Buying Sapphire Jewelry Online

Weighing 112 3/16-carats with dimensions of 31.00 x 24.81 x 12.78 mm this magnigicient diamond was mined in India in the 17th century. Between -, the French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier made six voyages to Persia and India and acquired this unique stone and sold the stone to King Louis XIV. King Louis XIV of France purchased the diamond in , had it cut by court jewelers and wore it on a necklace for ceremonial occasions. It became known as the French Blue. The French Blue became lost during the French Revolution and resurfaced in London in the 19th century. Henry Philip Hope, an Englishman, owned the diamond in the s; the French Blue became the Hope diamond in his honor. Eventually, Cartier acquired the Hope diamond. The famous jewelers set it in a pendant, surrounding the blue diamond with 16 white diamonds, as part of a diamond necklace for socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean. Harry Winston Inc. purchased this necklace as part of Mrs. McLean's jewelry collection in and donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in . Trace amounts of boron give the diamond its dark grayish blue color.
Great Mogul
The Great Mogul is the largest diamond found in India. There is only one recorded instance of this stone, and it occurs in Tavernier’s book (). Weightsaround275.65 carats and has Dimensions of34.85 x 25.61 mm. It was discovered as a 787-carat rough stone in the Deccan region mines in India in and subsequently was cut by the Venetian lapidary Hortentio Borgis. The French jewel merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier described it as rose-cut stone with a flaw at the bottom and a small speck within. Presently, the existence of this rare Mogul diamond is a big question..Its present location is unknown, and some believe that either the Orlov diamond or the Koh-i-noor may have been cut from this stone after its loss following the assassination of its owner, Nader Shah, in .
Table Diamond.
This magnificient Diamond was weighing 242.31 carats with an Oblong shape with dimensions of 59.42 x 33.51 x 13.25 mm and light pink color. It originated in Golconda, India and it is believed that it was recut to make the Darya-i-Nur and the Nur-ul-Ain in the Iranian Crown Jewels.Shah Jahan Table Cut strongly resembles the diamond in a turban ornament in a portrait of Shah Jahan, and the stone is similar to the description given by Tavernier, shown to him by Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's son, in . Like other Mogul treasures, the table cut appears to have departed India with the Persian invasion in the mid-eighteenth century, after which it may have found its way into the Russian Treasury. The Shah Jahan was offered at auction by Christies in Geneva in but was not sold.
Hope Diamond
The Hope diamond,  45.52-carat is the world’s second largest blue diamond. It is currently located in Smithsonian Institution  and in its current setting—it is now surrounded by 16 white diamonds and hangs on a chain of 45 diamonds. King Louis XIV of France purchased the diamond in , had it cut by court jewelers and wore it on a necklace for ceremonial occasions. It became known as the French Blue. The French Blue became lost during the French Revolution and resurfaced in London in the 19th century. Henry Philip Hope, an Englishman, owned the diamond in the s; the French Blue became the Hope diamond in his honor. Eventually, Cartier acquired the Hope diamond. The famous jewelers set it in a pendant, surrounding the blue diamond with 16 white diamonds, as part of a diamond necklace for socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean. Harry Winston Inc. purchased this necklace as part of Mrs. McLean's jewelry collection in and donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in
Idol’s Eye
Ottoman Sultan, Abdul Hamid II (-) owned the Idol’s Eye. It is unclear where its name came from but it is believed to have originated in the deccan region of India and it is said that it was worn by an idol.  After Abdul Hamid II was defeated and went for exile he entrusted his servant to keep it safe but he sold the jewels in Paris.on June 24, . Later, a Spanish nobleman bought the Idol’s Eye diamond but kept it in his bank for years.In , the Idol’s Eye appeared and was purchased by a Dutch diamond dealer who sold it to Harry Winston in . He then sold it to May Bonfils Stanton. She was known to have had a generous collection of jewelry. After her death in , all her jewels including the Idol’s Eye were auctioned off by Parke-Bernet Galleries in New York and the proceeds were given to her special charities. Harry Levinson, a Chicago jeweler bought the Idol’s Eye for his wife for $375,000 who then sold it to Laurence Graff in . Before the sale Levinson loaned the diamond to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The following January the Idol’s Eye was sold to an unknown buyer.
Koh-I-Noor
The Koh-I-Noor is one of the most unique stones. It is currently 105 carats (21.0g), though it was once known to be the largest diamond in the world, at a whopping 793 carats! It is considered to be of the finest white color, clarity and transparency. Though some brilliant blue, pink and green mined diamonds are considered to be among the  rarest stones .A vast amount of diamonds are mined and discovered every year, but less than 20% of them are commonly considered worthy of jewelry, with the remaining 80% frequently used in industry. Koh-I-Noor too originated in India and it currently lies in the Tower of London; British Crown Jewels. Its current value is estimated at some £10.5 billion . Before it was sent to the UK, this diamond was in the safekeeping of Login, who later handed it over to the then Governor-General Lord Dalhousie. He personally carried it with him to London. In , the young Maharaja Dalip Singh, presented the Koh-i-Noor as a gift to Queen Victoria. It was originally mounted in a brooch, but is now set into the Crown of Queen Elizabeth and on display at the Tower of London.
The Mirror of Portugal is one of the most facinating stones in diamond history. This magnificient Diamond was weighing 26.07 carats carats had of dimensions of 17.89 x 16.73 x 10.98 mm and was colorless. It was owned alternatively by the kings of Spain, England, and France.There is no concrete evidence of its shape but a few portraits and faint drawings indicate it was a table cut. It was pawned a few times, recut into the Mazarin 3 in the late ’s. In it was stolen in the robbery of the French Crown jewels in and since then it is permanently unknown.
The Nassak diamond , another wonder stone was found in India in the 15th century. This astonishing Diamond was weighing approx. 90 carats and had dimensions of 23.35 x 21.73 x 11.51 mm and was colorless. From to the diamond was in this form part of the image of Shiva. This got the Nassak is second name: “Eye of the Idol”. During the third Anglo- Maratha War the British East Indian Company acquired the Nassak diamond and then sold it in to a British jeweller. It was then recut and was incorporated in the handle of the sword of the 1st Marques of Westminster. In the Nassak diamond was transferred to the United States. In the Nassak diamond was recut by Harry Winston to an Emerald shape of 43.38 ct. Nassak is probably under private ownership but it current location is unknown.
Pasha
The Pasha is the Finest Gem in the Egyptian Treasury weighing 40Carats and dimensions of 23.5 x 23.5 x 10.81 mm. It is valued at pound 28,000. It originated in Brazil or India.. It was purchased by Ibrahim Pasha.

Celebrity Sapphire Rings

The most famous sapphire ring of all times belongs to Lady Diana. Prince Charles presented an enormous 18 carat deep blue oval sapphire ring surrounded by 14 diamonds. This the world knows. But the lesser known fact is that the ring created quiet a stir in England as the Prince had broken tradition by choosing sapphire over diamond, a move not initially welcomed by royalty.
The famous beauty Elizabeth Taylor had an astonishing series of short-lived engagements and marriages over her lifetime. Each got her a new ring to flaunt. One of her husbands had presented her a beautiful sapphire and necklace set. When Elizabeth got married to Richard Burton for the second time, he presented her cabochon sapphire ring from Michael Wilding.
And quiet a similar story from Joan Crawford who was believed to be in love with sapphires received a 70-carat sapphire ring from her second husband to compliment the sapphire bracelet, necklace and earring set she already owned.
Penelope’s sapphire ring created quiet a stir when she sported the ring on her important finger but had not announced any engagement with boyfriend Javier Bardem. Her ring initially created news in the media circle but soon the clouds drifted away and every one knew the truth. Still, the ring looked stunning.

Nicole’s love with Adam Goldstein might have been of and on but this sure created a trend for colorful rings. The stunning 6.5 carat diamond and pink sapphire ring was so Nicole, tradition breaker!

RuiQi Optics are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Prince Joachim of Denmark presented his lady Parisian Marie Cavallier an engagement ring with ruby, diamond and sapphire - the colors of the French flag as a loving reminder of her native land.
Another celeb who was falling in love with the celebrity sapphire engagement rings is Catherine Zeta Jones. Her sapphire engagement ring, given by Michael Douglas was a 10 carat marquise that still was in the talk of the town list.
When Beyoncé and Jay-Z welcomed their first child, Blue Ivy, into the world in January, the music power couple celebrated in lavish style — with enormous matching sapphire rings. Beyoncé’s no-heat sapphire ring, rumored to have been designed by celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, features a giant emerald cut, velvet blue sapphire bordered by smaller round sapphires. Proud father Jay-Z has been sporting an equally stunning sapphire ring with an emerald cut sapphire bordered by round white diamonds. The couple’s matching megawatt sapphire rings make a bold statement
Every time Victoria Beckham wears her massive round sapphire cocktail ring, the world takes notice. This sapphire’s magnificent size and cornflower blue hue pack a powerful punch, and the ring’s delicate platinum setting let the stone’s beauty shine. The former Spice Girl turned designer has been spotted wearing this ring at numerous high-profile celebrity events.and ensure tha

And on the Red Carpet, the sapphire ring is garnering just as much attention. At the 84th Annual Academy Awards, two of Diamond & Estate Trust’s favorite actresses chose sapphire rings to accent their designer gowns. Tina Fey paired her custom made Carolina Herrera dress with dazzling Bulgari jewels, but none of her sophisticated sapphire and emerald jewels shone as bright as her Bulgari platinum diamond, emerald and sapphire ring. With 15 carats of sapphires, 3.6 carats of emeralds and gorgeous baguette diamonds, this show-stopping ring is exactly the kind of statement piece we love seeing on the Red Carpet.t the sapphire ring trend isn’t going away anytime soon.

Get to Know What Ethically Sourced Sapphires Are?

Diamond mines in politically unstable parts of central and western African countries are controlled by few revolutionary groups and where innocent human lives are subjected to torture, terrorism, violence and human rights abuse and in many cases the ultimate prices - death. For years, diamonds have been mined, cut and polished at the cost of a human life, injury, pain, grave injustice, human rights abuses, child labor, violence, or environmental degradation in many parts of Africa.

As the journalist Douglas Farah writes, "Diamonds are valuable as currency in this conflict diamond trade for numerous reasons. They are easy to transport, easy to sell and retain their value over time. They do not rot and do not need to be held in special conditions".

''Stop Blood Diamonds'' is an organization pledged to stopping the exploitation of the diamond trade by human rights abusers. Blood diamonds, often called conflict diamonds, are mined in war torn African countries by rebels to fund their conflict. The rebels grossly abuse human rights, often murdering and enslaving the local populations to mine the diamonds. Read More

Diamonds and Rebellions

These rebel groups in Africa sell diamonds from these mines to fund their operations and these diamonds are called conflict or blood diamonds. The public concerns about the purchase of such diamonds leading to war and human rights abuses the diamond industry introduced the Kimberley Process in . This process ensures that diamonds sold by such rebel groups are not sold along with other diamonds. The Kimberley process provides documentation and certification of diamond exports from diamond producing countries to ensure that the proceeds of sale are not being used to fund criminal or revolutionary activities.

Having such strict procedures also does not help curb the blood diamond trade to the fullest extent. Approximately 2% of diamonds traded today are possible conflict diamonds. This is due to the relative ease of smuggling diamonds across African borders and violent nature of diamond mining in nations which are not in a technical state of war and whose diamonds are therefore considered “clean".

Terrorism and Human Rights Abuses

Conflict diamonds are so called because these come from countries that suffer from terrorism and human rights abuses. Several groups which want to control diamond trade in these countries have killed many innocents. Therefore, conflict diamonds are also called blood diamonds. The money earned by selling these diamonds is also used to fund such terrorist activities of these groups in West African countries like Angola, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo (also known as Congo Brazzaville) and Liberia. Read More

The Tragedy of Sierra Leone

During the late ’s, blood diamonds caught the world’s attention during the extremely brutal conflict in Sierra Leone. It was estimated that 4% of the diamonds traded during that time were conflict diamonds.

There was an important study done to shed light on the Sierra Leone tragedy. It exposes how diamonds - small pieces of carbon with no great intrinsic value - have been the cause of widespread death, destruction and misery for almost a decade in the small West African country of Sierra Leone. Through the s, Sierra Leone’s rebel war became a tragedy of major humanitarian, political and historic proportions, but the story goes back further - almost 60 years, to the discovery of the diamonds.

The diamonds are, to use the title of Graham Greene’s classic novel about diamond smuggling in Sierra Leone, The Heart of the Matter. In the s and s, a weak post-independence democracy was subverted by despotism and state-sponsored corruption. Economic decline and military rule followed. The rebellion that began in was characterized by banditry and horrific brutality, wreaked primarily on civilians. Between and , the war claimed over 75,000 lives, caused half a million Sierra Leoneans to become refugees, and displaced half of the country’s 4.5 million people.

Get to Know Diamonds and De Beers - The Diamond Cartel

Until the s, De Beers was directly involved in Sierra Leone, had concessions to mine diamonds offshore, and maintained an office in Freetown. Since then, however, the relationship has been indirect. De Beers maintains a diamond trading company in Liberia and a buying office in Conakry, Guinea.[1] Both countries produce very few diamonds themselves, and Liberia is widely understood to be a ‘transit’ country for smuggled diamonds. Many ‘Liberian’ diamonds are of Sierra Leonean origin, and others reportedly originate as far away as Russia and Angola. De Beers says that it does not purchase Sierra Leonean diamonds. Through its companies and buying offices in West Africa, however, and in its attempts to mop up supplies everywhere in the world, it is virtually inconceivable that the company is not - in one way or another - purchasing diamonds that have been smuggled out of Sierra Leone.

What about the Governments in Africa?Many of the world’s diamonds are harvested using practices that exploit and degrade children, communities, the labor force, and the local environment. Workers are subject to brutality, degrading working conditions, low pay and sometimes death. Consider the facts: over 1 million diamond diggers in Africa are paid less than $1 a day, living in poverty and working in dangerous conditions. Many of the diamond workers in Africa are children under the age of 16, accounting for between 30-50% of the workforce in countries like the Congo, Angola, and Sierra Leone. Local communities in Angola are being tortured by local diamond companies in an effort to force them off the diamond rich land, while the government turns a blind eye.The Kimberly Process - An End to Conflict Diamonds?More than 99% of the world's diamonds are now from conflict free sources and are officially traded under the UN mandated Kimberley Process. We are glad to bring you diamonds that are conflict free and have been mined and traded with the strict guidelines of the Kimberly Process. Thanks to the international effort that started in May when Southern African diamond producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, to come up with a way to stop the trade in conflict diamonds and to ensure consumers that the diamonds that they purchase have not contributed to violent conflict and human rights abuses in their countries of origin.

Today, more than 99% of the world's diamonds are free from conflict free sources and are officially traded under the UN mandated Kimberley Process. We are glad to bring you diamonds that are conflict free and have been mined and traded with the strict guidelines of the Kimberly Process.

Know Everything About Sapphires

Sapphire: The "celestial" sapphire, symbol of the heavens, bestower of innocence, truth, good health, and preserver of chastity, is reserved today as the birthstone of September.

Occurence: Other important sources of Sapphire now include Thailand, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and Kenya. The wonderful, rich color of Sapphire combined with its high brilliance and wearability make it an unusually fine choice for any piece of jewelry. This guide defines the five essential characteristics of sapphire quality. By understanding these characteristics, you'll be able to shop with confidence. Print this helpful list and take it with you when shopping so you can choose a beautiful piece of sapphire jewelry.

Sapphire Color: The finest sapphires are considered to be the blue variety-specially those from Burma and Kashmir, which are closest to the pure spectral blue. The Ceylon sapphires are a very pleasing shade of blue, often on the pastel side.

Sapphire Clarity: Clarity refers to the absence of internal flaws or inclusions. Type and placement of flaws are also very important. Sapphires also contain inclusions and even quality sapphires are lightly included. Dark sapphires show less inclusions and light sapphires show more. Jewelry industry prefers moderately included sapphires and that's what we offer.

Sapphire Saturation: Saturation (color purity) is the brightness or vividness (dullness or drabness) of the color. It refers to the degree to which the hue is hidden by brown or gray. Colors with minimum amount of brown or gray are described as vivid or strong. For color purity GIA uses saturation and AGL uses intensity. Saturation can be "highly pure" and "slightly brownish or grayish".

Sapphire Cut: Cut effect the depth of color seen in the stone and influence the liveliness projected by the stone. A good cut will enhance stones natural beauty to the fullest. A poor cutter make may make the same stone less desirable, beacause a poor cut will significantly reduce the vividness and alter the depth of the color (saturation), usually producing a stone that is too dark. We offer well cut sapphires in our rings, earrings and bracelets.

Sapphire Size: The common unit of measurement for stones is weight, expressed in carats and decimal parts thereof. Also, remember again not to confuse weight with size. Some stones weigh more than others because stones have different density. Size of stone which can be diameter, or length and width is expressed in millimeters. Our stones are not cut deep to gain weight but are well cut sapphires offering you maximum size.

Sapphire Enhancements: Heating sapphire is a practice that is accepted by the jewelry industry. Sapphires that are not heated are very rare and demand very high prices.

Sapphire's Value: Sapphires which are well cut, cornflower blue colored and have minimum inclusions are most valuable.

Judging Sapphire Color: Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gemological Institute (AGL) divides color into three components: hue, tone (lightness/darkness) and saturation (color purity). This provides a more precise and accurate description of gems. Evaluate gemstone color taking into consideration hue, tone and saturation. Pure, vivid colors are far more desirable than dull, muddy ones. Look for a rich blue color sapphire with a light shade in sapphire rings.

Sapphire Tone: Refers to the depth of color (light or dark). The lighest possible tone is colorless. The darkest is black. Tone is another word for the degree of lightness or darkness. Judging the tone of a stone is difficult because it doesnot display a single, uniform tone. To judge the tone of a stone, examine it face-up and look for areas of light and dark. Sapphiires can have tones: "light-medium," "medium," "medium-dark," and "dark". We prefer sapphires with medium tones and thats what we offer in our rings, bracelets and earrings.

Sapphire Hue: Refers to the basic colors of blue, gren, yellow, orange, red, purple and violet. All sapphires exhibit some other colors (hues) in addition to their basic blue color. To determine the hue, look for the dominant color in the face-up view. When you move the stone in different directions you see the different colors. Australian sapphires have a tint (hue) of green.

