How To Design A One Of A Kind Ring For Your Partner

March 25, 2012 · 0 comments

Customize A Ring For Your Man

The ring serves as the best expression of your everlasting love in every relationship – may it be an engagement ring, wedding ring or simply a promise ring. Choosing the one of a kind ring for your partner is sometimes difficult to do since each person has different preferences when it comes to wearing jewellery. Your partner might want a simple ring only with a very few diamonds in a white gold setting while others may want to feel proud and wants a ring with intricate design and big stone.

When you finally decide to give your partner a wedding ring it is best that you know what kind of jewellery he or she would definitely love to wear. You don’t want the ring to end up being kept in the closet just because it does not meet your loved one’s taste. You have a lot of opportunity in selecting your desired piece these days with the advent of online shopping. Online shops have vast collections of different styles so you have the chance to keenly select your choice. The jewellery online can also be available with various colors and metals like white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, palladium, etc. Aside from the chance to select from a wide variety of “love” rings, you can now opt to design your own ring. Sometimes it is hard to find that one kind of ring described by your partner. No matter how many hours you spend in front of the computer to check online stores, or; how many local shops you have visited, you just can’t find the one that exactly matches your partner’s taste. If this is the scenario, then just design a one of a kind ring and let your partner enjoy every single second of wearing it around their finger. If you don’t know how start then just follow these simple tips.

1. Decide which metal you will use. Your partner may want a simple white gold ring but the choice of using other metals like platinum or palladium may change his or her mind. To make the ring unique you can also choose two metals mixed together and make it one of a kind.

2. Be unique with the setting. The most common setting for women’s ring is the solitaire setting. This is usually the one always present in an engagement or wedding ring. Choosing a different setting can make a one of a kind ring stand out from the crowd so choose between a bezel setting and prong setting or better yet – be open to any suggestions that your jeweller will have for you.

3. Do away with the traditional diamond mounted rings. Don’t feel that the traditional route is the ONLY way forward here… there are so many options in terms of designs available for you and jewellers are always coming up with new ways of doing things which in turn push the design boundaries further and further out. The best advice i can give you here is to keep an open mind while consulting with your jeweller

4. Find space for the message. When designing a one of a kind ring it is also best that a short message be engraved on the ring. This will be a very short note that lasts for the longest time. The message itself will make ring unique and will increase its sentimental value once given to your partner. Now that being said, your message does not always have to be engraved in the ring, it could be a personal message for example I have a client who I recently designed and made a beautiful dragonfly pendant for. The symbol of the dragon fly is particular to them and she knew exactly what it meant when he gave it to her.

6. Check for cultural backgrounds. The design of the ring may be different with other cultures. It will depend on the occasion, the type of ring and the tradition that has passed down from their ancestors. You can check the internet for such ideas and from there design a ring that will stand out and will be loved by your partner.

Designing a one of a kind ring is not that hard as long as you know what your partner wants. Your jeweller will be able to advise you of the best course of action to take when you first start out in custom designed jewellery. Be open and come prepared with any of the above that will help your jeweller to design and then create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery for you!

{ 0 comments }

Birthstones – March’s Aquamarine Has Subtle Beauty and Keeps You Youthful!

March 23, 2012 · 0 comments

March Birthstone - 15,256-carat Aquamarine (Photo Source: Cliff1066)

At least, youthfulness is one of the properties that has been attributed to this magnificent birthstone over the years. Various legends and folklore have also believed that aquamarine gems can increase intelligence, happiness, and courage, as well as bring foresight to the person wearing them. The gemstone has been used to heal and treat anxiety, to promote a happy marriage – in the Middle Ages, it was even use to reduce the effect of poisoning. And with legends that say this birthstone originates from the treasure chest of mermaids, it’s no surprise that ancient sailors used to adorn themselves with aquamarine jewellery not just to bring them luck, but to prevent seasickness!

By now, it should be clear that aquamarine has a long and storied history. As the Zodiac stone for Scorpio, it is naturally associated with astrology, but even the Bible gives mention to aquamarine by its other name – beryl.

Regardless of whether you believe in the vast and varied powers of aquamarine, one look and it’s easy to see why this gem was chosen as the March birthstone – its gorgeous blue-green colour has a low-key, classical beauty that never goes out of style.

