How Can You Differentiate a Fake From A Real Diamond

Posted: December 6th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Royal Jewels | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

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Let us be specific and brief. Get a professional to check up a diamond and find out if it is a real one. That may seem brutal, or you may have heard that there are ways that clever people with jewelers’ loupes can just take a peek and know which stones are real and which are fake, but the truth is that it is becoming harder and harder to determine a “real” diamond even for trained professionals, and it is dangerously difficult for amateurs.

While that may be true, there are still things that have to be considered and followed. If you purchase an already set diamond, look at the bands metal stamp (10k, 14k, 18l, Pl, ect), as using a precious metal band increases the chances that the ring’s creator used a real stone as well.

If you have a jeweler’s loupe or a high magnification hand magnifying glass, look at the edges and girdle-band of the cut stone. Soft, rolled edges indicate a fake. So does a clear, waxy-smooth girdle at the place of meeting and changing direction of facets around the stone’s belly.

Also you can use the loupe to look inside the stone for damage or nicks. These were created naturally and are difficult to copy. Natural diamonds are most valuable when they have the fewest flaws; unfortunately minor flaws, which are often allowed through, cannot be easily spotted by an amateur.

Weight is a common indicator. Simulated diamonds have a significantly different weight than an authentic diamond; cubic zirconium is much heavier. In order to compare diamonds, you require a precision scale and samples of real diamonds.

Do not attempt scratching glass with your diamond. Don’t attempt acid tests that might be used on metals. Don’t give in to your curiosity and try to smash a diamond because it will crush because it is a crystalline material.    If it is a diamond, and you breath on it, the moisture will disappear too fast for you to see it; whereas, with a fake, it won’t. But that is a mere hint, no more, and is far from fail proof. Be careful about composition diamonds, which have a base of one material and a table top made of diamonds, this will pass a diamond tester, but be relatively worthless.

When you want to know for sure if the diamond is truly real, you must have someone reputable give it his opinion of it. That means you must choose your jewelers carefully, and then ask for documentation of each gem (each is individual and documentation can go a long way to establish the nature of your own stone). A professional jeweler, working with reputable sources, will be reliable, helpful, and able to ensure you an unquestionable grade of appraisal.

With no insult intended towards chain jewelers, think very carefully before going to one for an appraisal. Businesses such as these demonstrate the pros and cons of ass produced distribution and manufacturing. These stores are usually well run and honest, but what they lack is training and expertise.

After you’ve found an appraisal service by searching online or in the yellow pages, make sure you thoroughly vet the assessor by looking at his or her experience, licensing and background. The good indications of skill are a Licensed jeweler, a good journeyman in a traditional program  and a dealer who has been dealing with stones previously.

Whenever you bring in a stone you are well within your rights to ask that it be tested under your supervision. to avoid unscrupulous jewelers changing it out  . In the event you are turned down, you should go right out of the store. Request complete documentation if purchasing a stone. Regardless of your choice, you will need to understand that even the pros have difficulty in determining if a diamond is real or not, sometimes even looking at them two or three times.

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Where To Order An Engagement Ring Online

Posted: November 27th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Royal Jewels | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

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If both of you are ready, you’re already aware of it. You want to get engaged the traditional way, and get an engagement ring. It may be two also. One for him and the other for her. Just think of it. However, you haven’t had the time to build up an expertise on what makes jewelry high quality. What should you do when you purchase an engagement ring?

When he is purchasing a ring for her, the first thing for him to decide is if it will be intended as a surprise. (or even from her to him) as part of a proposal. This approach is no good. It involves a lot of money and keep the parties at great disadvantage and it is a gamble.

Even if you want to play out the classical, lovable, corny ritual of giving your love a box when you pop the question, think carefully about purchasing a “place holder ring.” This will be a ring you select as one but is a more cost effective right that you can cherish.

When buying an engagement ring, involve the person who will wear it in the decision making process. There are several elements to keep in mind, and the majority of people have clear thoughts about what kinds of jewelery make them uncomfortable, what kinds don’t succeed in suiting the kind of life of the wearer, what metals or colors matter the most. What you need to consider is that there are many people who have strong style preferences, people with metal allergies, and people in jobs that demand a limit to the choices of jewelry or even forbid it while on the job. 