Important Factors: Both intensity and tone of color can be significantly affected by the proportioning of the cut. In other words, a good gem cutter working with a fine stone will be able to bring out its inherent beauty to the fullest. A poor cut will significantly reduce the vividness and alter the depth of the color (saturation), usually producing a stone that is too dark. In sapphires a shallow cut might bring more color saturation than a deeper cut. Some stones are cut deep for additional weight and tend to be dark in color. Inclusions are generally more apparent in light- to medium-color sapphires. Since sapphires generally embody some inclusions, look for a sapphire with a darker tone, as the inclusions will be effectively hidden in these darker gems.

Sapphire Physical Properties:Sapphire Color: Blue in various hues, colorless, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple and black; Sapphire Moh's Hardness: 9.0; Sapphire Density: 3.95-4.03; Sapphire Chemical Composition: Aluminium Oxide; Sapphire Transparency: Transparent to Opaque; Sapphire Refractive Index: 1.762-1.788; Sapphire Dispersion: 0.018; Sapphire Pleochroism: Blue; Definite; dark blue, green blue.

Colored Sapphires: These different types of sapphires and their colors are because of traces of titanium, chromium, vanadium and iron found in these gemstones. Each sapphire uses the preface of its color for the name so you have the yellow sapphire, blue pink, purple, green, white and orange sapphire and the red sapphire is of course called as Ruby. One of the most exotic sapphires that come in orange-pink shade is called as Padparadscha sapphire. Sapphire is a classic gemstone that comes in shades of blue. This gem makes a fabulous piece of jewellery. Read about its history and origins and find out how to care for it.

What is a sapphire?
One of four precious gems, this gemstone is scientifically known as corundum, which is crystallized pure aluminum oxide. Heat and pressure are the catalysts for creating corundum. The presence of small chrome or iron particles gives the stone its color. You probably imagine some shade of blue when you think of this gemstone, but there is a wide spectrum of shades from a dark navy to an almost white blue. Aside from the various shades of blue, there are also pink, white, yellow and black stones. These non-blue varieties are referred to as "fancy." Imagine how different you would be with a fancy pink sapphire necklace.

Where do they come from?
These elegant blue gemstones largely come from various parts of Asia to include India and Sri Lanka, Australia, parts of Africa and Brazil. A majority of the blue variety come out of Australia and Thailand. However, Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is the location of the world's oldest mines. The most coveted gems come from Kashmir and Burma, because of their pure rich shades of blue. The Kashmir and Burmese gemstones are very valuable and even more so when you can find a top-quality stone. Transparent, intense and rich color translates into big bucks for these gemstones. You will be the envy of the ball in a fabulous sapphire and diamond necklace.

Lore and legend
This gemstone is mentioned in the bible as well as in Greek mythology. Mystical beliefs surrounding it include protection from evil and guidance in life. No matter what, sapphire earrings and a sapphire necklace look great and if they add a little luck to your day- even better.

The birthstone for September
While the gemstones in all their shades of blue are popular, they are adored by people born in September because it is their official birthstone. One of only four precious gemstones, this birthstone looks great in a variety of settings. Silver and platinum look especially nice with any shade of blue. Platinum diamond and sapphire rings are popular for a change to traditional diamond engagement rings.

How to clean your gemstones
This gem is a durable stone. It ranks a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness so you can wear them almost every day. They are safe to wear daily without worrying about chipping, cracking or scratching the stones. Pair it with a diamond and you have a very durable piece of jewelry. But, don't test its strength. After all, everything has a breaking point. Because of its durability, you don't have to be overly delicate in your cleaning. Drop by the jewelry store and have them blast it with a steamer or drop it in the ultrasonic cleaner. If you want to clean it at home, just soak your sapphire and diamond ring in warm soapy water. Easy, right? So, whether you were born in September or you just like a beautiful gemstone, this one is a classic. With jeans or an evening gown, you will exude elegance and sophistication with a wonderfully designed sapphire ring or bracelet.

The aesthetic appeal, magic and mystery have lured mankind since ages. Different cultures across the world have lore and beliefs associated to colored gemstones. In this day and age, natural gemstones are more of a fashion accessory, though the mystical symbolism remains.

What are natural gemstones

A gemstone is defined as a mineral or petrified material that when cut and polished, can be used in jewelry. It is a mineral that is valuable, rare and often beautiful.Minerals were forged beneath the surface of the earth over millions of years through the forces of heat and pressure, resulting in a distinct crystal form with an orderly pattern of atoms. This internal arrangement determines a mineral’s chemical and physical properties, including its color. Crystals are not necessarily formed only in rocks or beneath the surface of the earth; they are also formed within plants and animals. Such gemstones are called Organic gemstones (coral, amber etc.). Every mineral originates as a small crystal and “grows” as more atoms are added. A particular gem or mineral can be a variety of different colors, depending on impurities, also known as inclusions, in its atomic structure. Quartz, for example, is normally colorless, but occurs in a range of colors from pink to brown to the deep purple of amethyst, depending on the amount and type of impurities in its structure.Gemstones are precious because the extreme climatic conditions and the nurturing inside earth’s womb for millions of years, are not just rare conditions but almost impossible to occur again. And this is the reason that the importance of gemstones is much beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal.Of almost 4,000 different types of minerals found on earth, fewer than 100 are considered beauteous or durable enough to be used as gemstones. Of those, only around 20 are commonly used in jewelry. The traditionally included category of most valuable gemstones is emerald, ruby, sapphire and pearl. Because of their aesthetic appeal and glorious history, these gemstones are more valuable than other colored gemstones. Finest quality emeralds and rubies can sometimes be more valuable than diamonds of comparable size.Gemstones are classified into different varieties, species and groups. For instance, ruby (gemstone) is the red variety of the species corundum (mineral) that belongs to the hematite (crystal) group. Varieties of the mineral beryl include emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), heliodor (yellow), bixbite (red), goshenite (colorless) and morganite (pink).Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their aesthetic appeal or durability, or even change their color. Almost all gemstones are treated in some or the other way. Most of these treatments are permanent in nature and an accepted norm in the industry. Treatments do not affect a gemstone’s value.

Seeking quality

Akin diamonds, gemstones are judged by the "Four Cs" of color, clarity, cut and carat weight, with color being the most important consideration, by far. As a general rule for all gemstones, the better the color, the higher the value; better clarity and better cut are also valued more - and generally, the larger the stone, the more it will cost per carat. Even to an untrained novice eye, many of these types of differences can be seen when similar stones are examined side-by-side.Other factors that may influence the price of a gemstone include whether it is available readily or is rare in existence; whether it is a rare fancy shape or a calibrated size; and sometimes the origin of the gem. For instance, sapphires from Kashmir or rubies from Burma command a higher price than their equivalents from other origins.

Caring for Sapphires:

Sapphire with amazing colors is used in jewellery and for other decorative purposes. Sapphire is one of the hardest stones made of corundum. Being the hardest stone it is quite suitable for jewellery making. All non-red varieties of corundum are known as sapphire. Each exquisite color of sapphire looks brilliant in jewellery articles. Blue sapphire is very well known all over the world and widely used in jewellery. Because of this reason some people think that sapphire comes in only blue color. Sapphire used in sapphire jewellery may be natural or lab created sapphire. Pink sapphire, white sapphire, orange-pink, golden, and even black are adored by people and preferred for jewellery.
Sapphires are found in many places including Ceylon, Thailand, Australia, Burma, Africa, Brazil, North Carolina, and China. Sapphires are popular from Sri Lanka and India, and are also found in Tanzania and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. The different varieties of sapphire includes; Kashmir Sapphire also known as Cornflower Sapphire and it has a lovely velvety-blue color, Star sapphire, Padparadschah which is of orange-pink color, Color Changing Sapphire; it exhibits different colors in natural and artificial light, Bi-colored Sapphire; this type of sapphire has more than one color, Cat's Eye Sapphire, Fancy Sapphire; this variety includes all non-blue colors of sapphire and the Verneuil Sapphire ; these are the synthetic or laboratory-grown sapphire stones.
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. This beautiful stone is representative of truth and sincerity. It has special powers to bring good luck and good fortune to its wearer and also protects him or her from evil spirits. Sapphire is very popular because of the meanings attached to it. Different colors of sapphire are used in rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. When set in silver metal, sapphire looks incredible.

Multi colored sapphire ring looks stunning, pink colored sapphire is very precious and gives a very sophisticated look. Most of the blue sapphire jewellery is prepared in sterling silver or white gold. The lovely blue sapphire ring in white gold is perfect for anniversaries and engagements. Yellow sapphire looks stunning in yellow gold. Sapphire can be combined with other stones like diamonds and other colored gemstones. These combinations make jewellery articles like rings, earrings, bracelets, anklets, nose rings, toe rings and other items more beautiful and attractive.

Sapphire is a tough and durable gem, but it needs to be appropriately cared for as it is subject to chipping off and fracture if not handled properly. White or colorless sapphire is amazing. This white stone resembles a diamond and can have different beautiful cuts and they are as durable and hard as diamonds. Sapphire is a highly resistant metal and cleaning of sapphire jewelry is very simple. To clean a sapphire ring in a tub and then add mild dishwashing liquid to the water. Place your sapphire jewels in the solution and soak from ten to twenty minutes. After the time is over, remove the jewellery from the cleaning solution and clean the stones with a soft cloth or toothbrush and finally rinse the jewellery with warm water and dry it before storing. Always store your sapphire jewelry in a cool place and avoid heat and high temperature.

Gemstone Colors

The colors of the gemstones are what make them look so dazzling and alluring. The most dazzling gemstones are the precious stones. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires are known primarily for their bright green, red and blue colors. While sapphire is also available in colors like pink, green and yellow. Nevertheless, all gemstones have beautiful colors, which increase their exquisiteness. For instance, pearls are white, pink, red, aquamarine is bluish green, amethyst is purple, garnets are green, red, purple, and topaz is yellow and orange in color. Gems also come in different shades of colors, like blue, green or red.You can choose your gemstone according to the color you like. The deepest or richest colors are the most valuable and expensive stones. Emeralds have different shades of green, but the most popular shade is the bluish green, which is the richest color. Sapphires too are found in pink, green, yellow and different shades of blue. However, the rich blue color is the most valuable and popular stone. Rubies are also found in different shades of red, while the color known, as "pigeon's blood" is the darkest and richest red available, which is very powerful. This deep red ruby is mined only in Myanmar.When precious stones are found in mines, they do not look as attractive as they should be. Stones are usually polished, carved and cut into different shapes and sizes for it to acquire its beauty. According to the polish of the stone, the value increases.It is a common notion that the deeper and richer the color of the stone, the more precious and valuable it is. For instance, bright white pearls, green garnets, royal purple amethysts, yellow topaz, deep red corals are the most precious and valuable gem stones existing. A lighter colored gemstone, like a light green garnet isn't as precious as a parrot green garnet.It is very difficult to obtain the richest color of a stone, as they are very rare. Thus most of the people settle with lighter colors, as they are easily available and very affordable. These days, people prefer a lighter garnet, or a lighter purple amethyst, as it is next to impossible to afford or find the "perfect" green or purple. As long as the gemstone is powerful and attractive people are content.

However, it is strange that diamond, which is the most expensive and exquisite gemstone, is valued by how colorless it is. Diamonds are rated according to their shine, and neutral color. If the diamond is white or pale pink, it is regarded as a low grade diamond. But if the diamond is known as a pink diamond, or a canary diamond then it is considered worthy. The most high priced diamonds are oddly, colorless.

Know Everything About Birthstone Origins:

In the Old Testament, the book of Exodus tells the story of the Breastplate of Aaron, used in religious ceremonies. (Aaron...just in case you were absent from Sunday school that day...was the Biblical figure who performed, at Moses' direction, the miracles that confounded Pharaoh and his magicians.)

Aaron's breastplate was adorned with four rows of gemstones, three gemstones in each row, in the following pattern: Sardius, topaz, carbuncle; emerald, sapphire, diamond; ligure, agate, amethyst; beryl, onyx, jasper. These twelve gemstones represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve positions were later co-opted by astologers who linked them to the twelve months of the calendar year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.

The Traditional Birthstone List contains these older birthstones and represents birthstone traditions heralding back to the 15th century. The Modern Birthstone List was created by the National Association of Jewelers in in Kansas City, Missouri. Gemstone purists complained that the NAJ list was devised solely for commercial purposes (they probably didn't believe in Santa Claus either!). As a result, astrologers who prescribed gems often substituted alternate or secondary stones. The Mystical Birthstone list below originated in from Tibet over a thousand years ago. The Ayurvedic Birthstone list is derived from age-old Ayurvedic Indian Medicine, a practice of native people for more than a century.Month Modern Traditional Mystical AyurverdicJanuary Garnet Garnet Emerald GarnetFebruary Amethyst Amethyst Amethyst BloodstoneMarch Aquamarine Bloodstone Jade BloodstoneApril Diamond Diamond Opal QuartzMay Emerald Emerald Sapphire AgateJune Pearl Alexandrite Moonstone PearlJuly Ruby Ruby Ruby RubyAugust Peridot Sardonyx Diamond SapphireSept. Sapphire Sapphire Agate Lapis LazuliOctober Opal Tourmaline Tourmaline JasperNovember Yellow Topaz Citrine Citrine PearlDecember Turquoise Lapis Lazuli Onyx RubyAstrologically speaking, your place on the Zodiac is more meaningful than your birth month for tapping into your "power," which has led to the creation of the following list of "Star Stones" related to the star under which you were born, rather than the day.Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Ruby, Agate, GarnetAquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal,Amethyst,Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) - Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, BloodstoneAries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) - Bloodstone, DiamondTaurus (Apr. 20-May 20) - Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, EmeraldGemini (May 21-Jun. 20) - Agate, Chrysoprase, PearlCancer (Jun. 21-Jul. 22) - Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, RubyLeo (Jul. 23-Aug. 22) - Tourmaline, Sardonyx, OnyxVirgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) - Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, SapphireLibra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) - Opal, Lapis Lazuli, PeridotScorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - Aquamarine, TopazSagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - Sapphire, Amethyst, Turquoise, Topaz

So whether you choose an emerald from the Breastplate of Aaron, a moonstone from Tibet's mystical birthstone list, an opal for its ayurvedic birthstone properties, or your very own "star sign" representative...may the force (of the birthstone) be with you.

Know Everything About A Guide To Popular Gemstones

Gemstones have been used as adornments in jewelry and other items since for centuries. In early times, only royalty could afford gems but today nearly everyone can have a bauble with a gemstone or two in it. Here's some information on seven gemstones favored by jewelry makers.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of quartz that comes in shades of purple. It is a highly accessible stone and used in all types of jewelry. This gemstone can vary greatly in quality and color and is the birthstone for the month of February. There are 14 different locations where Amethysts are abundantly found today.

Aquamarine

This light blue gemstone is the birthstone of March and is a favorite of jewelry designers today. It can range in shade from almost white to sky blue and can be rather expensive. This stone belongs to the beryl family of gemstones and is abundant in Brazil.

Bloodstone

The vivid red spots in this stone give it it's name, but the stone itself is really green jasper. The spots come from iron oxide deposits within the stone. This stone was used in ancient times for many carvings and was a favorite of Christian martyrs. A German Emperors seal carved in bloodstone is on display at the Louvre museum in Paris.

Emerald

One of the more expensive stones, this birthstone of May is the stone of love and life. One of the most popular gemstones of all time, it has been used in many crowns and scepters. Emeralds range in shades of green, but the deepest ones hold the most value and can even cost more than diamonds.

Opal

One of the most opulent gemstones, this stone is a combination of fiery colors like a rainbow of sparks. Opals are used in many different jewelry settings and are a favorite gemstone of jewelry wearers today. Originating from Australia, this stone has great history and lore.

Ruby

This red stone has long been associated with love, passion and power. One of the more precious stones, it is considered the King of gemstones and has been extensively used in crowns and jewelry of Kings, Queens and Emperors. Mined mainly in India, the finest rubies are quite rare and expensive.

Sapphire

When we think of sapphire, we mostly think of the deep blue stone, but in fact, this stone can come in many colors. This stone belonging to the corundum group of gemstones is hard to find and highly valued. Second only to diamonds on the hardness scale, sapphires can be more expensive than diamonds especially the most prized specimens.

Topaz

With it's rich golden glow, Topaz is often used as a symbol for the setting sun. Though typically a golden brown, Topaz can also be found in blue, green, pink and red. This birthstone for November is a hard stone but can crack with a hard blow so care should be taken when wearing.

These are just a few of the many stones that are used in modern jewelry designs today. Some designs use just one stone or incorporate many different stones for more color and interest. Perhaps you have picked a favorite from the list above, or if you are like me, you love them all!

Star Sapphires and Rubies

Commonly known as ruby star and sapphire star but they also appear in garnet, spinel and other less known varieties. There are differences between all stars, but we will here pretend that nature made all stars equal.

Gemstone phenomena, especially asterism, are a tough call to judge on photo. However, no normal jeweler will be able to show you a fine natural star sapphire, let alone a selection to choose from. Good stars are rare even beyond the normal gemstone rarity. Unless you live in a metropolis or travel to Tucson or Basel, the internet is the only place to compare and buy such gems.

Looking at images on the web, stars seem to be quite an ugly bunch. Rarely do they show nice colors, often they are zoned, patchy, heavily included, silky, egg-shaped and at times the asterism is hardly visible at all.

And of course you will find many "perfect", "fully colored", giant star sapphires or rubies for a few dollars. These are synthetic or surface diffused or lead-glass filled gems which are mostly worth just as much as they cost.

There is nothing wrong with twenty carat Linde star for fifty dollar, but be wary of those sellers trying to offer them as real.

So, are they are either ugly or faked? No, don't be discouraged. Real, natural stars are mind-shaking and heart-breaking. Many star skeptics have become sworn star fans after their first encounter with fine quality. 

Here is what to look for when selecting a star sapphire or ruby online:

The value of any star sapphire ring depends strongly on the quality of its asterism, which is defined by (no order):

1. Sharpness

2. Symmetry & linearity

3. Completeness (6 rays mostly)
   
4. Travel (smoothness of movement)
   
5. Position
6. Lucidity & Depth

The relative importance of these criteria are questions of personal taste, culture and fashion. Most collectors would perhaps trade in some off-centeredness for good movement, or overlook a meandering leg while frowning at a missing one. 