An Aquamarine Birthstone Will Accent Your Outfit Without Overpowering It

Whereas the bolder, harsher colours of some other birthstones can overwhelm what you’re wearing even when the actual gem is very small, the blues and greens associated with aquamarine gems blend in and work to enhance everything around them. This delicate colour means that even very large aquamarine birthstones will impress and amaze without appearing clunky or gaudy.

The March birthstone ranges in colour from a blue so pale as to appear almost clear to a blue-green or teal hue, making it no wonder that the name aquamarine derives from the Latin words meaning water and sea. A deep-blue aqua hue is rarest and consequently the most sought-after.

Aquamarine gets its colour from the trace amounts of iron in the gem, and many birthstones are treated with heat to bring out the more prized blue-green colours as opposed to those found in paler gems, some of which can look closer to yellow.

Aquamarine Birthstones Are Beautiful, Durable, and Versatile

Aquamarine Ring (Photo Source: SusanMarieDesigns)

Measuring between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, this birthstone has substance beyond its beauty, and is one of the more durable gems you can buy. This hardness has led to aquamarine being used in just about any kind of jewellery or accessory you can imagine.

  • Charms
  • Rings
  • Necklaces
  • Earrings
  • Bracelets
  • Watches
  • Beads
  • Prayer beads
  • Sculptures, statues, and figurines

Beyond its popularity as a March birthstone, aquamarine is often the gem of choice to give to your spouse on your 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries.

Who Produces Aquamarine Birthstones?

1000-Carat Aquamarine Gem from Brazil Photo Source: Cliff1066)

Currently, Brazil is the world leader in producing aquamarine gems, with a large number of aquamarine mines throughout the country. Other big producers include the United States and Pakistan – both of whom have discovered some truly beautiful gems – and China, who recently has been offering large numbers of “stubby” aquamarine gems for far less than those you can get from Pakistan.

If you are interested in aquamarine gems for a March birthstone, work with a trusted jeweller near you to ensure that you get a cut of the highest quality and a colour your special someone is sure to love.

{ 0 comments }

Top 8 Bridal Jewellery Selections To Complement Your Wedding Dress

March 18, 2012 · 0 comments

Find The Perfect Bridal Jewellery

Preparing for the wedding day is such a long process for the brides-to-be. The planning includes the venue, theme, outfit of the whole entourage and of course the bridal jewellery.

Traditional brides tend to choose a selection of jewellery from whites, ivories, platinum and pearls. This is to complement their wedding gowns that are typically white in color although some prefer off-white and ivory too. The modern bride is more open to adding accents to their whole wedding day look by choosing bridal jewellery sets that are not traditional yet can complement their look. These jewels can be of various colors and designs. As long as the set matches the bridal gown perfectly then there is no problem wearing them while walking down the aisle. Some still take traditional bridal jewellery by adhering to time worn traditions.

The following are some of the jewellery selections that a bride can turn to when choosing her valued pieces.

1. Pearls – No one ever goes wrong with choosing pearls to complete their wedding day style. This bridal jewellery was being used even centuries ago by many women – be it as a fashion statement or as a wedding accessory. The use of pearls can be traced back during the time of ancient Greeks when they believed that the use of such accessories made the marital relationship harmonious. Many women also found this to be a great look with their wedding gown when it was showed off by Jackie O during her marriage to become Mrs. Kennedy.

2. Diamonds – This piece of stone has always had the place on the pedestal for women who sought to have a fancy glamorous look on any occasion, wedding day included. There is nothing like a bride walking down the isle in all of her resplendent beauty with diamonds to match her and help to enhance her natural beauty

3. Colored Gems – If a bride wants her birthstone as a wedding color motif then she can also wear colored gemstones. As long as the right design and size is considered, along with making sure that the right hue of the gemstone has been selected it will surely be perfect for your day,

4. Bold Necklaces – A vintage or modern wedding is just a good choice for a bold necklace made of gold and pearls. Designs like balls and teardrops go well with almost any wedding dress.

5. Chandelier Earrings – If the bride chooses not to wear a necklace then maybe she can wear the all-time favorite chandelier earrings. This can complement any gown design as long as there is balance among the use of accessories like head piece and necklace.

Amazing Swarovski Crystals

6. Shell Jewellery – Beach weddings are a favorite theme in this kind of occasion. Having the ceremony in a nature-rich location like the beach would mean choosing jewels that are also close to nature like shell based jewellery. There are beautifully handcrafted pieces around made using rare and precious varieties of shells, that can simply blow the design doors wide open considering their free form and very natural shapes. I consider these types of jewels especially made for beach occasions.

