stones are used in a multitude of settings and applications, not just in jewelry. They are considered to be the hardest material on earth, and the only thing that can cut a diamond is another diamond. Beautiful, elegant, and classy, diamonds are the first, and sometimes only, choice for fine jewelry. Take for example the engagement ring. This particular piece of jewelry is a physical representation of the love and commitment you want to express to the woman you love. The diamond you choose is more important the precious metal used in the setting, so you need to make sure you choose the right one.

Choosing Right Diamond Cut

Cut

You ask a woman what kind of engagement ring she wants and the first thing she is going to mention is the cut of the diamond. Ladies seem to be less concerned about what the ring is made out of and more about the shape of the diamond. While they are all diamonds, the cut of a diamond is just as unique as the woman you are hoping to present it to.

The cushion cut is one of the oldest cuts of diamond and is just as popular today as it was hundreds of years ago. A square cut diamond is given rounded corners which gives it the distinctive cushion shape. They tend to have a better fire than some of the more modern cuts and are a popular choice in vintage or faux-vintage settings.

The princess cut diamond has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to its brilliance comparable to a round cut diamond. It is also one of the more economically priced right diamond cuts due to its ability to have two princess cut diamonds cut out of one rough stone.

The most in-demand cut for diamonds today is the round cut. It is also the most expensive due to the amount of waste that comes from the cutting process. They have been known to fetch more than 25 to 35% more in price than any of the other fancy cut diamonds.

Appearance Factors

When searching for a right diamond cut, the three things you want to compare are brilliance, fire, and scintillation. They are what gauge a successful cut and can vary from shape to shape.

The brilliance is measured by the amount of brightness you see when white light is reflected off of the surface or inside of your polished diamond. Fire is the flashes of color you see and scintillation is the amount of sparkle, or flashes of dark and light, when the diamond is moved in relation to a light source.

To be perfectly honest, only the most discerning women will be concerned about the perfection your stone possesses. The fact that you have put thought and care into the selection of stone for that all-important engagement ring will show her just how much she, and your relationship, truly mean to you.

Diamonds

Gemstones: Express Yourself with a Rainbow of Gemstones

January 28, 20140

gemstones

While diamonds may be synonymous with luxury and status, there are other gemstones out there that can make just as much of an impact. There is a wealth of colorful gems available to adorn your favorite jewelry pieces. It doesn’t matter what your personal style is, with a rainbow of colors to choose from you are bound to find a combination that is right for you.

Red Gemstones

It isn’t just a matter of picking a red gemstone and being stuck with one option. There are many different hues of red from light pink to blood red. If your style tends to lean towards ultra-feminine, you may want to choose the lighter pink stone options. Should your budget allow, there are pink diamonds on the market, but there are more affordable options out there. The most popular pink stone found in fine jewelry is the tourmaline. It has been found to have shades ranging from pale pink to fuchsia. Other pink gemstones include rose quartz and pink sapphires.

Now, if you fancy yourself a more passionate person, the darker red gemstones may be more your style. The most popular red stone is the ruby, but there are darker options available. Pyrope and Almandine are both members of the garnet family, with Almandine tending to be the darker option. The bloodstone is also pretty self-explanatory and has a deep blood red hue. The darker red stones tend to look incredibly striking against a white metal setting.

Blue and Green Gemstones

The color blue is often associated with calm and peace, so if that is a message you want to convey with your jewelry, there are plenty of stones on this end of the spectrum to choose from. For those with a deeper pocket the sapphire is ideal, but it definitely isn’t the only option. The moonstone is a beautiful pale blue while the tanzanite stone has a purple tint to it. Some other beautiful blue stones to consider are the spinel, lapis, and azurite.

Green gemstones have a tendency to almost glow in their setting, whether in gold or silver. For a more fun green hue, stick with the neon green stones like peridot and chrome tourmaline. Jade is a popular choice for jewelry and has a creamy appearance ranging from light to dark green. You can also stick with the tried and true emerald, but it tends to be the most expensive option.

So, don’t settle on a diamond just because it is the most common gem on the market. Express your personality through the rainbow of gemstones available. Passionate reds and feminine pinks are just as perfect for men as they are for women. They look phenomenal in a classy pair of cufflinks or as an accent to an elegant timepiece. Match your earrings to your eyes with beautiful blue or green stones. No matter which end of the color spectrum you identify the most with, there is a stone out there for you. Let your personality shine through by embellishing your favorite jewelry with the colorful gem of your choice.

Click here to have a look at Gemstone Shapes.

Gemstones

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