We feel lucidity, travel, position and completeness may be most important and price relevant.

Only then, with decreasing relevance, come:

1. Color

2. Clarity (inclusions)
   

3. Shape
4. Finish (top and bottom) 

Asterism and color together easily make up 80% of the value of a star (sapphire, ruby or any other variety).

With ten dimensions (as compared to the old 4 Cs) stars are a quite demanding topic. But they are rewarding, too.

Gemstones Buying Guides

Colorful gemstones are just anybody's dream to have. Their natural colors more than match your very fashionable dresses. Their sheer range could strike you spell bound. Gemstones are precious or semiprecious mineral stones which when cut and faceted can be used as jewels.

There is more to gemstones than just being jewelry items. They are regarded as lucky when worn specific to an individual's birth month. Before we deal with this aspect in detail lets see the classification of gemstones.

Classification and Characteristics of Gemstones

There is a tri-level classification of gemstones namely, groups, species and varieties. Simply put, rubies which are red in color belong to conundrum species which in turn belong to hematite group. Others like emerald, aquamarine, goshenite, heliodor and morganite, all of them belong to that variety known as beryl. There are over 150 different species available.

Gemstones display all characteristics of crystals like dispersion, refractive indices, hardness, and specific gravity etc. They also possess characters like inclusions, fractures and cleavage which play upon their quality and values. However gemologists include all gems into the precious list.

Hardness is another important characteristic of gemstones. Simply put, hardness means resistance to scratch which is measured in Mohs, a system developed by an Austrian mineralogist F. Mohs. The scale of hardness reads from 1-10 with higher number indicating the hardest. If talc is at the bottom with just 1Moh, diamond has 10Mohs. Other popular gemstones like feldspar, topaz and sapphire having Mohs of 6, 8 and 9 respectively.

Birth Stones

US Geological Survey lists gemstones classified as birth stones. It is believed by most people that wearing birthstones brings luck to their lives. It is not surprising that all societies have this kind of faith with regards to gemstones, albeit with differences here and there, looking at the romancing tryst every society had with these 'stones'. The list is in the order of calendar months with each month having at least one gemstone specific to that month. One can find a list of birth stones on official website of USGS.

Buying Gemstones

USGS cautions buyers against unscrupulous sellers as more and more of them are trying to push through synthetic gemstones as genuine pieces to unsuspecting, inexperienced buyers. Gemstones are measured by size and carats. (1carat=1/5th of a gram.)

When buying gemstones, watch out for:

1. Heating alters the color sometimes improving clarity

2. Irradiation darkens colors

3. Impregnation with wax, resins etc fills cracks, flaws

4. Fractures filled by injecting plastic

5. Differential colors in center and surface indicates diffusion treatment.

Know Everything Gemstone Jewelry Secrets Revealed

The mystery and magic of colored gemstones has been an integral aspect or the "Lore" of most cultures for many centuries. Here is what noted gemstone experts Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C. Bonanno have to say on the matter.

"The fascination with colored gemstones dates back to the very beginning of civilization. For our ancestors, the blue of sapphire produced visions of the heavens; the red of ruby was a reminder of the very essence of life. By Roman times, rings containing colored gems were prized symbols of power-and the most powerful wore rings on every joint of every finger!

Since ancient times, colored stones have been thought to possess innate magical powers and the ability to endow the wearer with certain attributes. According to legend, emeralds are good for the eyes; yellow stones cure jaundice; red stones stop the flow of blood. At one time it was believed that a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, and vengeance; worn by a woman, however, it indicated pride, obstinacy, haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom, and high and magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness, and vigilance. The emerald signified for a man joyousness, transitory hope, and the decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded ambition, childish delight, and change.

Colored gems, because of the magical powers associated with them, achieved extensive use as talismans and amulets; as predictors of the future; as therapeutic aids; and as essential elements to many religious practices-pagan, Hebrew, and Christian."

Gemstones 101

Natural gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-created stones, as the name implies, are made in the laboratory. These stones, which also are referred to as laboratory-grown, {name of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity of naturally colored stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined stones. By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.

Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 millimeters).

Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change over time and some treated stones may require special care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a stone, when measured against a comparable untreated stone.

Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone you're considering has been treated when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stone requires special care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.

Some common treatments that you may be told about and their effects include:

* Heating can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone's clarity.

* Irradiation can add more color to colored diamonds, certain other gemstones and pearls.

* Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, wax or resins makes a variety of imperfections less visible and can improve the gemstones' clarity and appearance.

* Fracture filling hides cracks or fractures in gems by injecting colorless plastic or glass into the cracks and improves the gemstones' appearance and durability.

* Diffusion treatment adds color to the surface of colorless gems; the center of the stone remains colorless.

* Dyeing adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.

* Bleaching lightens and whitens dome gems, Including jade and pearls.

In this day and age, gemstones are generally worn for their natural beauty or as a fashion statement, but there are many that "buy-in" to the mythical and mystical symbolisms of gems as well. Whatever a persons reason, the world of gems today offers an almost endless choice. Many new gems have been discovered and are widely available in reds, blues, greens and many unusual shades as well. Enjoy!

Know Everything About Benifits of Gold Recycling

Many of us have seen the commercials stating "cash for gold" yet are unsure as to what this entails. Basically, cash for gold or gold recycling as it is known, is when owners of gold pieces and/or gold jewelry take their items and sell them to companies which then take the gold items and turn them into something else, i.e. recycle the gold. Gold recycling allows you to get rid or your gold items and get money for doing so. The following are some of the benefits associated with gold recycling which will help you to see just how useful gold recycling really is. In the current climate Gold is at an all time high price, so if you have some trinkets around your home, you could easily trade them in for cash. Many people expect much less than what they are actually given when they sell their gold, it’s a great surprise for them.

Get Paid for Gold Jewelry and Items Which See Little or No Use

One of the big benefits to visiting a gold recycling centre is that you will be able to get paid for gold items which you rarely or never use. Rather than have these items sit in your drawers, why not sell them and get paid for something which you will not miss in the long run. Depending on the gold recycling company, most will offer fair amounts for the gold you sell to them which will make the gold owner extremely happy to say the least. If you have some gold items laying around in your drawers or jewelry box, consider selling them to companies which offer gold recycling programs, now would be the best time to do so.

Make More Room in Your Drawers and Jewelry Box for New Items

Another benefit to using a gold recycling program is that it will free up space in your drawers and jewelry box. Think about how much room could be granted simply by selling some old gold jewelry and other gold items which you have stored away. In addition, by gaining more space in your drawers and jewelry box through using a gold recycling program you can make room for new jewelry items which may have caught your eye while you were out at the shops.

Gold Recycling Is Easy to Do.

There are many Gold Recycling Centres around these days, and you will also find that when you use a gold recycling program, the entire process is extremely easy to accomplish. Many companies which offer the gold recycling service send you the postage prepaid envelope, storage envelope and short form to fill out. Once you send the gold items to the company they will come up with a figure dictating what the gold scrap jewelry is worth. Once the amount is determined the customer will receive their check in the mail shortly thereafter. Gold recycling is a fast, easy and efficient way to recycle your unwanted gold jewelry and make room for new and improved jewelry pieces.

Know Everything About Fair Trade Jewelry: The Challenges and Rewards of an Emerging Movement

Searching the web for "fair trade jewelry" will pull up a number of companies. Fair Trade Jewelry, as certified by the International Fair Trade Labeling Organization, (FLO) does not exist. Yet fair trade, as a concept to the general public, basically translates to a livable wage, fair working conditions and environmental safe guards for the production in cooperatives in the developing world. How much FLO owns the concept of fair trade, which they have certainly developed, is an open question.

In labeling their products as fair trade, jewelry producers are expanding or exploiting the concept to the public. Depending upon your perspective, you could view these companies as "fair washing" or as working within the spirit of the fair trade movement. The ambiguity of the current state of this movement will be addressed in a meeting sponsored by the Earthworks Action this upcoming October, . Earthworks Action, which started the "No Dirty Gold Campaign," has laid the ground work for this meeting which will being key players together, through the Madison dialogues.

A few small companies are producing artisan or ethnic "fair trade" jewelry in village settings, which come closer to the fair trade concept. These companies who would be considered "fair trade" only discount the environmental effects of where they source their metal and gems. Organic certification is tied to the fair trade concept and jewelry involves practices which inherently are destructive to the environment.

These small niche companies actually represent a negligible share of the main stream jewelry sector, where the ethically sourced issue gained a little prominence partly as a result of the film, Blood Diamonds, released in December, . Diamond business comprises over fifty percent of all jewelry business in the US.

The first certification from FLO international has focused on the artisan mining efforts of ARM. A contract between FLO and ARM was signed in July, . TransFair USA, the American certifying agent for the fair trade label, is not in agreement with FLO International, though at the JCK Fair Trade Meeting, they expressed an interest in pursuing large scale mining as a potential area for certification. This whole process is going to take several years.

The current number of people in the jewelry industry involved in fair trade is quite small at this point. Eric Brauwart, founder and President of Columbia Gem House, has created a solid system for fair trade gemstones. Martin Rapaport, one of the key players in the diamond trade and Kimberly Certification, has been solidly behind fair trade, raising the profile of the movement as a whole.

Many other smaller players are attempting to produce ethically sourced jewelry, but they are limited because neither the market nor the supply chain for production is there. A small manufacturing company can have thousands of inventory pieces from all over the world. Very few precious and semi-precious stones are even claimed to be fair trade produced. Though not technically fair trade, one positive recent development is that Hoover and Strong is now offering recycled precious metal at competitive prices for jewelers who are interested in environmentally friendly sourcing.

Outside of sourcing, the manufacturing of jewelry is going to be extremely difficult to mold into the fair trade cooperative model. I am most familiar with work out of Bali. Their hand silver work is arguably the finest in the world, and it is steeped in tradition. To manufacture on a large scale, many companies operating out of Bali will take an item and distribute it to the local villages. Each artisan will purchase the silver in its raw form which they will refine in order to create their own sterling, which is .925 percent fine. The product that comes back is often inconsistent and often is not sterling silver, as hallmarked. This type of system does not work well when there are exacting quality control issues and a strict on time delivery.

Jewelry manufacturing on a large scale therefore, does not easily fit the small village model as textiles or some agricultural product might for other reasons as well. There is the initial investment of expensive equipment and the cost of silver and gold just to produce an order...

One of the most significant recent developments in fair trade manufacturing is an effort out of South Africa, (LINK) where villagers have been trained into the jewelry trade. African countries rich in raw materials for jewelry want to be more involved in jewelry production to increase their manufacturing base. Eventually, with supervision and much support, cooperatives are formed. This model is heavily subsidized by NGOs and private corporations, which means it will be difficult to duplicate in other countries that might not have that kind of resource base.

Despite the challenges, there is strong support among a small group of people in the jewelry trade to address these issues. Many in the forefront of this movement believe it is only a matter of time before those who purchase their jewelry strongly connect to the manufacturing process as well. Jewelry is usually purchased to mark an occasion or a commitment. For others, it is about having something beautiful. How would the customer feel knowing that the gem they purchased funded a civil war or that the ring they bought for their mother was made in toxic working conditions in a third world sweat shop? What man would ever knowingly purchase a conflict diamond to complete an engagement ring?

Yet that is exactly what has happened in the past, and the movement in fair trade shows that at least some segments of the jewelry industry are determined to change the way business is being done. The percentage of people who are concerned enough about corporate social responsibility is the same demographic that supports the organic movement-it is a strong and growing segment of the population. How fast the fair trade movement takes hold also depends to a large degree upon how much pressure the public exeprts.

Know Everything About Gemstone Treatments and Enhancements

Always buy from reputed sellers who produce certificates by Gemological Institute of America to prevent a lucky stone turn unlucky.Though stone treatment has gone on for centuries, new techniques and methods are now available and many of today’s gemstones are treated to improve their appearance and make them more marketable. While it is common knowledge within the gem trade that stones are enhanced through treatment, the buying public has known little about the treatments until recently.As long as the consumer realizes that the stone has been treated, and the value adjusted accordingly, this is not a deceptive or underhanded practice. Treatments can do such things as change or enhance color, make the stone more durable and enhance the character of the stone. Unless the stone is stated to be natural, we can almost always assume that the stone has been treated with the common treatments used on that type of gemstone. Natural precious stones with no treatment at all are a rarity and very expensive.Treatment maybe as simple as the old treatment of soaking chalcedony in honey then ageing it on the roof of the house so the honey caramelized and changed the color. When the stone turned black, it was called Black Onyx. Gemstones can be treated with heat, laser treatment, radiation, bleaching, stabilization, putting in acid, applying pressure, oiling, impregnation, dyeing, or combinations of any of these techniques. Here are just a few examples of common stone treatments:1. Chalcedony is treated with heat to become Carnelian, and when it is dyed black, we call it Black Onyx.2. Aquamarine is sometimes heated at a low temperature to bring out the blues and lessen the naturally occurring yellows, which make greens appear in the stone.3. Rubies are rarely available these days that have not been heat treated, but if you can find natural rubies, the value is at least 30% better than that of a treated stone.4. Diamonds in colors have become quite popular. Many of these are treated with radiation or a combination of pressure and heat. Naturally colored diamonds are far more valuable than their treated counterparts.5. Emeralds can be treated with oil or impregnated with polymers, even dyed polymers to enhance color.6. Tanzanite is naturally brown and when it is treated with heat the characteristic blue with violet undertones becomes apparent.7. Sapphires are sometimes heat treated at a high temperature to bring out the dark blues and enhance the clarity of the stones.8. The Padparadscha Sapphire is most often treated with heat to enhance the brilliance of the color.9. Pearls have been bleached, waxed, heated, dyed and irradiated to enhance their color and luster.10. Citrine is frequently heat-treated amethyst or smoky quarts. Natural citrine is usually a light yellow.11. Topaz is often irradiated or heated to bring out the brilliant blues. It is also sometimes sliced and layered by color to give an almost iridescent color. This topaz is usually called Mystic Topaz.12. Turquoise can be dyed, stabilized, have the matrix enhanced and even backed with plastic when it is mounted.If the price of any of these stones seems too good to be true, you are probably looking at a treated stone. If no deception is practiced and the buyer and seller are both happy with the transaction gemstone treatment is not an unethical or deceptive practice.

Know Everything About Types of Sapphires

The inherent beauty possessed by every diamond ring is rivalled only by the larger-than-life stories behind the discovery of diamonds. Various legends surround the discovery of diamonds, including one which involves a valley in central Asia full of diamonds but guarded by snakes and birds of prey. There are even tales about the poisonous nature of diamonds, but these are generally attributed to mine owners who spread the myths to discourage the workers from swallowing the diamonds straight from the mine.

While these myths are clearly untrue, there is no doubt that diamond rings and other diamond-laden jewelries possess beauty, and many believe that they also possess mystical power. The ancient Greeks used them as talismans and as cures for a variety of ailments.

A diamond ring may be expensive, but it has become popular because of its sturdiness, making it ideal even for daily wear. The scratch-resistant feature of a diamond ring is one of the reasons why it has become a popular wedding ring. In exchange for a diamond ring investment, you get a scratch-resistant stone with a grade of 10 in Mohs scale of hardness.  Not all diamonds are equal though: only the purest and flawless diamonds get the highest hardness score, which makes them impossible to scratch, except by other diamonds.

In the 15th century, diamond rings and other diamond jewelries were only worn by kings.  The increase in the supply of diamonds in the 19th century increased the demand for diamond rings. They became more popular with the discovery of more diamond mines, the growth of the economy worldwide, and the improvement in cutting and polishing techniques.

There are various types of diamonds but among the best diamonds you can use to create magnificent diamond rings include:

Pink Diamonds

White diamonds, which are sourced from Argyle, used to be considered most beautiful diamond in the world; then the pink diamond was discovered. Don’t expect to see pink diamond rings from your trusted local jeweler just yet. It is the most valuable and one of the rarest types of diamonds from the Argyle mine. Less than a 10th of one percent of the diamonds sourced from the mine are pink.  A 3.14-carat pink diamond ring from Argyle was once sold in an auction at Christie’s in New York for $1,510,000.  The pink diamond rings from Argyle possess an intense pink color compared to the pale pink diamonds from Africa, Brazil and India. Argyle is known as the largest producer of diamonds in the world.

Blue diamonds

Only a few jewelers have been lucky enough to see authentic blue diamond rings because they are extremely rare. Authentic blue diamonds also come from the Argyle mine, albeit in a limited number. The closest you can get to the real thing is at Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian National History Museum, which houses the “Le blue de France” or the Hope Diamond, a deep blue 45.52-carat diamond.  Be wary about this diamond though if you believe in myths because it is reportedly cursed. This has not, however, stopped people from checking out the blue diamond, making it one of the world’s most-visited works of art, next only to the Mona Lisa. There are however many fancy blue diamond rings in the market. 

Black diamonds

Some people still think black diamonds are a myth because there are not a whole lot of them being sold on the market. Many times, a transaction involving a black diamond is done in a “hush-hush manner” so that no ordinary mortal can prove that this type of diamond really exists. Black diamonds exist as a result of volcanic eruptions. These diamonds, which were formed one million years ago, are still younger than the clear diamonds which were formed over 4.25 billion years ago. Rarely will you find black diamond rings because of the challenge involved in cutting the pitted diamond surface. Native-Americans believed that these diamonds were cursed. Italians, on the other hand, believe these diamonds can make a troubled marriage well again.

Nexus diamonds

With the price of diamond rings incessantly on the rise, scientists resolved to find a way to create diamonds in a laboratory. Laboratory-created diamonds are known as Nexus diamonds. These are diamond stimulants that match the features of real diamonds, right down to their hardness, ability to cut glass, brilliance, radiance and ability to refract. Those who cannot afford real diamonds opt for Nexus diamond rings for their engagement or wedding rings.

All diamond rings may sparkle and shine, but no two diamonds are the same because they undergo different cutting and polishing process. The sparkle of every diamond in fact depends on its facet, the surface on the diamond that traps light and causes it to sparkle. While experts are expected to know how to determine the best diamonds by heart, it wouldn’t hurt if you learn a thing or two about these precious stones as you may be wearing them on your fingers pretty soon.