7. Winter and Autumn Jewels – The kind of jewels best during this season are the ones in deep and rich colours. You can choose from so many different types of precious and semi precious gemstones all the way to choosing coloured diamonds if you so choose. The list here is quite endless, so i would suggest to you that you pick a gemstone or category of gemstones to pick from.

8. Jewellery Sets – Sometimes mixing and matching necklace, earrings and bracelets can be quite hard especially for the bride-to-be as the total look must complement your wedding gown. You can simply choose a jewellery set and take care of all your worries about mixing and matching. For this sort of thing I would suggest that you speak to a jeweller who is able to design and make customised jewellery to suit your needs and wants for the pieces.

{ 0 comments }

Record-Breaking 12 Carat Pink Diamond Found Near Kununurra

March 18, 2012 · 0 comments

Pink diamonds are rare, but far rarer still are large pink diamonds. Only one of the world’s 66 largest diamonds is pink, and over the last 244 years, the international fine arts auction house Christie’s has only auctioned 18 pink diamonds larger than 10 carats. There’s a reason the pink diamond is considered the most beautiful and valuable diamond!

Pink Diamond Engagement Ring (Photo Source: Elegant Machines)

So it was quite big news when Rio Tinto’s 26-year-old Argyle Mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia recently yielded a 12.76 carat pink diamond – the largest pink diamond ever recorded in Australia. What’s truly amazing, and speaks to how rare pink diamonds of this size are, is the fact that this mine produces 90 percent of pink diamonds for the entire world and has still never come close to yielding one so big.

The Argyle mine was already famous due to the intense colour and clarity of the pink diamonds that have been found there, and this find is yet another fantastic moment for Australia. But with the mine’s life estimated to end in another decade or so, Argyle Diamonds’ Josephine Johnson says not to expect any further pink diamonds of this miraculous size from the same place.

The Last of the “Giant” Pink Diamonds?

If this is truly the last pink diamond of this size that we’re likely to see from this mine, and 90 percent of pink diamonds in the world come from there, could it be that this is the last “giant” pink diamond the world will discover?

Obviously there is no definitive answer to that question, but the closure of a mine responsible for such a high percentage of the world’s pink diamonds brings with it its own questions: How will demand be met? Where will people get the pink diamonds they crave?

Global desire for pink diamonds has only increased in recent years, with many being used in engagement rings and other special occasion jewellery. If pink diamond production is reduced by a considerable amount, it’s quite likely that prices will skyrocket for these gorgeous stones as availability decreases.

A Pink Diamond with a Lighter Colour (Photo Source: FancyDiamonds.net)

Because of this possibility, those considering purchasing pink diamonds would be wise to begin their research now. A diamond of any kind is a very special and personal decision, and even more so if you are buying it for an engagement ring. That’s why you want to learn as much as you can before moving forward.

Pink diamonds are so rare that most jewellers have never seen one, which is why it’s so important to work with someone you trust when buying one. Look for a jeweller who has specific knowledge and experience with pink diamonds.

If you want to know more about what makes pink diamonds unique and how to shop for them, check out our “Easy Guide to Pink Diamonds,” where you’ll learn about the origin of pink diamonds, tips for keeping the cost under control (but be warned, even “inexpensive” pink diamonds cost hundreds of thousands!), and tips for creating your perfect pink diamond engagement ring. Or, if you are looking at it as an investment opportunity, check out our three-part series “Beginning Your Pink Diamond Investment.”

So What Does the Future Hold for Rio Tinto’s Giant Pink Diamond?

A Pink Diamond with a Darker Colour (Photo Source: FancyDiamonds.net)

Over the past few months, this rare pink diamond, which has been named the Argyle Pink Jubilee, has gone through the gamut. It’s been assessed, modelled, and examined. But it’s not quite ready for viewing yet. First they will spend a few weeks carefully polishing the diamond for its debut on the world stage. And then it will be cut. John Calleija of Calleija Jewellers predicts it will end up being 5 to 6 carats.

Only then will it be ready to go to tender. Instead of setting an asking price, they’ll be accepting bids on this lovely, rare pink diamond. Experts expect that it may fetch as much as $10 to $20 million at auction.

Who knows? Perhaps it will make its way onto a very special pink diamond engagement ring.