Make sure to set a budget for the ring you’re buying.  Get your partner involved so that the budget is realistic. The total investment commitment in a jewel of a ring can make or break your budget in the early years of their marriage, the cost of the wedding and wedding reception.

You should focus on good planning rather than great show unless you happen to be very wealthy, and even among the affluent, most partners find it useful to balance sentiment and spendthrift enthusiasm. 

You should always be clear about your financial limits, needs and goals in shopping for diamonds, whether you’re talking to a shopping mall counter person or a professional jewelry designer. If you withhold facts from whoever is hired to consul you they can not give you good advice. Without doing your research, you should plan to spend several hours comparing rings at the store.

Once again, let the jeweler know if you and your significant other are looking to find something unique rather than the usual types of diamond engagement rings. If you wanted a private made setup or if you are providing a stone from a family ring, you guide should be made aware. 

Consider purchasing fully outside the realm of gold and diamond: for many this is both financially wise, and also a matter of taste. If diamonds do not put a sparkle in your significant other’s eye perhaps the rugged but polished look of Jade will fit the bill. Or maybe call a sapphire? Or maybe you and your lover both are in love with the look of traditional diamonds but hate the cost. While a real diamond can be beautiful to look at, consider the new synthetic and simulated diamonds that at fraction of the price can be just as or more real looking than the actual diamonds themselves.

When you have considered all these things you are ready to walk into a reputable jewelers shop and begin the process of buying an engagement ring. Until you have considered these issues, you are striking out in an ocean of choices. Know what you want before you go shopping for a ring.

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How To Purchase A Dream Diamond Engagement Ring

Posted: November 27th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Royal Jewels | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

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The first step in successfully buying an engagement ring is picking out the one that you like the most. Whatever you look for in a diamond, you can have it say  the  dazzling shine, or big size or a particular color. All this factors will affect your choice of engagement ring.

Choosing a setting may be the first task in finding the right ring. For this you have two primary routes. You can pick any of a wide range of previously designed settings available through a range of professional jewelers. Many of these are classic styles, with only minor variations from one manufacturer to another.

A lot of individuals will find these types of timeless pieces great options for their ring. It doesn’t matter whether you select a plain raised prong setting (often called a Tiffany setting) or prefer a more stately piece — perhaps a three stone setting with a central stone and two side stones — the previously designed settings will allow you substantial room to shop, both online and off, for your shared idea of the perfect ring.

If you are interested in a more original piece you should think about going to jewelry designers other than normal jewelers. These can be found by recommendation from friends, or by looking through the local yellow pages, by online searches, or at upper level craft events and higher bracket jewelry stores.

A classically trained jeweler is trained in all aspects of jewelry design, as opposed to a repairman or counter person. He or she will know materials, strength of metals, safety features to protect your stone using design to augment the strength of the stone itself — these elements are seldom considered by a run of the mill jewelry counter person, but are the very heart of true jewelry design.

First you pick a setting, then you begin the more arduous task of picking the right size, type, style, and price of stone. Both purchases must not be identical. It is emotionally important to many people to continue family tradition by using a relative’s ring in a new marriage so a jeweler can help you keep the stone in a new, improved setting combining the old and the new. 

Work with a good jeweler if you would like a new diamond or if you need a new diamond. Of all the possible aspects of purchasing an engagement ring, this is the most likely to trip up the beginner. Matters of preference regarding cut, clarity and carat often arise: is an unmarred, but less sparkling, stone more important than a bigger one with a few imperfections or would you prefer a more diminutive, yet flawless, stone? Colored or clear? Which is the best stone to choose? What cut is best?

A trained , serious jeweler is sought who regularly deals in diamonds. Call and ask for an appointment to see stones, and indicate that you need to be educated in the choices you make. Alert the jeweler that you will have questions and request to view a range of choices.

A jeweler with a lot of skills and experience shouldn’t be bothered by this approach. Yes, a reputable jeweler will concur with you knowing and adhering to your own established limits. Just as you would hire an assessor to evaluate a building, you pay the price for a jeweler to evaluate a diamond you will purchase.

Just because you can’t afford the price of a high quality diamond, remember that you can celebrate this love with a stone of a lesser quality or even a diamond substitute.  Perhaps for a later anniversary, when you have the money and the years in the relationship, you’ll be able to upgrade it to something even more special, to celebrate the years of your great love.

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