Get to Know Diamond 4C's

When considering the purchase of a diamond, it is imperative to study diamond education. At Beyond the 4Cs we believe diamond education leads to satisfied customers. We strongly urge you to learn, more than just the basics, we recommend "beyond the 4cs" and you've come to the right place.

The 4 C’s of diamond grading are not four C’s at all but rather B followed by three C’s. The B stands for brilliance, the most important attribute of a gem grade diamond in that the beauty of a diamond is actually the beauty of the brilliance of light. Cut, the proportions and finish of a diamond, are what determine diamonds optical qualities and cut (brilliance) grading assesses the nature of those optical qualities that make up diamonds brilliance – the amount of light and the nature of and balance of light returned to the viewers eye. Brilliance (cut) is the most important consideration in the evaluation of gem grade diamonds, diamonds with color at J or above and clarity above SI-2. The brilliance (cut) of a diamond influences the diamonds value and price by as much as 25%. Yet is it the least documented or understood when purchasing a diamond.

For diamond education purposes, in describing the make of a diamond two words are used, shape and cut. Shapes, such as round brilliants, emerald shapes, radiants, princess, pears, ovals, marquis and hearts indicate the overall appearance and faceting style of any one individual diamond. Cut grading of a diamond classifies the quality of any individual diamond shape by its proportions and finish, with each diamond shape having unique proportional and finish characteristics.

Proportions, the empirical data of degrees of angle, measurements and percentage of measurements, record the specific characteristics of each shape of diamond. For round diamonds all measurements are expressed in relation to that diamonds average diameter whereby a table measurement of 55% or a total depth measurement of 60% are expressions of their percentage of the averaged diameter of the diamond. Measurements for elongated diamond shapes such as emerald cuts, radiant cuts, and ovals are expressed as a percentage of the width alone. Degrees are used to measure the angle of the crown (top, above the girdle) and pavilion (bottom, below the girdle) of the diamond in relationship to the plane of the girdle (diameter). Finish is an interpretive observation of the quality of both the polish of a diamonds exterior surfaces and its symmetry, the relationship of one cutting feature to another, the alignment of the diamond. Each diamond shape is graded by the cut characteristics of its proportions and finish. Both the empirical data of the proportions and the interpretive observation of the finish are considered in a judgment of the overall cut grade assigned to a diamond.

It was Gemological Institute of America that first developed a standardized grading system for round diamonds, classifying the empirical data and interpretive observations into four cut grades, those being Make Class One, Make Class Two, Make Class Three and Make Class Four.

The American Gem Society has further refined the GIA grading system with strict definitions of variance for both the proportions and finish of a diamond in a system that rates diamond brilliance (cut) by variances from zero (ideal) to ten (poor). Today, the best system of brilliance (cut) grading for fancy shape diamonds (standard shapes other than round) is that of the Accredited Gem Appraisers and Mr. David Atlas, a system that rates diamonds into three general brilliance (cut) quality categories that are described as fine, average and below average. Learn More.

Know Everthing About Spotting Fake Diamonds

Meaning and Identification

Diamond  are available in the market with different cuts like, the emerald cut diamond, marquise cut diamond, pear cut diamond, heart cut diamond, assher cut diamond etc . But out of all these cuts of a Diamond, round diamond also called the Brilliant Cut Diamond has the most brilliance and sparkle. Reason being, it's perfectly symmetrical and has an even distribution of light emitting from it. The Brilliant Cut Diamond was designed by Tolkowsky. He came up with precise calculations for the 58 cuts that maximized both the brilliance and the fire in the Diamond. A Round Diamond with the correct proportions and angles makes a magnificent combination of dazzling light and sparkle. We need to have a proper understanding of the diamond anatomy and the facets of a diamond to appreciate the cut. Facets are the polished, flat surfaces on a diamond. It is the arrangement of the facets that gives a diamond its brilliance and sparkle. The beauty of a diamond depends on how well it is cut as this will determine what its fluorescence level is. So lets first try and understand diamond anatomy and facets.

The Crown- The crown comprises of the table, the star facets , the bezel facets and the upper gridle facets. The entire portion of the diamond that sits above the gridle is the Crown. The uppermost flat surface of the diamond is the table, The facets that sits adjacent to the table is the Star facets. The bezel facets are the kite shaped that sit between the table and the gridle and The lowest facets on the crown just above the gridle is called the Upper gridle facets. The star facets , the bezel facets and the upper gridle facets are responsible for directing light that enters the diamond down to the pavilion and lower gridle facets.

The Gridle – The outer edge or the widest part of the diamond forming a band around the stone is the diamond girdle. It may be faceted or smooth.

The Pavilion – The entire portion of the diamond that sits below the gridle is the Pavilion. The pavilion comprises of Lower Gridle facets, Pavilion Facets and Cutlet facets.The highest facets on the pavilion immediately below the gridle are called the Lower Gridle facets. The Pavilion facets are the facets that sit adjacent to the cutlet. The Lower Gridle facets and the Pavilion Facets are responsible for redirecting light that enters the diamond back out through the crown. The small area at the botton like a point is the cutlet. The cutlet may look like a point or a small facet.

Dimensions and Measurements

We also need to study the key measurement to understand whether the diamond is cut ideally or not or to what extent the diamond is cut ideally. The key measurements include the following

Length – It is the diameter measured from top to bottom when the diamond is viewed from above as if it is sitting on a ring. It is measured in millimeters

Depth – It is the distance from the table to the cutlet when the diamond is viewed from the side.

Width – It is the diameter measured from side to side

Depth Percentage – It is a measure of the cut of the diamond. It is calculated by dividing depth by width. The shallower the cut the higher the depth percentage

Length/Width Ratio – It is calculated by dividing length over width. The L/W ratio of a perfectly round or square diamond is 1.00.

Table Percentage – It is the width of the table divided by the width of the diamond

Gridle Width- It is the measure of thickness of the diamond`s gridle. The measure is taken only at the valleys and not the peaks.

Cutlet Size – The cutlet size is measured using the seven point scale. If the cutlet is too large it will appear as an inclusion from above

Pavilion Angle - The degree of slope between the girdle and the culet

Crown Angle- The degree of slope between the table and the girdle

Reflection -  With reference to diamond, reflection, means the light reflecting off the surface of the diamond. Reflected light does not enter the Diamond. It simply hits it in such a way as to bounce off the surface. Diamond `s reflection of light depends on the cut type. Different cuts show different amount of reflection, refraction and dispersion. The refractive index measures the reflection of the Diamond

Fire or Dispersion -  It is known as the amount of light that enters the Diamond, strikes the Pavilion and comes back out the top split into rays of colored light like a rainbow. Diamonds can disperse light into the seven colors of spectrum. The glitter of the diamond is because of its this ability. Greater the dispersion, greater is the distance between the dispersed colors, which can make the colors vivid and easy to distinguish. The refractive index of a material varies with the wavelength. It means short wavelengths (Violet and Blue colors) are bent more as compared to longer (Yellow and Red colors) ones. The coefficient of dispersion judges this variation in the angles for different wavelengths, the greater the coefficient, the greater is the angular spread of different colors of white light falling at a certain angle on the material. The dispersion of light decides the level of the diamond`s fire.

Brilliance or Refraction – Brilliance or refraction is the amount of white light that rebounds out of the top of the Diamond and makes the Diamond sparkle. The light entering a diamond gets bent at certain angles, depending on the cut, and slowed down due to material properties and comes out after getting reflected from different angles and facets. Both quality of the diamond cut and the type of cut determine the refraction. Light traveling through a stone intersects the stone-air surface. If it passes within the critical angle (measured relative to the normal to that surface), it will exit the stone. If it passes outside the critical angle, it will be internally reflected.

Todays jewelry marketers, in order to push their sale make claims that they have a superior cut stone with extra facets on the crown and this makes their diamond extra shiny and extra valuable. But the truth is a normal crown has 33 facets and adding more facets does not increasethe amount of light flowing into the diamond so it does not increase the shine of the diamond. Moreover adding facets does not increase the clarity or color of the diamond .Its just that instead of seeing 33 large flashes of light you on the 33 facets you will see smaller flashes of light due to the increased number of facets. The light entering the diamond remains the same. In the long run these extra cuts only reduce the price of the diamond if you plan to resell it. It is wiser to spend on better color and clarity than spending on the extra cuts. The Diamond cut and Diamond shape requires different proportions for giving the diamond its perfect appearance. If you have decided on the shape you want, be sure to investigate the specific dimensions, called ideal proportions for that shape.

Reputable Gemstone Grading Organizations

Know Everything Gemstone Grading

When buying jewelry, everyone asks about the diamond grade but most people forget to consider the grade of the colored gemstones. Colored gemstones also have a grading system.

Determing the grade of a colored gemstone is actually more difficult than judging the grade of a diamond (definition). Mostly because it takes many different tools and the knowledge of how to use those tools as well as a good memory what the results of each test and how it applies to the three gemstone types. Finally, once you have determined the stones characteristics, judging how they affect the value is also more complex than with diamonds. Additionally, there is far more publicized pricing guides for diamonds than there is for colored gemstones. A great rule of thumb that I try to instill in our customers is to do your best to ask yourself, "does this stone have magic". If the answer is yes, then it is probably a decent stone.

The gemstone grading system is based on the Four C�s just like diamond grading system. Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat Weight . In my opinion, color being the most significant.

The following is a table of faceted Type I, II and III colored gemstones most often found in the marketplace:

Type I Clarity Grades

• VVS - Very,Very Slightly Included: Characterized by MINUTE inclusions, which are difficult to see under 10x and invisible to the unaided eye. Even under 10x, a VVS stone may at first seem to have no inclusions, only blemishes (in exceptional stones this may in fact be true).
  
  Typical inclusions: pinpoints, very fine needles, tiny hairline feathers, minor color zoning, very faint clouds, and percussion marks.
  
  
• VS - Very Slightly Included: Characterized by MINOR inclusions, which are somewhat easy to see under 10x but usually invisible to the unaided eye.
  
  Typical inclusions: small included crystals, liquid inclusions, numerous fine needles, small fingerprints, and small feathers.
  
  
• SI1 -SI2 - Slightly Included: Characterized by NOTICEABLE inclusions, which are apparent under 10x. In SI1 they are usually visible, and in SI2 quite visible to the unaided eye.Inclusions normally have low relief.
  
  Typical Inclusions: included crystals, large fingerprints, chips, feathers, considerable color zoning and dense clouds.
  
  
• I1-I2-I3-Imperfect: Characterized by inclusions that have a negative effect on either appearance or durability, or both. In I1, there is a moderate effect on either factor; in I2, a severe effect on either factor; in I3, a severe effect on both factors. Inclusions are often large and prominent to the unaided eye, and there may be noticeable loss of transaparency.
  
  
• Dcl-De'classe': Characterized by inclusions so numerous the entire stone is no longer transparent but translucent at best. Dcl stones lack the beauty and\or durability of faceted gemstones.

Type II Clarity Grades

• VVS - Very,Very Slightly Included: Characterized by MINOR inclusions, which are somewhat easy to see under 10x but usually invisible to the unaided eye.
  
  Typical inclusions: small included crystals, liquid inclusions, fine needles, fingerprints, tiny feathers and minor color zoning.
  
  
• VS - Very Slightly Included: Characterized by NOTICEABLE inclusions of moderate size, which are easy to see under 10x and sometimes visible to the unaided eye. Thery are still non-damaging.
  
  Typical inclusions: liquid inclusions, fingerprints, small chips, small feathers, moderate color zoning and clouds.
  
  
• SI1 -SI2 - Slightly Included: Characterized by OBVIOUS inclusions, which are large and/ or numerous under 10x. In SI1 they are apparent, and in SI2 very apparent to the unaided eye.
  
  Typical Inclusions:large included crystals, moderate feathers, large chips, considerable color zoning and dense clouds.
  
  
• I1-I2-I3-Imperfect: Characterized by inclusions that may have a negative effect on either appearance or durability or both. In I1 there is moderate effect on either factor; In I2 a severe effect on either factor; In I3 a severe effect on both factors. Inclusions are often large and prominent to the unaided eye and there may be noticeable loss of transparency.
  
  
• Dcl-De'classe': Characterized by inclusions so numerous the entire stone is no longer transparent but translucent at best. Dcl stones lack the beauty and\or durability of faceted gemstones.

Type III Clarity Grades

• VVS - Very,Very Slightly Included: Characterized by NOTICEABLE inclusions, which are easy to see under 10x but usually invisible to the unaided eye.
  
  Typical inclusions: small included crystals, liquid inclusions, fine needles and tiny feathers.
  
  
• VS - Very Slightly Included: Characterized by OBVIOUS inclusions which are very easy to see under 10x and are often visible to the unaided eye.
  
  Typical inclusions: liquid inclusions, fingerprints, chips and small feathers.
  
  
• SI1 -SI2 - Slightly Included: Characterized by PROMINENT inclusions, which are large and numerous under 10x. In SI1 they are prominent and in SI2 very prominent to the unaided eye.
  
  Typical Inclusions:easily visible but not extensive feathers and dense clouds.
  
  
• I1-I2-I3-Imperfect: Characterized by inclusions that have a negative effect on appearance or durability, or both. In I1 there is a moderate effect on either factor; in I2 a severe effect on either factor; in I3 a severe effect on both factors. Inclusions are often large and prominent to the unaided eye and there may be noticeable loss of transparency.
  
  
• Dcl-De'classe': Characterized by inclusions so numerous the entire stone is no longer transparent but translucent at best. Dcl stones lack the beauty and\or durability of faceted gemstones.

As you can see colored gemstone grading is slightly more difficult than Diamond grading.

Just try to avoid colored (or uncolored for that matter) gemstones with large black inclusions that detract from the stones beauty. For the most part, use your common sense. You know in your heart when you are looking at a nicely colored gemstone. If you have to ask yourself, then you probably are not! How to Determine the Quality of a Colored GemstoneIn , American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) became the first laboratory in the world to quantify colored stones in a linear, comparative manner. The organization and its President, C. R. Beesley, are internationally recognized for their expertise in colored stone research and analysis. They have enjoyed a position of leadership in gemstone documentation and have extensive experience in consumer protection programs.The grading system which they devised is comprehensive and requires some study to realize a workable understanding of the process. However, once you grasp the basic principles, you will wonder how anyone could buy a gemstone without using this kind of vocabulary. The following "walk through" of a 3.11 Burma sapphire grading report will help you understand the various components of an AGL laboratory report.Document NumberThe lab assigns individual, consecutive numbers for each grading report issued.ImageA color digital image of the stone is an important part of the grading report. This image assists in verifying the gemstone matches the grading report. Please note the image is for representational purposes and is not necessarily the actual size or color. IdentificationIn this sample, the AGL has determined the stone is a natural sapphire.Shape and CutThe stone is an oval cut in this sample.Carat WeightColored stones are weighed with an extremely accurate scale. In the sample, the sapphire weighs 3.119 carats.MeasurementsThe measurement of the gemstone in millimeters.Color Grade
Color Rating Scale (AGL) 1....2 3....4 5....6 7....8 9....10 Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Since there are so many optical/physical principles involved in the reflection and re-reflection of light through a gemstone, any particular gem can exhibit a wide range of colors. The color grade is based upon the purity of primary color. For example, the greener the emerald, the redder the ruby, or the bluer the sapphire, the lower the numerical grade on an AGL scale. The reason the 3.11 sapphire is a 3.5 in this sample is the fact the stone has 70% blue as its primary color. It is that simple. The less primary color, the higher the numerical color grade. For example, a 65% primary color would probably be graded a 4.5 color.In establishing a base for international quality reference standards, AGL had to be sure that all stones from the best to the worst could be accommodated by the system. Therefore, the top of the line has become almost a theoretical standard of excellence. Please do not ask for 1.00 to 2.00 color grades. Because of the AGL's stringent grading practices, a 3.5 color is usually the best color grade any gem will receive. A 3.5 colored stone on an AGL Grading Report is nearly synonymous with a D-color diamond on a GIA Diamond Grading Report. On occasion, because of our international contacts, we may find exceptional examples that will receive even better color grades.Tone
Tone Scale (AGL) 0..5..15..20 25..30..35 40..45..50 55..60..65 70..75..80..85 90..95..100 Very Light Light Light-Medium Medium Medium-Dark Dark-Very Dark In the sample above the sapphire's tone is 75. Basically, tone describes the lightness or darkness of a gemstone. Color considered alone without taking into account the tone will lead to errors in interpretation. If a stone is too light in tone, the color will not be rich enough. Conversely, if a stone is too dark, it will sacrifice transparency and brilliancy.Clarity
Clarity Scale (AGL) FI LI1...LI2 MI1...MI2 HI1...HI2 E1...E2...E3 Free of Inclusions Lightly Included Moderately Included Heavily Included Excessively Included Clarity is defined as the degree to which the stone is free of inclusions. In the sample the clarity is MI1. Here is a good rule of thumb to remember: You will probably not see inclusions in a Lightly Included (LI) gem, you may see some inclusions in a Moderately Included (MI) gem, and you will probably see inclusions in a Heavily Included (HI) gem. Excessively Included (E) gems have durability problems and should be avoided.DepthThe depth of the gemstone.Cutting/Finish
Cutting/Finish Scale (AGL) 1 2...3 4...5...6 7...8 9...10 Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor The cutting of a gemstone numerically describes the overall appearance of a gem. The finish grade refers to the polish of a gem. In the sample the cutting and finish are both 3 (Very Good). These are very difficult numbers to obtain for a colored gemstone. Unlike diamonds which are cut according to strict mathematical parameters, most colored gemstones are cut for weight retention.Average BrilliancyBrilliancy is the amount of flash the gem returns to your eyes. Most diamonds are 100% brilliant. Brilliancy in the sample is 80%. An average brilliancy of 50% means half of the stone returns flash.CommentsThe comment section is critical because it generally designates the country of origin of the gemstone as well as specifying what, if any, treatment(s) the gem has been subjected to. In the sample, the 3.11 is classified as Burma without heat enhancement.Some gems may receive an Estimated Commercial Acceptability (ECA) comment. (Not shown in sample.) This is usually used as a split grade. For example, a gemstone with a 4 color and an ECA of 3.5 is priced as a 3.75 color grade.Total Quality Integration RatingThis comment integrates the total visual impact of the gem into a verbal description and may or may not have an effect on the price of the gem. In the sample it is Excellent. Look at the Color Rating (AGL). Excellent translates into 1.5. The TQIR can increase or decrease the

GIA - Gemological Institute of America - The GIA was established in and has it headquarters in New York. It is a non-profit Diamond and Gemstone educational storehouse for the gem and jewellery industry. The Institute’s mission is to provide the diamond, gemstone, precious metals and jewelry industry and the general public with an opinion regarding the quality of a diamond. It acts as an unbiased arbitrator of standards in diamond grading . Every stone submitted for certification is very meticulously studied by certified gemologists to ensure maximum accuracy and grading consistency for consumer rights protection. GIA developed the first internationally accepted Diamond Grading System. It was also the first to develop a diamond report for diamond quality documentation around the world.Click here to know more and view a sample GIACertificate

AGS - American Gem Society - The AGS was founded by GIA founder Robert M. Shipley in . It is a is a trade association of retail jewelers, independent appraisers, suppliers, and selective industry members. Members are held to a high code of ethics with emphasis on consumer protection and education. The Society is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with the affiliated American Gem Society Laboratories and the American Gem Society Advanced Instruments Division. The Society trains and certifies jewelers, gemmologists, and jewelery appraisers. Diamond grading is the specialty of the American Gem Society Laboratories and the Society has developed its own cut, colour, and clarity standards. Click here to know more and view a sample AGS Certificate.