{ 0 comments }

Natural Emeralds – The Huge Teadora Flopped at the Recent Western Star Auction and Doubts are Raised as it Being Entitled “The World's Largest Cut Gemstone"

March 11, 2012 · 0 comments

The Teadora was met with speculation and doubt to it’s authenticity. Read about what happened as well as what to look out for when buying natural emeralds.

Real or Fake? It's Still Up For Debate

Natural emeralds are still one of the most prized and valuable jewels in the world. If you are familiar with the history of this gemstone, you’ll know that the first sale recorded was around 4000 BC in a Babylonian market.

In modern times, there are mainly three countries that are coined as main producers of natural emeralds. These countries include Brazil, Zambia and Columbia. Interestingly, Brazil produces the bulk of stones every year. However, the ones that are mined from Columbia are considered the finest in the world, setting the standard for color as well as size.

The World’s Largest Cut Emerald Weighs 11 Kilos and Has 57,000 Carats, But is It?

If you really love emeralds, then you’re going to be blown away at what happen at the end of January. Of all the wonderful natural emeralds in existence, a Canadian businessmen put what’s considered the world’s biggest cut emerald on auction.

It’s called the Teodora, which is the “gift of god” in Portuguese. It’s over 57,000 carats and weighing more than 11 kilos. It was originally mined in Brazil, but Reagan Reaney who is the current owner, bought it from an Indian buyer.

There have been a lot of doubts as to the natural emeralds authenticity. Some of the doubt arose because emeralds of this size seldom ever occur naturally. Also, during the examination process, there was a some evidence that this particular stone had been dyed.

You’re probably aware that this is done quite often to deceive purchasers and buyers, so that the stone’s original color can’t be determined. In the world of natural emeralds, its color determines the value.

Natural emeralds are actually a very rare type of mineral beryl. This is very important because if its green, it’s valuable. On the other hand, the white beryl variety is pretty much worthless.

The Gem is Appraised at $1.15 million with the opening Bid Starting at $500,000

This stone has been the rage in the media and it created a huge interest, excitement and anticipation for the auction up until the current owner Reagan Reaney was arrested on fraud charges right before the auction. There was no information however to indicate if the arrest was related to the stone.

The gem had been appraised at 1.15 million dollars and the opening bid for this huge stone was going to start at $500,000. However, because of speculation over the authenticity of the stone and the surprise arrest, it didn’t sell.

After examining the Teadora, experts couldn’t confirm that it was the biggest emerald, mainly because it might not be 100% natural. The dye used to enhance the stone makes it very difficult to determine it’s composition. It could possibly be only white beryl with parts of natural emerald spread throughout the stone.

Also, because of the surface cracks and inclusion veins, the main selling point of the stone was mainly because of it’s size. And some experts have labeled it as merely a novelty stone.

How To Determine the Value and Quality of Natural Emeralds

There is often some confusion with the quality of natural emeralds and enhancements. Here are some facts that can help clear up the misinformation about the value of your emeralds, so you can understand their value and know what they look like.

Natural Emeralds are One of the Most Prized Gemstones in the World

  • They’re green – The color is very important. If it’s too light of a green, then you might be looking at green beryl as opposed to natural emeralds.
  • Natural emeralds are never treated by heat unlike other gemstones such as sapphire, tanzanite and rubies.
  • Emeralds are much harder than tourmaline, quartz and tanzanite, but they’re not as hard as diamonds, sapphires or rubies.
  • Enhancements used on natural emeralds are not used to hold or glue the Emerald together – Resin, polymers and oils are often used to reduce the appearance of inclusions. You might find in the marketplace composite emeralds that are in fact glued together. Fortunately, their very easy to spot and avoid.
  • The proper enhancements never altar the emeralds color unless of course green colored oil has been utilized. You should always clean natural emeralds with lukewarm soapy water. This is so you don’t mistakenly remove any treatments that a been applied to the stone.
  • The only time untreated natural emeralds are of more value, is when they looks the same as the treated Emerald. If you go ahead and remove any clarity enhancements from the stone, that doesn’t mean it becomes more valuable. There are reasons why these enhancements are made, because it makes the Emerald look much better.
  • Natural emeralds don’t dry out and they don’t need to keep being oiled on a consistent basis. The stones are not treated to be stabilized like you would see with opals or turquoise. With this said, it’s smart to avoid extreme temperatures, because this can affect the longevity and stability of the enhancements.