IGI - International Gemological Institute - The IGI is one of the leading gemological institutions in the world .It was established in in Antwerp, with a sister laboratory in New York. It is one of the largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute renowned for its quality services. The IGI issues more than 400,000 reports per year. Thousands of jewellers, retail stores, insurance companies, internet sales organisations, catalogue companies, accounting and securities firms and consumers rely on the IGI reports. International Gemological Information, a division of IGI, was established in New York in as a source for unbiased appraisals of gems and jewellery. Like its parent company, IGI Information is totally independent body for providing information. Click here to know more and view a sample IGICertificate.

EGL- European Gemological Laboratory - The EGL is another renowned certifying organization with its headquartes in Belgium. It is committed to protecting the integrity of the jewellery trade and protecting public interest through applied science, education, innovation, and exceptional services. The EGL has an international presence with laboratories based in Antwerp, Johannesburg, London , Paris, Aviv , Istanbul , Seoul , Mumbai  and Cape TownThe organisation is also recognised for conducting advanced research with renowned physicists, geologists, and mineralogists. Click here to know more and view a sample EGLCertificate

The above mentioned gemological laboratories provide diamond certifications to the diamond and jewelry industry. Their reports generally cover the following parameters while reporting and grading the quality of a diamond.

The GIA is widely regarded as the most reputable and recognized grading laboratory in the world, with the highest and strictest standards. Even though these are the 4 leading international diamond certification organisations their grading criteria  varies as their strictness on grading varies. The GIA certificate has microprint lines, holograms, and security screens to make counterfeits more readily identified. The certification after GIA to hold depth is the American Gem Society Laboratories.LMHC Colored Gem Testing Laboratories

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Armada Drive
Carlsbad, California
: (800) 421
www.gia.edu

American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)
18 East 48th Street, Suite 502
New York, New York USA
: (212) 752
www.agta.org

Centro Informazione e Servizi Gemmologici SpA (CISGEM)
via delle Orsole, 4
Milano, Italy
: (2)
www.cisgem.it

Gemmological Association of All Japan Co., Ltd. (GAAJ)
Daiwa-Ueno Bldg. 7F, 5-25-11
Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-, Japan
: 81-3--
www.gaaj-zenhokyo.co.jp

Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT)
140, 140/1-3, 140/5 ITF - Tower Building. 1st - 4th and 6th Floor,
Silom Road, Suriyawong, Bangrak,
Bangkok ,Thailand
: (662) 634 , Fax: (662) 634
www.git.or.th

Gübelin Gem Laboratory Ltd. (GGL)
Maihofstrasse 102
Lucerne Switzerland
: (+ 41) 41 / 429 17 17
www.gubelinlab.com

Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF)
Falknerstrasse 9
CH- Basel, Switzerland
: (+ 41) 61 262 06 40
www.ssef.chNote: The seven labs above are LMHC (Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee) membersOther Gemological Testing Laboratories

American Gemological Laboratories (AGL)
580 Fifth Avenue
Suite 706
New York, New York
: (212) 704

American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL)
West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada
: (702) 233
www.agslab.com

European Gemological Laboratory USA (EGL)
6 West 48th Street
New York, New York
: (212) 730
www.eglusa.com

International Gemological Institute (IGI)
589 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY USA (offices worldwide)
: (212) 753
www.igiworldwide.com

Österreichische Gemmologische Gesellschaft (SSEF)
Goldschlagstrasse 10
Wien (Vienna), Austria
: (+ 43) 01 231 22 38 od. /310 40 66
www.oegemg.at

Laboratoire Français de Gemmologie (LFG)
2, place de la Bourse
Paris, France
: (+ 33) 1 40 26 25 45
www.diamants.ccip.fr

Gemmological Institute of India (GII)
29 Gurukul Chambers
187-189 Mumbadevi Road
Bombay 400 002, India
: (+ 91) 22 00 39
www.giionline.comGem Testing, Standards, & Trade Organizations

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO)
(Confédération Internationale de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie et Orfèvrerie)
Piazzale Carlo Magno, 1
Milano, Italy
: (+ 39) 02
www.cibjo.orgGraduate Gemologist

Gemological Institute of AmericaEstablished in , the Gemological Institute of America is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. GIA exists to protect all purchasers of gemstones, by providing the education, laboratory services, research, and instruments needed to accurately and objectively determine gemstone quality.GIA is where students from all over the world build successful careers in the gem and jewelry field. The Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma, which focuses on gem grading and identification, is the industry’s highest professional credential.For those interested in gemology, brief descriptions of the diploma programs are included below. Graduate Gemologist (G.G)Graduate Gemologists are able to identify hundreds of common and unusual gemstones and detect the latest treatments and synthetics.They use time-honored identifying and grading techniques using a microscope, polariscope, spectroscope, and other professional gemological equipment. Graduate DiamondsThe GIA Graduate Diamonds diploma program teaches to use the GIA International Diamond Grading System™ and the 4Cs directly from their creators.

• Understand the 4Cs effect on diamond value
• Grade diamonds in the D-Z color range
• Detect synthetics, treatments, simulants and fracture-filled diamonds

Graduate Colored StonesThe GIA Graduate Colored Stones diploma program covers the origins of colored stones, how to identify them, and how to distinguish a synthetic stone from a natural. It also teaches how to detect treatments and apply GIA’s Colored Stone Grading System.

• Relate quality, rarity, and color to value
• Identify common and unusual gemstones
• Determine external market factors’ effect on gem value

Understanding GIA’s Colored Stone Grading System
The following are the steps taken by trained gemologists to evaluate the tone, hue and saturation of gemstones.

• The stone is then thoroughly cleaned in order to remove any dirt, dust and grime.
• While holding the stone by its girdle against a neutrally colored background, the gemologist inspects the stone from a comfortable distance by looking at it face-up. The distance is usually about 18 inches.
• A diffused and aylight-equivalent light source is required, which is usually place about 10 inches above the stone.
• Then the gemologist rocks the gemstone back and forth (to an angle of about 30 degrees) while he makes the necessary judgments.

Get to Know About Gemstone Diamond Appraisal

Difference between Appraisals and Jewelry Lab Certificates

Jewelry lab certificates and appraisals for valuable jewelry are two documents and they are not one and the same, they serve different purposes and contain different sets of information that is helpful to customers and jewelry owners.

Appraisals and Jewelry lab certificates go hand in hand in the sense, a Jewelry lab certificate is a document that describes information about a diamond that has not been part of any jewelry and the appraisal provides information on the market value of a piece of jewelry, based on international trends and prices and whether it is already set in a ring, earrings, or necklace. Once a stone is mounted on jewelry it has a different value when compared to its loose form.

Choosing Labs and Appraisals: We recommend that you while selecting appraisers and jewelry lab certificates on jewelry that you are considering to buy select an independent company that provides these services rather than relying on the documents created by the jeweler that you are planning to buy your jewelry from. In this case the potential for the lab or appraiser to be biased is more, since they indirectly benefit from the sale.

In cases where you already have appraisals and certificates on your existing jewelry but is unsure of their accuracy, it is worthwhile to have your jewelry appraised to find their current market value is.

Appraisals: Most people consider investing in precious jewelry as a safe investment of their savings and this is the main reason why people should obtain jewelry lab certificates and appraisals to document the market value of the diamond, whether it is for insurance purposes or personal investment purposes. This documentation will help you, if you ever decide to sell your jewelry at a future date, to show the actual worth and value of the stones and the jewelry. An appraisal report will help you tell the difference between real and fake jewelry, and the difference between synthetic jewelry and cultured or created stones and natural stones. An appraisal should give the exact details of anything that has been done to the stone and indicate if it is genuine, synthetic, or treated.

Jewelry Lab Certificates: Certificates are only issued for loose stones and not for the entire ring. Certificates sometimes referred to as "grading reports" since they give a grade to the stone based on its specific properties. Jewelry Lab Certificates include information on the diamond (or other gemstone), its cut and shape, stone's color and clarity grades based on the grading scale of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).This certificates also contain specifics on the carat weight as well as the dimensions of the diamond, the stone's angles.

Once you have the certificates and Appraisal report, it will not change unless the stone is physically altered or it is found at a later date that the stone was evaluated incorrectly. While jewelry lab certificates and appraisals are different things they can both give you valuable information about the quality and value of your gemstone and is a timeless testament to the gemstone as long as it retains its originality.

A certification is a diamond industry term for a diamond grading report, which documents the diamond’s credentials. The certification describes the physical characteristics of a diamond and is usually prepared by an independent grading laboratory. It is a valuable tool for wholesalers, retailers and consumers because it states the diamond’s shape, exact measurements and weight, cut parameters, color grade, clarity grade, level of fluorescence, and finish grades.

A diamond certification is only useful if it is reliable and accurate so needs to be issued by a reputable and independent grading laboratory. Not all grading laboratories are created equal so do not expect the grading reports from different laboratories to agree. Some grading laboratories are notorious for being generous in their grading so are very popular with jewelry stores because the reported quality of the diamonds is inflated.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are recognized in the diamond industry as the most accurate and consistent of the grading laboratories.

A diamond grading report (certification) is very different from an appraisal or other document prepared by someone other than a reputable, independent grading laboratory. For example, there is a big difference between a Diamond Grading Report issued by the GIA and an appraisal or some other documentation signed by a GIA Graduate Gemologist. A GIA Graduate Gemologist is simply someone who has passed a series of diamond and colored gemstone grading courses prepared by the GIA. A GIA Diamond Grading Report is prepared in an unbiased environment, with highly trained GIA Laboratory graders following exacting procedures and using state of the art equipment.

Some unscrupulous jewelers print their own documentation and use names and formats that make them appear similar to GIA documents. These documents can be exaggerated by as much as three color or clarity grades and you can be sure they are off in favor of the jeweler, not the consumer. There is only one reason why a jeweler would use one of these “copy cat” documents and that is make undeserved profits at the consumer’s expense. Inaccurate documentation could affect the value of the diamond by hundreds, thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars so it is important to have a diamond grading report from one of the top grading laboratories when making a diamond purchase decision.

Authentic diamond grading reports never have a value stated. If the document has a dollar value or a range of color or clarity grades (i.e. G-H color, or VS1-VS2 clarity), it is an appraisal not a diamond grading report. It is simply the opinion of the person preparing the document.

Diamond shoppers seeking to purchase a significant diamond, should be sure they have a diamond grading report from one of the major grading laboratories. That is the only way they can be sure of the characteristics of the diamond they are purchasing. It also becomes a valuable document if they ever have to file an insurance claim or sell the diamond in the future. The certification documents the quality of their diamond and provides a way to identify their diamond.

Sapphire in Jewelry

The Edwardian Jewelry Era ( – )
The Edwardian Period lasted from to . King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria, led the English society to a new level of sophistication and style in fashions and jewelry which is till today highly in demand. Jewelers used platinum and diamonds to create intricate and delicate filigree patterns that resembled lace and the houses of Cartier and Tiffany dominated jewelry design. Light and airy designs became hallmarks of Edwardian jewelry. Edwardian lady wore lots of open, lacy jewelry imitating the Indian Maharajahs whose jewelry designs the queen loved. Pearls were quite fashionable, along with jewels for the hair, or "tiaras" combined with beautiful dangling earrings. King Edward enjoyed sports and encouraged the use of sporting motifs. He also helped make his good luck stone, the peridot, very popular. The elegance, beauty and superb craftsmanship of Edwardian jewelry has remained unparalleled through the ages. Motifs for Edwardian Jewelryincluded Stars, ribbons and bows.Colored gems like demantoid garnets from the Urals, pale blue sapphires from Montana, Black Opals from Australia, amethysts, peridots, unheated acquamarines etc were frequently combined with tiny pearls or diamonds. Setting baguette cut diamonds, marquise cut diamonds, trapeze cut diamonds and triangular cut diamonds with calibre-cut rubies, emeralds and sapphires is a signature edwardian style jewelry. With the advent of the first world war the luxurious edwardian style dissapeared.

The Art Deco Jewelry Era ( – )

This decorative style originated between and in Paris, France after L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes of . This was the era of Jazz and flappers.The Art Deco style emphasized African, Egyptian, Indian and Japanese themes, geometric design, abstract pattern, exotic motifs, well defined lines and bold colors, extensive use of bakelite, celluloid, and enamels. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires were the gems of choice, embellishing the long necklaces and dripping earrings of the time. Women wore long gold necklaces and multiple stands of pearls, bracelets were worn in duplicates, watches and cocktail rings too were very popular. Men's jewelry also came into vogue as men became more comfortable wearing jewelry . Beads were incorporated into chokers, while metals were polished and used to accessorize. Platinum and white gold was used extensively in fine jewelry. In costume jewelry, Rhodium plating was used instead of these expensive metals. The Invisible setting was developed by Van Cleef & Arpels which allowed gems to be mounted, through a system of grooves and rails, in such a way that no metal was visible. Gérard Sandoz, Paul Poiret, René Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Jean Després were some of the famous designers of the art deco period.The Art deco bracelets became very popular and were called the plaque, flexible link, box, strap, band or straight-line The straight-line bracelet often featured the new square cut diamonds developed in Paris, aptly termed "French-cut" diamonds. Art Deco bracelets were frequently accented with natural and synthetic rubies and sapphires.Modern streamlined designs, with geometric gemstone cuts and bold color combinations were the signature style of the art deco jewelry. Another style typical of the Art Deco era is jewelry with Pave set . stones
The Retro Jewelry Era or the Estate Jewelry Era ( – )
Retro is a term used for jewelry from the s through early 50s that are characterized by large, glamorous designs in yellow and rose gold. Synthetic and semi-precious stones were popular as precious stones were scarce. During the depression, World War II and the post-war years, metals and stones were harder to come by so jewelers creatively used small amounts of material to create chunky, machine-inspired pieces. Retro jewelry is still wearable and en vogue today.
Jewelry from the s and later is referred to as estate. While not old enough to be true antiques, these pieces have unique style and flair. Like retro jewelry, these pieces are bold but tend to be more chunky and abstract than their predecessors. Free-form linear and floral designs full of flash and diamonds make these pieces distinctive.        

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Learn More at Natural Pearl Information Center

Pearl Learning Center: Pearls have been a source of fascination for centuries. They have been considered the most magical and feminine of all gems and are the only one created by a living organism. Pearls emanate a certain warmth and glow not found in other gems, due to their unique beginnings. Pearls are found in pearl oysters. However, the origin of the pearl mystified humans for centuries. Many theories were put forward regarding the origin of pearls however, it wasn't until the turn of the twentieth century that the relationship between pearl oysters and parasites was discovered.

Due to the rarity and high price of natural pearls, cultured pearls feature predominantly in jewellery stores. Side by side, it is very difficult to tell the difference between a natural pearl and a high quality cultured pearl with the naked eye. Pearls are composed of between 82-86% mineral (calcium carbonate), 10-14% organic binder and 2-4% water. They are very soft and can be chipped quite easily.

The name 'pearl' has various origins. The Teutonic derivation comes from the noun beere, meaning berry. Latin derivations are pirium, a sphere, and pirula, a pear. The Romans used the Greek word margarita, describing something of unique value, a cherished possession or a favourite child. The pearl is the birthstone for June, and also the anniversary gem for the Third and Thirtieth Wedding Anniversaries. Recognised as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, pearls have also come to symbolise a happy marriage.

Anyone buying pearls should take time to learn to evaluate luster and, in particular, to recognize what is acceptable and what is not acceptable; in particular, when luster is too low. Luster is produced when rays of light are absorbed into and reflected back out through the nacre - the layers of calcium carbonate that make up the pearl. Luster is rated from very high to very low. In general, the thicker the nacre, the deeper the luster. Japanese pearls, in general, exhibit a higher luster than South Sea varieties that show a softer, more velvety appearance.

Know Everything Abour Rare Famous Colored Diamonds

Colored diamonds allows you to have a beautiful diamond engagement ring without sacrificing color. There are many gorgeous, colored diamonds to choose from, and if you do choose a colored stone, you don't have to give up quality and elegance to do so.

Diamonds are found in their natural colors when they are mined, others become colored by gemologists and jewelers. Companies have begun color-treating diamonds of lower grades like a less desirable yellow or brownish tinted diamond into a beautiful, brightly colored diamond and well affordable to the average consumer.

Irradiation process is a popular treatment process for colored diamonds, which uses a high heat system to alter the color of the diamond. Sometimes diamonds are treated by painting.

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Fancy Colored Diamonds

Diamonds are valued around the world based on their clear colorless qualities, but there are people who prefer the fancy colored diamonds that come in vivid hues of yellows, browns, greens, reds, pinks.

Colored diamonds exists naturally as well like if a diamond has nitrogen in it, it often has a yellow tint to the stone. If the gemstone has been exposed to minor radiation, the gem may turn green.

Colored diamonds have been treated to obtain their colors artificially for people with lower budgets to buy the fancy colored diamonds. Jewelry Manufacturers and gemologists have found ways to alter the colors of diamonds to get any shade or hue desired.

The process of grading colored diamonds is different than that of the transparent diamond. A colored diamond is graded based on the primary hue that makes up the majority of the diamond's color like whether it's the blue or pink or red color. Second, grading based on the intensity of that color. More expensive diamonds have a very intense, naturally coloration and is more rare. Treated diamonds will cost less than a naturally colored diamond. still a "real diamond", they are created within a laboratory instead of by natural phenomenon.

Names of Colored Diamond

Fancy colored diamonds comes in so many different shades; it is often difficult to interpret the name of the diamonds color. Most commonly you'll find two colors labeling the shade of a diamond, like greenish blue. Each name for a colored diamond has a primary color description, and some have a secondary color description. If a diamond is called "blue diamond," it will be a blue shaded diamond.

If the diamond is called "greenish blue," Is the diamond blue, or is it green? The color that is described with the "ish" at the end is considered the secondary color and the other color is the primary color, in this case blue. A greenish blue diamond is mostly blue, with green shades seen throughout the stone. A diamond labeled "brown red" will have equal amounts of both colors seen through the stone

Get to Know About Read Gold

Gold was first discovered as shining, yellow nuggets. "Gold is where you find it," so the saying goes, and gold was first discovered in its natural state, in streams all over the world. No doubt it was the first metal known to early hominids.

Gold became a part of every human culture. Its brilliance, natural beauty, and luster, and its great malleability and resistance to tarnish made it enjoyable to work and play with.

Because gold is dispersed widely throughout the geologic world, its discovery occurred to many different groups in many different locales. And nearly everyone who found it was impressed with it, and so was the developing culture in which they lived.

Gold was the first metal widely known to our species. When thinking about the historical progress of technology, we consider the development of iron and copper-working as the greatest contributions to our species' economic and cultural progress - but gold came first.

Gold is the easiest of the metals to work. It occurs in a virtually pure and workable state, whereas most other metals tend to be found in ore-bodies that pose some difficulty in smelting. Gold's early uses were no doubt ornamental, and its brilliance and permanence (it neither corrodes nor tarnishes) linked it to deities and royalty in early civilizations .

Gold has always been powerful stuff. The earliest history of human interaction with gold is long lost to us, but its association with the gods, with immortality, and with wealth itself are common to many cultures throughout the world.

Early civilizations equated gold with gods and rulers, and gold was sought in their name and dedicated to their glorification. Humans almost intuitively place a high value on gold, equating it with power, beauty, and the cultural elite. And since gold is widely distributed all over the globe, we find this same thinking about gold throughout ancient and modern civilizations everywhere.

Gold, beauty, and power have always gone together. Gold in ancient times was made into shrines and idols ("the Golden Calf"), plates, cups, vases and vessels of all kinds, and of course, jewelry for personal adornment.

Gold's natural color is further enhanced by alloying it with small amounts of other metals. Jewelers create yellow, rose, green and white golds by using different alloys. More copper results in a soft rose color; additional silver creates green gold; and palladium produces white.

Properties: Gold is very durable and look no further than the nearest museum where gold jewelry, coins and artifacts from ancient civilizations attest to the metal's enduring beauty and permanence. Jewelers throughout the ages have preferred gold to all other metals for its beauty and ease of workmanship. Gold can be melted, or shaped, to create any design. It can be alloyed with a number of other metals to increase its strength and produce a variety of colors.

Colors of Gold: Gold comes in a variety of colors. Because gold is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength, it can also be made in a variety of colors. For example, yellow gold is created by alloying the metal with copper and silver; using copper only creates pink gold; white gold contains platinum or palladium, zinc and copper; green gold contains silver, copper and zinc.

24K Gold: Pure gold, or 24-karat, is generally considered too soft for use in jewelry, so it is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength.

18K Gold: 18K Gold is 18/24ths, or three-quarters pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked "18k" or "750," meaning 75 percent gold.

14K Gold: In the United States, 14-karat gold is used most commonly for jewelry. Fourteen-karat gold is 14/24ths, or slightly more than one-half pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked "14k" or "585," the European designation meaning 58.5 percent gold.

10K Gold: Nothing less than 10-karat gold can be legally marked or sold as gold jewelry in the United States. These pieces are marked "10k" or "417," the European designation meaning 41.7 percent gold.

Stamping: Look for trademarks accompanying the quality mark. When a piece of jewelry is stamped with a quality mark, law requires that it be stamped with a hallmark or trademark as well. Sometimes the jewelry is also marked with its country of origin. These designations are designed to assure you that you are buying genuine gold jewelry of the karatage marked.

Gold Pricing:Gold Pricing is based on four factors: karatage, gram weight, design and craftsmanship. The karatage and gram weight tell you how much gold is in a piece, but other crucial factors determining price are the piece's construction and design. A price based solely on gram weight does not reflect the work that has gone into the piece. It's important to remember that each piece of gold jewelry is unique and, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.

White Gold: White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium. White gold can be 18k, 14k, 9k or any karat. For example, 18k yellow gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as copper and zinc. 18k white gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as nickel, silver and palladium. So the amount of gold is the same but the alloy is different.

While pure gold is yellow in color, colored gold can be developed into various colors.

Rose gold is a gold and copper alloy widely used for specialized jewelry. It is also known as pink gold and red gold. As it was popular in Russia at the beginning of the nineteenth century, it is also known as Russian gold, however, this term is now obsolete.

Although the names are often used interchangeably, the difference between red, rose, and pink gold is the copper content – the higher the copper content, the stronger the red coloration. A common alloy for rose gold is 75% gold and 25% copper by mass (18 karat). Since rose gold is an alloy, there is no such thing as "pure rose gold".

A common formulation for red gold is 50% gold and 50% copper.

Up to 15% zinc can be added to copper-rich alloys to change their color to reddish yellow or dark yellow.

During ancient times, due to impurities in the smelting process, gold frequently turned a reddish color. This is why many Greco-Roman texts, and even many texts from the Middle Ages, describe gold as "red".

Green gold alloys are made by leaving the copper out of the alloy mixture and just using gold and silver. It actually appears as a greenish yellow rather than green. Eighteen karat green gold would therefore contain a mix of gold 75% and silver 25% (or 73% gold and 27% silver). Fired enamels adhere better to these alloys.

Green gold was known to Lydians as long ago as 860 BC under the name electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of silver and gold.

Cadmium can be added to gold alloys in amount of up to 4% to achieve green color. The alloy of 75% gold, 23% copper, and 2% cadmium yields light green 18ct gold. The alloy of 75% gold, 15% silver, 6% copper, and 4% cadmium yields a dark green alloy. Cadmium is, however, toxic.

Grey gold alloys are made by adding silver, manganese and copper in specific ratios to the gold.

Black gold is a type of gold used in jewelry. Black colored gold can be produced by various methods:

• Electroplating, using black rhodium or ruthenium. Solutions that contain ruthenium give a slightly harder black coating than those that contain rhodium.
• Patinationby applying sulfur and oxygen containing compounds.
• Plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition process involving amorphous carbon
• Controlled oxidation of gold containing chromium or cobalt (e.g. 75% gold, 25% cobalt).

A range of colors from brown to black can be achieved on copper-rich alloys by treatment with potassium sulfide.

Purple gold (also called amethyst gold and violet gold) is an alloy of gold and aluminum rich in gold-aluminium intermetallic (AuAl2). Gold content in AuAl2 is around 79% and can therefore be referred to as 18 karat gold. Purple gold is more brittle than other gold alloys, as it is an intermetallic compound instead of a malleable alloy, and a sharp blow may cause it to shatter.  It is therefore usually machined and faceted to be used as a "gem" in conventional jewelry rather than by itself. At lower content of gold, the material is composed of the intermetallic and an aluminium-rich solid solution phase. At higher content of gold, the gold-richer intermetallic AuAl forms; the purple color is preserved to about 15% of aluminium. At 88% of gold the material is composed of AuAl and changes color. (The actual composition of AuAl2 is closer to Al11Au6 as the sublattice is incompletely occupied.)

Blue gold is an alloy of gold and indium. It contains 46% gold (about 12 ct) and 54% indium, forming an intermetallic compound AuIn2. While several sources remark this intermetallic to have "a clear blue color," in fact the effect is slight: AuIn2 has CIE LAB color coordinates of 79, -3.7, -4.2[9] which appears roughly as a greyish color. With gallium, gold forms an intermetallic AuGa2 (58.5% Au, 14ct) which has slighter bluish hue. The melting point of AuIn2 is 541 °C, for AuGa2 it is 492 °C. AuIn2 is less brittle than AuGa2, which itself is less brittle than AuAl2.

All the AuX2 intermetallics have crystal structure of CaF2 and therefore are brittle. Deviation from the stoichiometry results in loss of color. Slightly nonstoichiometric compositions are however used, to achieve a fine-grained two- or three-phase microstructure with reduced brittleness. A small amount of palladium, copper or silver can be added to achieve a less brittle microstructure.

The intermetallic compounds tend to have poor corrosion resistance. The less noble elements are leached to the environment, and a gold-rich surface layer is formed. Direct contact of blue and purple gold elements with skin should be avoided as exposition to sweat may result in metal leaching and discoloration of the metal surface.

A surface plating of blue gold on karat gold or sterling silver can be achieved by a gold plating of the surface, followed by indium plating, with layer thickness matching the 1:2 atomic ratio. A heat treatment then causes interdiffusion of the metals and formation of the required intermetallic compound.

Many online searchers are scared about buying jewelry online for reasons like diamond quality, gemstone is genuine or not or incorrect ring size. Buying Jewelry Online has grown dramaitically in last several years because of high consumer confidence as consumers are able get very good deals and buys online with a large selection of fine designer jewelry with a varity of styles and designs.

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Platinum

Platinum Historical Use: Platinum was used by the South American Indians before the fifteenth century. They could not melt it, but developed a technique for sintering it with gold on charcoal, to produce artefacts. A pre-Columbian platinum ingot was found which contained 85% pure platinum. When the Spanish conquered South America, they discovered the Indians use of platinum, and called it "platina", a diminutive which means "little silver", a somewhat derogatory term. It was considered by the Spanish as a worthless nuisance and impurity.

Platinum Group Metals: Platinum is closely related to five other metals, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, and iridium. Together these six are known as the platinum group metals, often referred to as PGMs. They all have somewhat similar atomic structures, leading to some similarity in chemical and mechanical properties, although there are, of course, many important differences. Platinum Facts: Atomic Number: 78; Atomic Weight: 195.08; Density or Specific Gravity: 21.45; Melting Point: .90 Celsius and Hardness (Moh) 4.3.

Platinum Processing:In about , Janety was able to refine it using aqua regia, Smith & Tennant developed an arsenic refining method after , the arsenic was used to aid in the melting. This was highly toxic and dangerous, and it is not used nowadays. Until about , it was not realized that there were in fact six different metals. Palladium was not separated and identified until . Platinum's melting point is very high, and consequently it is difficult to melt. It was first melted by Lavoisier shortly after .

Platinum Stamping: What are the marks inside my platinum jewelry? You're familiar with the gold standard, where 24k = 100%. The platinum standard is based on parts per thousand, where parts = 100%. All platinum alloys are derived from this standard. The two most common platinum alloys found in the US. 95% Platinum: This alloy is 950 parts per and 50 parts other metals. Common quality marks are: Platinum, Plat, Pt, Pt950, 950Pt, 950Plat and Plat950. 90% Platinum: This alloy is 900 parts per and 100 parts other metals. Common quality marks are: 900Pt, Pt900, and 900Plat. Typically platinum is alloyed with copper, iridium, palladium, cobalt, ruthenium, tungsten, gallium or indium. It can also be alloyed with rhodium, osmium or titanium but these are rarely used.

Platinum Purity: Why is platinum's purity important to me? Two reasons. First, your skin. Platinum is hypoallergenic and resists tarnish, making it easy for sensitive people to wear. Second, platinum's purity makes it one of the strongest, most durable metals in the world. Platinum has often been described as the purest, or the most precious metal. Both these claims are slightly inaccurate. The price of pure platinum is generally higher than gold, but not always, therefore the claim that platinum is the most precious metal is also a typical marketing exaggeration, besides rhodium is frequently double the price of platinum. As noted previously, the Spanish conquerors of Latin America considered it a worthless nuisance.

Precious Platinum: Silver has its place in jewelry, particularly for larger and heavier pieces, where its low price means it can be used lavishly. Silver does tarnish very easily, and needs frequent cleaning, which is its major drawback for jewelry. Again its rapid tarnishing, means it is less than ideal; it is also quite soft, and not durable enough for diamond settings in general. Certainly now that platinum has earned its recognition as a precious metal, silver is by comparison a poor relation. For its combination of preciousness and purity, there is no doubt that platinum deserves pride of place, so when we query the claim about platinum being the purest and most precious metal, we are trying to give an accurate honest appraisal on a completely objective basis.

Platinum Deposits: Until large deposits were discovered by Merensky at Rustenberg in South Africa in , 93% of the world's supply of platinum came from the USSR. the Rustenberg deposits are considered very rich in platinum. The ratio of platinum to palladium recovered is 2.5%.

Platinum Alloys: In jewelry, like other precious metals platinum is mixed with other metals to form alloys. Before there was no requirement for platinum to be assayed and hallmarked in Britain, therefore there was no recognized standard. Because of this, most early pieces marked "plat" or platinum, may be of very variable, and quite low fineness, and most would fail modern assay standards. Typically platinum is alloyed with copper, iridium, palladium, rhodium, osmium or titanium. All our platinum products are made with .950 fine platinum. Platinum is perfect for diamond settings. We also make rings in combinations such as: Platinum with 18 karat yellow gold and platinum with 24 karat yellow gold.

Platinum in Jewelry: Platinum started to be used in jewelry in Europe about the mid nineteenth century, but it was not until the find that it started to become commonly used. It became very fashionable during the art deco movement. It possesses very good mechanical properties for jewelry, being strong, and highly durable. It is ideal for stone settings as it has a low "spring-back" rate. In jewelry, like other precious metals it is mixed with other metals to form alloys. Before there was no requirement for platinum to be assayed and hallmarked in Britain, therefore there was no recognized standard. Because of this, most early pieces marked "plat" or platinum, may be of very variable, and quite low fineness, and most would fail modern assay standards. Our Platinum Jewelry includes Platinum Chains, Platinum Bracelets, Platinum Earrings, Platinum Pendants, Platinum Rings, Platinum Wedding Rings, Platinum Diamond Rings, Platinum Anniversary Rings & Engagement Rings.

Know Everything About Sapphire Ring Settings

Guide to Choosing Your Sapphire Settings

The beauty and craftsmanship of a sapphire ring depends a lot on the sapphire type and quality of the setting. So it is very important to pay attention to the setting type that is used while designing or purchasing a sapphire ring. We need to know facts like whether the metal will hold the stone evenly with a smooth and fine finish. Will the stone be held firmly in the setting? etc An understanding of the setting types will help us know what will best suit on the ring to give it a perfect look.

There are two basic types of gemstone settings: Open Settings and Closed Settings.

Open settings are any type of setting that allows light to enter through the bottom of a faceted or transparent gemstone. For eg tension setting, prong setting, care setting, frustum settings. In a closed setting light can only enter the stone from the top. This type of setting is appropriate for opaque cabochon-cut stones and highly refractive faceted stones where light can enter through the crown and table of the stone and be reflected back to the observer from within. For example bezel setting, pave setting, channel settings.

Some of the most common sapphire setting types that you will find in a jewelry store are as under.

What platinum or 14k white or yellow gold sapphire ring setting style is best for your stone? To answer this question, you will need to know what styles there are to choose from and what advantages each has to offer. Here, the choices are as varied as ring designers. Once you recognize these differences, you'll be prepared to analyze each ring at a glance and make a choice based on those elements that best please your taste.

The Prong Setting:  This is the most common type of setting, especially for ladies' solitaire sapphire rings. Prong setting is the one most often used to hold a solitaire. Prong setting puts the emphasis on the stones and not the metal. It involves fitting the diamond in a metal head or basket and securing it with a minimum of three prongs or metal claws. The purpose of any setting is to hold the diamonds securely in the mounting and at the same time allow light to enter the sapphires for maximum brilliance. The shape of the prongs can vary. They may be rounded, elongated or pointed. There are many decorative variations of this setting style.

The more metal used to hold the sapphires, the more secure they are; the less metal used, the greater the chance for the sapphire to reflect light. For this reason, platinum is often the metal of choice for sapphire solitaires.

Because platinum is both dense and strong, very thin wires of it are sufficient to hold the sapphire securely in place. The sapphire may be raised high up above the shank to give it a larger appearance. In such a setting, the prongs are attached to the central setting of a ring, known as the head or basket. Each prong extends upward and outward from the head, arching over the sapphire to form a secure grip.

The ideal prong tapers to a rounded point. It should be smoothly finished, diminishing any chance of the prong snagging the threads of your clothes. The prongs should also be placed at the key points of the stone, typically at four corners or at four, five or six points evenly spaced around the stone, to offer security without interfering with the stone's brillianc.

Prong Settings Advantages?: It allows more of the stone to be in view than most other styles. It's quicker and, therefore, less expensive to set than most other styles. It can hold large sapphires securely. Settings with six prongs are more secure than those with four prong. This setting allows diamonds to be more easily cleaned than the other styles. It can be used to set any type of gemstone, no matter how fragile it is.

Prong Settings  Disadvantages: May not provide as smooth of a ring surface as some of the other styles. It doesnot protect sapphires as well as other styles since it leaves most of the girdle are exposed.

The Channel Setting: This style is often used for wedding bands, but it may also be used to accent center stones. The diamonds are suspended in a channel of vertical walls with nometal separating the stones.

Channel setting is also used when there is no center stone at all. The placement of baguettes around an entire band is a beautiful choice for a wedding band, one that goes well with a matching ring set with a diamond solitaire. Channel setting offers a sleek, elegant appearance, though the end result is a very different look.

Channel  Settings Advantages: Channel setting protects the girdle are of sapphires as well as provide a smooth ring surface. None of the edges are exposed, and so they are not subject to hard knocks or general wear and tear.

Channel Settings Disadvantages: Usually more time consuming and costly than prong setting, when properly done. It should not be used for fragile gems.

The Pave Setting: In this type of setting, sapphires are fit into tapered holes and set almost level with the surface of the ring. Then some of the surrounding metal is raised to form beads which hold the sapphires in place. Sometimes the metal around the bead-set stones is raised or engraved to form decorative patterns. When there are three or more rows of sapphires in this way without partitions between the stones, it is calle pave, which, in French means paved like a cobblestone road. In order to give the impression of a continous sapphire surface, it is customary to use white gold or platinum to support pave-set sapphires even if the rest of the ring is in yellow gold.