With all gemstones, including natural emeralds, it’s still a good idea to look for the best quality stone that you can afford that fits in your budget. It’s not always the size that matters, because the quality will win out every time. The higher quality gemstones will always retain their value even during the many market fluctuations.

{ 0 comments }

Emerald Cut Rings-Choose The Simple Style and Elegance Preferred By Celebrities

March 4, 2012 · 0 comments

Emerald cut rings offer such an elegant look from such a simple cut. Read on and learn what you need to know to make the best diamond choice and truly maximize the luster and beauty of this style

Emerald cut rings have become very popular these days. Diamonds with this particular setting style can be seen more and more on women’s fingers.

What Is An Emerald Cut?

This type of shape that you’ll find on emerald cut rings are square or rectangular shaped. This particular shape was

originally used for cutting emeralds. Emeralds, in most cases, have more inclusions than you will find on diamonds.

Emerald Cut Rings

For this very reason, it’s a lot more difficult to cut emeralds. The design therefore was meant to address the difficulty of cutting them. However, emerald cut rings are not just for emeralds anymore, but now used on all other gemstones, including diamonds.

You need to understand that the manner in which the diamond is cut determines its brilliance. If it’s not cut correctly, it will have a dull appearance, even if the clarity and color are perfect. The majority of gemologists will tell you that the cut is by far the most important characteristic. This is because it will determine the dimensions, like performance as well as the finish of the diamond.

If You Choose This Cut Don’t Skimp On Diamond Quality

Emerald cut rings make it so much easier for someone to be able to judge the color, clarity and cut of stone. This is why if you decide on this type of cut, you don’t want to skimp on any of these qualities when choosing your stone. Diamond quality is much more exposed with this type of cut, but the advantage of choosing this style will also be less expensive than other shapes including the round cut.

How it is cut should allow the light to show at the maximum amount to the viewer’s eye. Since emerald cut rings have much larger facets, it’s even more important that the quality of the cut is good. When buying diamonds and choosing to have this type of cut, it’s recommended that the cut rating only be very good to excellent.

If you’re on a budget, you might get by with a cut rating of good, but it might be better to go with another cut type to give yourself the best opportunity of having an excellent looking stone.

Another thing to consider is if you do choose to have emerald cut rings and it compares equally to a round cut matching in clarity, carats and color, you could pay as much as 30% less for your ring.

This type of cut is also becoming more and more popular because of its absolute stunning appearance. The long lines are less fiery than the brilliant round cut, but it also seems to have more flashes of light which are much more dramatic and broad. This is really a sophisticated and elegant setting that many women have come to appreciate.

The Emerald Cut Rings Setting is Also Important

Emerald Cut Rings Setting Is Four Pronged

There is a type of mounting that experts recommend if you choose to go with this type of cut. It’s the four pronged setting. The four prongs are beneficial, because it holds the diamond snugly in place. Also, it allows much more of the actual stone to be displayed and seen.

It’s Critical That You Know Your Stones

Emerald cut rings have become a very prestigious style that other rings might not possess. However, you need to know a lot more about the stone you’re going to purchase to make sure it looks as spectacular as possible. The first thing you need to do is go to a reputable jeweler that you can trust is going to give you the right information.

With that said, you still need to know some basic information on your own to make sure you feel good about the eventual choice you’re going to make.

Here Are Some Things You Need to Know Before Talking to Any Jeweler

Diamond depth of emerald cut rings need stones that are in the 59 to 76% range for maximum luster. The diamond also needs to have a recommended VS2 clarity quality as well as a cut certification. Of course the knowledgeable jeweler will know what you’re talking about and with this basic information, he can then further educate you on the more specific points of what you need to have a great piece of jewelry.

Are There Any Famous People That Prefer Emerald Cut Rings?

There are many famous people that prefer this type of stone. Elizabeth Taylor wore a 30 carat diamond, an emerald cut given to her by her third husband Michael Todd. Other celebrities include: Camilla Parker Bowles, Eva Longoria, Grace Kelly, Melanie Knauss, Sharon stone, Paris Hilton and the list continues to go on.

To conclude, emerald cut rings can be a fabulous choice. It’s important that you find a knowledgeable jeweler and have some basic knowledge yourself of the kind of diamond to look for, so you can choose the best quality cut and look. You won’t be disappointed, especially when everyone around you comments how beautiful your ring looks on your finger and how they wish they had this type of cut.

{ 0 comments }