Pave Settings Advantages?: Usually protects sapphires better than a prong setting. Allows uniterrupted designs of varying width. Pave set rings appear larger eventhough the stones are smaller. Each tiny diamond, weighing just a few points, is fully cut with 58 facets. Though small in size, each stone contributes to the overall, shimmering look of the design. After it is positioned in its hole, tiny bits of metal from the surface of the shank are pushed over the edge of the sapphire, forming tiny beads to hold the stone in place.

Pave Settings Disadvantages:Is a risky setting method in terms of possible stone damage. It does not provide as smooth of ring surface as bezel, channel and flush setting.

The Bar Setting:This is a form of channel setting, except the sapphires are set in channels acress a ring, and stones on each end of the channel are exposed at the edges of the mounting instead of being secured in metal.

The Invisible Setting: Invisible-set sapphires are placed tightly next to each other with the metal of the setting concealed underneath the diamonds, allowing them to form a continous surface.

Invisible Settings Advantages: It enhances brilliance because there's no metal on top of the stone to impede the entry of light.

Channel Settings Disadvantages:If not properly set, small square stones may fall out with hard wear. It is usually more time consuming and expensive than prong and bead setting. It is risky setting method, in terms of damage to the stones, so it should not be used for fragile gems.

The Flush Setting: is a popular style for people who use their hands a lot in their professions; it offers good protection for their diamonds. Sapphires are sunk into the mounting until they are nearly level or flush with the surface. Only the table of the diamond and a bit of the upper pavilion facets show. This technique seems to go against everything we know about diamonds in relation to light, but it's become quite a popular setting. It's a very subtle look, and one that appeals to the woman who likes the idea of tiny, glittering bits of light twinkling like stars in the sky.

Flush Settings Advantages: It protects the girdle area of the sapphires. Provides a smooth, tailored look. The flush setting is also used for larger stones, offering great protection and a modern look.

Flush Settings Disadvantages: It is usually more time consuming and expensive than prong and bead setting. It is risky setting method, in terms of damage to the stones, so it should not be used for fragile gems.

The Bezel Setting: A bezel is a band of metal that surrounds the sapphire and holds it in place. They have become popular now as attractive settings for sapphires. The bezel may either fully or partially encircle the sapphire. A bezel is a collar of precious metal that wraps around the sapphire. The bezel is attached to the top of the ring and stands up above it, adding height and another dimension to the setting. Although solid bezels have a very traditional look, the bezel may be 'split' into two sections, arcing around just part of the sapphire.

Bezel Settings Advantages:It provides good protection for girdle and pavilion areas of the sapphire. It can be used to set almost all gemstones without causing damage to them. It accentuates the circumference of the stone, making it appear larger than in prong setting. It provides a smooth ring surface

Bezel Settings Disadvantages:It is usually more time consuming and expensive than prong and bead setting.

Also Get to Know Sapphire Ring Styles

Also Get to Know Sapphire Ring Designs

Also Get to Know Sapphire Ring Metals

Also Get to Know Sapphire Ring Craftsmanship

Read About Sapphire History, Sapphire Facts

About the year , having offered the gem to several sovereigns, the Regent of France was persuaded that his country should possess the most beautiful and perfect diamond known so the diamond was bought for £135,000 and from that time known as the Regent diamond. The diamond was stolen from the public treasury during the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Twelve years later it was recovered and hen set in the Imperial diadem of France.

More About Diamond Cartel

Why Buy From Sndgems.com Online Jewelry Store

1. Secured Online Store: Sndgems shopping process is fully certified by the Independent Internet Security Leader. As one of the

Internet security is a broad term that refers to the various steps individuals and companies take to protect computers or computer networks that are connected to the Internet. One of the basic truths behind Internet security is that the Internet itself is not a secure environment. The Internet was originally conceived as an open, loosely linked computer network that would facilitate the free exchange of ideas and information. Data sent over the Internet—from personal messages to online shopping orders—travel through an ever-changing series of computers and network links. As a result, unscrupulous hackers and scam artists have ample opportunities to intercept and change the information. It would be virtually impossible to secure every computer connected to the Internet around the world, so there will likely always be weak links in the chain of data exchange.

2. 100% Satisfaction Guantee

When purchasing a piece of jewelry, look carefully at the construction and quality of workmanship. The way the piece is designed, constructed and finished will have a major impact on how well the piece wears and holds up over time. We partner with jewelry manufacturers worldwide to get the finest quality jewelry at the most outstanding prices. To be certain that your jewelry has been evaluated by a trusted third party, get it appraised by a local jeweler and you'll find that our jewelry, designer clothing & designer handbags will be appraised 30 to 60% above retailers price. You can easily spot the fake handbag with the designers logo alone. Most designers usually place their product's signature on the same part of their every designer handbag so that buyers would know that it's the real handbag. All our designer clothes and designer hanbags come with original designer authenticy card and tag.

Sparkle N Dazzle guarantees that the diamond you purchased has been graded with the strictest standards using the Gemological Institute of America grading systems. The sapphires, emeralds, and rubies in the gemstone jewelry we offer will display rich blue, green, or red color. And each gemstone must be translucent — not opaque like the gemstones found in much of the gemstone jewelry available. You'll find we offer only the strongest, most durable jewelry grade platinum. Pearls in all our cultured pearl jewelry will have medium to high luster. Our designer clothes & designer handbags are 100% authentic and are at least 50% discounted. Everybody dreams of having fabulous designer handbags of the finest quality that one can only see in a celebrity's hand. However, such leather handbags are difficult to find and quite expensive.

3. Privacy Promise: Sndgems Online Jewelry Store respects your privacy and is fully committed to ensure your privacy is protected online. We want you to ensure that your privacy is protected. We want to ensure that your online shopping at Sndgems Online Jewelry Store is totally secure with respect to your personal information, your credit card information online and off-line.  Sndgems uses latest up-to-date encryption/security and technological standards to make your jewelry purchase safe. It is our privacy promise.

4.. Trusted Jewelry Industry Affiliations: Sndgems is committed to providing the highest standards of quality and services to you adhering to stringest trusted jewelry industry established. We adhere to strictest industry norms of jewelry industry's leading and most respected organizations including Jewelers of America, Jewelers Board of Trade and Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers Association.

5. Jewelry Education, Expert Advice & Friendly Customer Service: Sndgems is committed to providing its customers complete, precise and easy but still useful information to educate its customers in making jewelry purchae easy, enjoyable and safe at our online jewelry store. An educated and informed customer is what we thrive for. Please visit our education center to learn more or us back.

6. Customer Reviews: Sndgems online jewelry store was launched in and has about fine designer jewelry products and thousands of satisfied customers who have bought jewelry from our online jewelry store.  They have provided us valuable information in improving our online store. We've provided real customer feedback with real customers who have bought great jewelry products from us after doing reasearch using our education pages, price comparison tools and even on checking our jewelry at local jewelry stores to get reassurance.

7. Best Jewelry Site Awards/Jewelry Industry Awards/Jewelry Industry Award Winning Designs: Sndgems stands miles apart from thousands and thousands of online jewelry stores and main street/mall jewelry stores worldwide  with regards to its education center, jewelry selection, jewelry quality and overall value and customer satisfaction. Sndgems is committed to and proud of being recognized as the best online jewelry store because of great jewelry offering largest selection+finest selection+best value+best customer service+best deals+best customer service+best after sales service+best customer reviews+best online shopping experience.

8. Our Prices: Sndgems has been recognized as an online leading jewelry store offering best deals+best buys+best value+lowest prices. We offer the finest selection of at reasonable prices and that shows in our customer feedback and reviews.  We're not just the online leader but are much better alternative to mall and main street jewelry stores with inflated prices and illusionary discounts.

9. No Additional Taxes: Will you charge sales tax on my order? To be clear, the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA), which was signed into law on October 21, , does not, as some have asserted, preclude sales & use taxes on any and all commerce conducted over the Internet. State governments are allowed to impose sales and use taxes on all such electronic sales. Currently, most e-commerce companies use the same taxation rules used by mail-order companies, which are based on constitutional guidelines for interstate commerce. Generally this means that states can only require companies to collect sales tax in states where they have business operations, and as a result, a company will not collect sales tax in states where they have no business operations. We charge 5.75% sales tax for Ohio State Residents.

10.Free Insured Shipping: When awaiting the delivery of your order, remember that the first day of business is the day after your order is processed, provided that the item you order is in stock. Sndgems makes every attempt to keep items in stock. Should the item be out of stock, you will be notified by during the ordering process with the approximate delivery time noted. Many orders may be able to ship more quickly, but each piece of jewelry is created by hand to your specifications after you place your order. All orders are subject to credit and address verification. For your protection, all FedEx shipments require a customer signature upon delivery. Shipping addresses are limited to one address per order. Sndgems.com primarily uses FedEx because it is a traceable and insured method of shipment. All shipments require a number and an address specifying if it is a business or residential. All deliveries must be made to a physical address (no P.O. Boxes except APO/FPO addresses). All shipments require a signature, without a signature UPS/FedEx will not complete the delivery. Therefore, the shipping address must be one where someone will be available to sign for the package. We offer several shipping options: FedEx Ground; FedEx 2 Day (U.S. Addresses Only); FedEx Overnight (Standard Overnight Delivery); FedEx Saturday Delivery all for free now.

11. Jewelry Appraisal Certificate of Authencity, Price Verification, Genuine Gemstone Assurance, Diamond Quality: All our jewelry is authentic, natural, genuine and real. We donot sell costume jewelry or imitation jewelry. We use only genuine naural fine gemstones and diamonds.  With every purchase at our online jewelry store, you will receive a free third party jewelry appraisal from reputable appraisal company assuring you of authenticity, gemstones genuineness and price verification.

12. Gift Certificate: Sndgems at its online jewelry store offers fine jewelry gift cartificates in many denominations like $, $, $, $10,000 and $50, which can be redeemed at our online jewelry store and jewelry stores worldwide.

13. After Sales Service: Sndgems is qualified to perform virtually any jewelry revitalization you may require, and our experience in this area is considerable. We will gladly work with individuals to meet their specific needs...or with professional shops seeking reliable, high-quality repairs for their clients. You may rely upon Sndgems goldsmiths to accomplish the most delicate of restoration procedures, whether on jewelry or watches. Our reputation for expert execution is unsurpassed. We have certified gemologists and professional jewelers and it is their our duty to provide the finest workmanship around. Any precious metal jewelry can be redesigned or repaired. Everything from clock repairs to ring sizing to fine designer re-mounts. Most repair work generally requires one week and is unconditionally guaranteed. All at rock bottom prices! In addition to fine jewelry repair work... we are also qualified watch repair specialists. Check jewelry every 6 months as prongs can wear thin and let stones fall out. Chains and pearl strands weaken with wear. Ring shanks wear thin through time. Before disaster strikes, have your jewelry professionally inspected and repaired. No job is too large or too small, and estimates are provided. Active outdoors types, for example, might be better off avoiding the marquise or pears shape. The shank as well as the prongs of a ring worn daily by a very active person will show the effects of wear.

14. Jewelry Artists, Designers, Manufcturers Worldwide Showcase Your Jewelry Designs at Sndgems Online Jewelry Store: Jewelry Artists, Designers, Manufcturers Worldwide can showcase their handcrafted exclusive and beautiful jewelry designs on Sndgems Online Jewelry Store, Facebook Store Front, Sndgems New York Jewelry Store, Sndgems Japan Jewelry Store, Sndgems UK Jewelry Store, Sndgems Bangkok Jewelry Store, Sndgems Bridal Shows and more. We offer many other distribution channels like product catlogs, jewelry shows, jewelry party plans and many more channels.

Online Shopping Tips

Know the online merchant. It is always best to know the reputation of the companies you choose to do business with. If you are not familiar with the online retailer, be sure to check the Web site for contact details, including a physical address and number. Also, look to see if the site is a member of a trust mark or trust seal program. This certifies the business meets certain business standards set in place by the program.

What is Online Security? The online economy is massive, with billions of dollars changing hands every single day. Online shopping has brought consumers lower prices, incredibly diverse choice and an ease of buying that simply can't be matched in the physical world. So, online buying presents challenges to keeping your money safe, but if you're smart, they're challenges that aren't too hard to overcome.

SSL Encryption

A better way to tell if a form really is secure is by looking at the address bar in your browser (see the picture below). When you're looking at the form where you're supposed to enter your credit card number, the address should begin with "https://www.sndgems.com/", not "http://www.sndgems.com/". That little letter "s" in there means that the information that you're sending the site through the form is encrypted, which means that even if someone intercepts the information, they won't be able to do anything with it. Any questions regarding our virtual secured web server could be directed to . Usually, shopping on the Web is much safer than shopping over the , or even through the mail. There's a much smaller chance that a operator or a waiter will write down your credit card number and then sell it, or that a store will throw out a receipt and someone will dig through the store's garbage to find it. Especially if you keep the rules just mentioned in mind, you'll most likely have a very good experience shopping over the Internet.

Shop Only at Secure Websites

Ensure you are shopping at a secure Web site. A secure Web site uses encryption technology to scramble the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent identity thieves from gaining access to it as it travels through the Internet. Secure Web site addresses also include "https://" at the beginning of the address -- the "s" indicates the Web site is secure. Also, look for a closed padlock displayed in your browser's toolbar or on at the bottom of your screen. If the lock is open or not present, this may be a sign that the site is not secure. Even on a secure site, do not send any more financial information than is necessary to complete the transaction. Always keep a paper copy of the transaction for your records.

Beware of Phishing E-mails

Beware of "phishing" e-mails that appear to be from trusted merchants. Phishing is one of the fastest-growing forms of online fraud for identity thieves. Phishing e-mails appear legitimate, often addressing you by name, which makes them even more convincing. Thieves sending these e-mails usually ask you to click on a link in the that takes you to a phony Web site -- if you are interested, it is best to go to the site yourself by typing the Web site name directly into your browser rather than clicking on the link provided in the . A skeptical attitude toward unsolicited e-mails is always the best policy, especially if you have never done business with a company before receiving an solicitation from it.

Review privacy and security policies

Check company policies you do business with online. All reputable companies post a privacy and security policy or statement on their Web site. This should tell you what information the company collects, how it is used and what is shared. If you are concerned about your information being shared with other companies, make sure there is an option to keep your information confidential.

Be proactive in protecting your security

Install commonly available security tools such as anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a personal firewall. These programs and the computer's operating system must be maintained with the most recent patches or updates. Probably the most common -- and most easily remedied -- security problem in home computers is out-of-date software.

Do not use personal information for passwords

Using information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, names, common words, addresses or numbers as passwords can make you an easy target. Be sure your passwords contain at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols. To avoid misuse, do not write down passwords.

Monitor online activity regularly

If you conduct business online, review your account statements regularly and consider using a separate credit card for online purchases or payments to ensure all transactions are in order. By reviewing online statements, transactions and your credit report frequently, you could detect a theft and limit its damage. Identity thieves typically use stolen information for only a short period of time to avoid being caught. If you suspect a security breach, act quickly by contacting the companies you do business with immediately. The Federal Trade Commission's identity theft Web site is a great resource for information on identity theft, including advice and guidance if your identity is stolen.

Know about international security and privacy standards

Be aware that international security and privacy standards may be different. When you shop in the United States, you are protected by state and federal consumer laws. These laws may not apply if you place an order internationally. If it is not a reputable merchant and there is a problem, it may be difficult for you to resolve the issue. You should print out and date a copy of terms, conditions, warranties, item description, company information and even confirming e-mails, and save them with the records of your purchase. Also, look at your purchase as soon as you receive it and contact the seller as soon as possible if you discover a problem.

How to Pick a Perfect Engagement Ring

Being educated and informed about the basics of a ring will make it easier when shopping for a perfect engagement ring.

When you feel you're comfortable and are ready to buy an engagement ring check out online jewelry sores first. Online jewelry stores offer many advantages over local jewelry store with regards to selection, styles & designs, pricing, budget, speed, convinience, education, guidance, customer reviews, third party appraisals and return policies.

Get to Know Basics of a Ring

Getting educated about the basic components of a diamond ring will help you better evaluate quality of a diamond ring in terms of style, designs, metals and look of the diamond ring and will guantee you in getting a stunning certified diamond ring at a lower price from a reputed online jewelry store with free education, guidance and appraisals. Here are few terms that are used for a ring:

Appraisal: A third party evaluation of rings value, quality and authencity.

Certificate: Like a GIA certificate certifying diamonds cut, color, clarity, weight and value.

Cut: This refers both to the geometric proportions of a gemstone, and the final form into which a rough stone is shaped. The most prominent cuts in the industry are the round brilliant, oval, marquise, pear, heart, emerald, princess, trilliant, and radiant

Clarity: The measure by which a diamond is graded for purity, or whiteness. This is done by taking in the presence or absence of blemishes on the diamond's surface, or inclusions within the diamond. The professional grading scale is: flawless; internally flawless; very, very slightly included; very slightly included; slightly included; imperfect

Carat: The unit of weight by which a diamond or other gemstone is measured. It equals 200 milligrams. The word is derived from the carob bean, whose consistent weight was used in times past to measure gemstones

Setting: The way the diamonds are set in a ring and how they are held.

Design: The way the ring will finally look includes the setting and diamonds are held.

Band: The shank of the ring that goes around the ring finger.

Bridal Set: A bridal set includes the engagement ring and the matching band and could also include men's wedding band.

Head: This refers to that portion of the diamond where prongs secure the stone in its setting

Semi-mount: A setting complete but for the main stone, to be selected separately.

Now that you're educated about the ring there is no need to rush to buy the ring. You need to compare prices from different jewelry stores based on your knowledge of diamond 4C'sand also check company's return policy, guarantees, appraisals, customer reviews and get the best value possible anywhere.

Beware of Sales or Advertisments that seem too good to be true:

The advertised or on sale jewelry could be following:

inferior unacceptable quality

might have been stolen or misrepresented

prices might have been inflated and then discounted

poor workmanship

not genuine or real

diamonds could be of inferior quality

gemstones could be of lower quality

metals could be lower purity

false advertising

strings attached

Mall and local Jewelry Stores have huge overheads including prime location higher rents, showroom expenses, more staff and so on. There is no way they can sell you for lower than online jewelry stores.

Sndgems have low overheads and want to pass on those savings to our customers.

Get Proposal and Engagement Rings ideas from Celebrities
Celebrity Engagement Rings have a brilliant sparkle and a unique and mind blowing design. If you are planning for your engagement or wedding do not miss out on grabbing ideas from how celebrities made their proposals so special. We have complied a list of gorgeous celebrities and their one of a kind, stunning diamond and gemstone engagement rings. Our celebrities inspired engagement ring guide will help you steal the style of your favourite celebrity and guide you how to get their look.
Kim Kardashian Engagement Ring
Kris Humphries, a well paid basketball player proposed Kim Kardashian with an engagement ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz and featuring a 20.5 carat diamond engagement ring . The magnificient diamond ring consists of three pieces of white diamond sitting on a platinum band. The main diamond in the middle weighs about 16.5 carat and cut in emerald shape. The other two trapezoid-cut stones each weighs about 2 carat. The diamonds on the ring are graded VS (very slight), an indication of excellent quality diamonds.The estimates costs somewhere around $2 million. Kim Kardashian’s engagement ring is often compared to her sister Khloe Kardashian’s engagement ring. Khloe Kardashian received a stunning 12.5 carat diamon ring from hubbyLamar Odom, a basketball player who is far better compensated than Kris, but that was less than half the cost of Kim’s at $850,000.Kim Kardashian’s ring is even heavier than Kate Middleton’s 18 carat sapphire-diamond royal engagement band that once belonged to the late Princess Diana. Sure this is out of your price range, you’ll be happy to know that beautiful diamond engagement rings are available for much less. Sparkle and dazzle Online carries a magnificent collection of Diamond Engagement Rings at affordable prices.Browse through thousands of celebrity style genuine diamond rings. Sndgems.com also carries the latest collection of Designer Ruby Diamond Rings, Sapphire Diamond Rings and Emerald Diamond Rings.
Halle Berry`s Engagement Ring
Halle Berry engaged to French actor Oliver Martinez shows off her one of a kind emerald engagement ring which is a little bit of an antique art deco style and could be worth up to $100,000 or maybe more. The custom-designed etching on the ring is likely filigree — a popular request that makes an engagement ring truly one-of-a-kind .The ring is textured and contains codes and symbols which you cannot see .The symbols and codes represent the couple's story and only they can interpret it. Emeralds make beautiful engagement rings, even among non-celebs. If you are looking for an elegant, exotic and fancy emerald diamond ring for your fiancé, Sparkle and dazzles` must have genuine premier designer emerald diamond rings feature classic and delicate designs and are all time favorites. They offer great prices too. Save now on celebrity style engagement rings!

Erin Brady`s Engagement Ring.
The 63-year-old Tyler asked for Brady's hand with a 5-carat brilliant cut sparkler designed by celebrity jeweler Looree Rodkin. The glittering brilliant cut diamond sits on a micro pave diamond-and-platinum band. Tyler has been dating Brady for five years. His last marriage, to clothing designer Teresa Barrick, ended in . Get Brady`s glam stunner for a fraction of the price! For more celeb designer rings, check out our collection of Sparkle and Dazzle Celebrity Inspired Engagement Rings! Make her feel like a star and take her breath away when she first sees her diamond engagement ring.
Zara Phillips Engagement Ring
Zara`s platinum-and-pave diamond engagement ring is simply magnificient! Zara phillips, the Queen's eldest granddaughter, the royal darling,13th in line to the throne and a cousin of Princes William and Harry, engaged with fiance Mike Tindall, an English rugby player .Tindall rather than opting for an antique or a family heirloom had a bespoke diamond and platinum engagement ring made by a jeweler. In the centre is a single, solitaire diamond sitting on tens of pavé set diamonds on a split shank or band made from platinum.
We've found some round-cut baubles that have a similar feel. Check out our favorite options under the jump. Browse more Zara Phillips style engagement Rings here. For deals on genuine diamond engagement rings delicately designed by designers visit www.sndgems.com and save now on incredibly unique engagement rings .You have another option of making her happy with a custom design engagement ring.
Britney Spears Engagement Ring
The beaming, pop diva Britney Spears celebrated their engagement and her hubby-to-be's 40th birthday in Las Vegas. Fiancé Jason Trawic chose her a sparkling 3 carat Neil Lane Diamond and pave band ring.The royal treatment of the ring continues all the way around the finger with platinum set diamonds throughout the entire ring. The estimated price tag for this magnificient creation is a whopping $90,000!. Looking for deals on genuine diamond engagement rings delicately designed by designers visit www.sndgems.com and save now on incredibly unique engagement rings .You have another option of making her happy with a custom design engagement ring.
Looking for a similar design, get a custom made ring, Britney Spears style in the sndgems collection of fine jewelry. You can also give Britney Sperars style a twist by alterning the stone to an emerald , ruby or a sapphire. Sndgems.com has an amazing collection of genuine Emerald Diamond rings, Sapphire Diamond rings and Ruby diamond rings inspired from celebrity style engagement rings. Each ring is very lovingly crafted to give it a unique and stylish look. Sparkle and Dazzles offers superior quality engagement rings at prices that suit your budget. Satisfaction is guaranteed! What do you think of Britney Spears’ ring . Post your comments here
Gisele Bundchen Engagement Ring

Gisele Bundchen got a very beautiful diamond engagement ring. Brazilian beauty Gisele Bundchen received this beautiful 4-carat engagement ring from American football star, Tom Brady. It is estimated to cost $. The ring is absolutely mindblowing, elegant and classy, a solitaire roung brilliant diamond, flanked by two triangualr stones on the sides in platinum settings. Gisele Bundchen is one of the most famous models in the world. The 28-year-old model tied the knot with New England Patriots quarterback Tom, 31, at St Monica's Church in the LA beachside suburb of Santa Monica.You cannot be Gisele Bundchen or Tom brady but you can definitely look for similar genuine diamond engagement ring designed by sparkle and dazzle exotic designers at a lesser price. Make your fiance feel like a queen with our affordable genuine diamond engagement rings.

Kristin Cavallari Engagement Ring

Kristin Cavallari`s the 24-year-old reality star, accepted NFL player Jay Cutler's proposal over the Easter weekend with an impressive engagement ring. Kristin’s diamond is an asscher cut, which is one of the most popular modern cuts.The ring boasts 10 round side diamonds, which are estimated to be nearly 1.5 carats. In total,it is estimated the ring would be worth a whopping $125,000!Absoutely gorgeous ring that anyone would love.What is so essential is to realize that such a stunning ring is not out of your reach. You can check our similar designs at reachable prices at sndgems fine jewelers. Sparkle and Dazzle offers the best affordable designer genuine diamond jewelry. Snag this clear jewelry design for yourself and once you slip it on, you will never want to take it off.
Katherine Heigl Engagement Ring

Hollywood star Katherine Heigl 3-carat, pear-cut diamond flanked by pave diamonds from musician hubby Josh Kelly is simply stunning with an effervescent sense of French style. Platinum solitaire setting accented with side stones is a popular style is hollywood. A unique piece of jewelry by Ryan Ryan design, this ring has sentimental value as half of the platinum band is from her mother`s own engagement band. Sndgems.com fine jewelers can help transform your halo diamond engagement ring dream into a sparkling reality . Check out their magnificient collection of diamond engagement rings and wedding bands and the get amazing looks without those high prices.
Jenna Dewan Engagement Ring
The beautiful actress/ model Jenna Dewan got a huge exotic vintage style diamond engagement ring from Channing Tatum. She loves her ring and it grabs as much attention as she does because of its beauty and size. While they were holidaying at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, Neil Lane, helped Tatum and Jenna design their Oval cut diamond solitaire engagement ring in platinum settings with 1.62 carats. To steal her style, check out our engagement rings collection at affordable prices. sndgems.com offers a wide collection of antique style diamond engagement rings. Our spectacular collection can make you feel good and luxurous with a guilt free purchase.
Gwyneth Paltrow Engagement Ring
Chris Martin, Coldplay Singer proposed to American actress Gwyneth Paltrow with this asscher cut diamond with a double band in .Gwyneth Paltrow garnered worldwide recognition through her performance in Shakespeare in Love (), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, for Outstanding Lead Actress and as a member of the Outstanding Cast. Gwyneth Paltrow halo engagement ring with micro pave halo setting is simply exotic and elegant, and is a perfect example of the celebrity engagement rings. It is an all time favourite of many. If you are inspired by this beautiful ring visit sparkle and dazzle and get a custom ring built for you that fits your budget.
Anne Hathaway
Beautiful and charming actress Anne Hathaway received a 6 carat rock from fiancé Adam Shulman. This illuminating and gorgeous diamond engagement ring, featuring a round stone, was designed by Adam Shulman in collaboration with Kwiat Heritage Jewels in a timeless platinum setting. It carries a price tag of approximately $150,000. Luckily you need not be a celebrity to gift a similar design to your love. Make your proposal memorable with a designer engagement ring from sparkle and dazzle. Your partner is sure to cherish it! Every engagement ring at sndgems is delicately made with the best diamonds, carefully selected, to make her feel like a queen.Check their collection. They have a sure hit collection of genuine diamond platinum enagement rings and designer wedding bands.
Do you love her ring and want to get a similar one for your enagagement. Please comment
Kate Middleton Engagement Ring
Prince William proposed to his girlfriend Kate Middleton using the treasured engagement ring that belonged to his mother.The 28-year-old Prince made the proposal using the dazzling oval blue 18-carat sapphire and diamond ring while they were on holiday in Kenya.The ring has 14 diamonds encircling the sapphire. It is estimated that the sapphire alone is worth about $300,000 retail and the whole ring would be about half-million dollars. Sapphires, also called the royal gem, is loved by the royals in Britain . Today we find a lot of Lady Diana`s/ Kate Middeltons Engagement Ring replicas. But if you really want your beloved to feel speacial do not fall for any replica instead look for a jeweler carrying authentic sapphire diamond engagement rings. Do not miss on the Sparkle and Dazzle collection of Sapphire Diamond Rings. They are the most impressive, classic, gorgeous and brilliant and most of all 100% authentic.Leave a unique impression on your to be fiance with a sapphire diamond engagement ring.Pick a good bling and she is sure to feel like a Queen.
Miley Cyrus was spotted wearing the diamond sparkler which is believed to be gifted to her by Hunger Games hunk Liam Hemsworth. Miley Cyrus tweets to the rumours that "Its a topaz".

Leave a unique impression on your to be fiance with a ring from the celebrity rings collection from sparkle and dazzle fine jewelry designers, committed to make her feel the most special woman.

What does Miley glittering engagement ring tell about her style. Please comment.
Erin Brady`s Engagement Ring.
The 63-year-old Tyler asked for Brady's hand with a 5-carat brilliant cut sparkler designed by celebrity jeweler Loree Rodkin. The glittering brilliant cut diamond sits on a micro pave diamond-and-platinum band. Tyler has been dating Brady for five years. His last marriage, to clothing designer Teresa Barrick, ended in .
The 34-year-old art consultant Will Kopelman proposed Drew Barrymorewith a magnificent, D-color radiant cut diamond. According to the jewelery company, the ring Kopelman chose is just under 4 carats,colorless diamond, which is situated on a diamond-covered band. The bling was designed by Graff Diamonds.
Tamera Mowry, actress and former star of the television show Sister got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Fox News Correspondent, Adam Housley. Housley proposed while the couple was in Italy with a vintage inspired design by Verragio
Real Housewife of Atlanta Kim Zolciak Tweeted out a photo of her 10-carat diamond engagement ring for all to see two weeks after engaging with Atlanta Falcons player Kroy Biermann. The Stunning ring has a Cushion cut.The cut gives off a larger-than-life vibe fitting for Zolciak's personality.
Disney darling Brenda Song got engaged to The Social Network star and her beau, Trace Cyrus who proposed her with a stunning cushion-cut diamond engagement ring
Natalie Portman`s Engagement Ring
Portman announced her engagement to Benjamin Millepied in late December . Natalie Portman`s eco-friendly Vintage inspired sparkler, carying an estimated value of $35,000, is a simply stunning engagement ring. Dancer-model fiancé Benjamin Millepied, thoughtfully designed it to include recycled platinum, an antique round diamond center stone and accenting pavé diamonds taken from a conflict-free mine. This gorgeous piece was designed by Jamie Wolf, a ballet dancer turned jewelry designer. If you love this amazing double halo engagement ring, check out its delightful look alikes at affordable prices. You will love them. Guaranteed!
What do U think of Portman’s "one-of-a-kind" engagement ring? Post your comments here.
Kate Moss Engagement Ring
Super Mode Kate Moss was proposed with a vintage style engagement ring by her boyfriend rocker Jamie Hince.The ring is estimated to value £. Moss’ vintage-style, with a large oval diamond set in a double-shank band, coordinates perfectly with her bohemian-meets-glam style. Looking to create a one-of-a-kind love token to reflect unique sensibilities Check our top selection of similar rings. Even though these look like quite expensive pieces, the prices are kept as affordable as possible.
Elizabeth Hurley Engagement Ring
Shane Warne proposed to actress and breast cancer activist Elizabeth Hurleywith a square-cut sapphire flanked by two trillion-cut white diamonds. The actress' sapphire and diamond ring is worth an estimated $100,000. Its a platinum setting with an approximate 9-carat center blue sapphire and a 2-carat Trillion cut diamond on each side. Did you like the ring? Isin`t it glamorous and exquisite. Post your comments here. For more, click through the gallery to see similar rings at affordable prices.
Penelope Cruz`s Engagement Ring
Javier Bardem proposed to Penelope Cruz with a vintage 3-carat sapphire ring worth roughly $30,000.

If that’s a bit out of your price range, you’ll be happy to know that beautiful sapphire engagement rings are available for much less. Sparkle and dazzle has a magnificent collection of Natural Sapphire Diamond Rings at affordable prices.

Sndgems.com is affiliated with the jewelry industry's most respected organizations and associations. We encourage you to visit these resources and review useful information they have included to provide valuable education and answers to most consumer questions. An informed customer is our best customer.

Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers ofAmerica MJSA is a national jewelry trade association working to provide long-term stability and prosperity for jewelry manufacturers and their suppliers.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) is a not-for-profit trade association whose mission is to maintain the jewelry industry's highest ethical standards.

Jewelers Security Alliance Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) does online crime reporting for jewelers around the country in the Unites States and promoting jewelers' security

Jewelers of America Jewelers of America (JA) is the national association for the retail jeweler. JA is both a center of knowledge for the jeweler and an advocate for professionalism and high social, ethical, and environmental standards in the jewelry trade. The JA mission is to assist all members in improving their business skills and profitability. JA will provide access to meaningful educational programs and services, leadership in public and industry affairs, and encourage members with common interests to act in their and the industry's best interests.

Jewelry Information Center Jewelry Information Cente (JIC) is the public relations arm of the fine jewelry and watch industries. Founded as a non-profit trade association in in New York City, JIC is funded by its members (nearly 1,000 manufacturers, designers, and retailers of fine jewelry and watches as well as other trade associations) and considered to be the objective authority....

Diamond Manufacturers And Importers Association Of America Promoter of legislation and regulations which advance the standards of the American diamond and jewelry industries.

International Colored Gemstone Association The latest gem news, market trends, and mining reports.

International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones (CIBJO) CIBJO is an international confederation of national jewelry trade organizations. CIBJO's purpose is to encourage harmonization, promote international cooperation...

Japan Pearl Exporters' Association Association promoting the use of Akoya cultured Pearls, harvested in  Japan.

Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) Information on buying and caring for fine jewelry.

World Gold Council Promoters of gold and gold jewelry. Founded in , the World Gold Council is an organisation formed and funded by the world's leading gold mining companies with the aim of stimulating and maximising the demand for, and holding of Gold...

DiamondFloor.com A B2B ecommerce exchange floor for the professional certified diamond trade and jewelry industry.

Gemnet British based Gem and jewelry Network, membership is 300 UK Pounds per year. You will find a lot of jewelry elsewhere, but the Sndgems.com designs are like no other. Our designers are unique just as their designs and styles are. We take pride in our uniqueness. Our designs are individually handcrafted and brought to you directly from the source.

Jnet.comA comprehensive business-to-business Web site for the entire jewelry manufacturing industry.

A Diamond is Forever Adiamondisforever.com is an information source on diamonds and is sponsored by the Diamond Trading Company, the worlds leading diamond sales and marketing company.

Diamond Review The consumer guide to buying diamond jewelry. Offers extensive tutorials, loose diamond price database, message boards, regional jeweler search engine with reviews, more. Your search for a diamond starts at DiamondReview.com.

DiamondInfo.org Diamond Guide, Information and Buying Tips for Loose Diamonds and Engagement Rings.

DiamondTutorials.com Tutorials and tips on purchasing diamond jewelry.

DiamondTutorials.com Tutorials and tips on purchasing diamond jewelry.

Federal Trade Commission What to know before you buy jewelry. How to buy Jewelry - Information to help you get the best quality jewelry for your money, whether you're shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store by catalog or online.

Gemological Institute of America GIA is the world's largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning

International Colored Gemstone Association The International Colored Gemstone Association is a non-profit association to represent the international gemstone industry.

International Gemological Institute A wealth of information on the Gemological and Jewelry Industry.

Professional Jeweler Magazine Professional Jeweler's mission is to provide short, well-written, information-rich articles in an organized layout sequence.

American Gem Society Since , the American Gem Society (AGS) has been protecting the consumer. For 65 years the AGS logo has been a symbol of excellence in the jewelry industry. As an association of fine jewelers, our members are committed to the highest standard...

The American Gem Trade Association The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is an association of North American trade professionals dedicated to promoting the long term stability and integrity of the natural colored gemstone, Pearl, and cultured Pearl industry.

The Diamond Buying Guide Looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring, but you don't know enough about purchasing diamonds? The Diamond Buying Guide presents the information you need on "how to buy a diamond".

Canadian Jewellers Association Promoters of Canadian jewelry products.

Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council of India Association dedicated to promoting Indian gem and jewelry manufacturers.

Diamond Manufacturers And Importers Association Of America Promoter of legislation and regulations which advance the standards of the American diamond and jewelry industries.

Sndgems.com wants its customers to learn everything about jewelry trade association before they make an important purchase at the fine jewelry store of Sndgems.com.

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