jewlery 101 |

Buying an Engagement Ring in you Bathrobe?

May 1, 2013 Jennifer

reviews-online-shopping-products — Source: Sererra

Point and click! Thinking about buying your diamond engagement ring online, think again. While the internet may provide beneficial information and helpful tips for the novice it is definitely not the route to go if you’re choosing an engagement ring, a large investment which will in the long term not only be of great financial value but sentimental value as well.

Let’s first debunk a few myths about online shopping:

With so many choices I can compare for the best value. Not necessarily true. While it may appear that the internet can offer endless choices and will allow you to compare, it is nearly impossible to compare the true value of your diamond ring. Diamonds are a naturally occurring formation, they all differ in quality and have can have varying degrees of imperfection. With online shopping many times there will be one image supplied, of one diamond and ultimately it won’t be the one you’ll be receiving in the mail weeks later. There is no sure way to know exactly what you will be getting until you get it.

It’s so convenient! Is it really? Although online shopping does provide the freedom of browsing in your bathrobe it can, in the long run, be less convenient than finding a ring in-store. The major issue is maintenance. An engagement ring is a large investment, and as such will necessitate upkeep: ring sizing, diamond cleaning, tightening. When you build a relationship with a store those services can be provided for.

You can always find a deal. Not so sure. The internet marketplace is a sellers’ market. As a consumer we’re left to dig, claw and tear through verbiage. While the vendor provides a few facts and lovely descriptions it’s still a gamble. They may say “ideal” but do they mean “ideal-cut,” they may refer to a diamond’s brilliance but do they mean that in terms of the light’s actual refraction or does it just sound great? If you’re not a professional and can’t assess a diamond based upon internal qualities you may end up making a huge, and very expensive, mistake.

No pushy salesman. Is that really a good thing? Any reputable jewelry store will have a staff knowledgeable enough to help guide you in making your purchase. While it can be a little overwhelming, and they are focused on selling a ring they can also provide a wealth of knowledge. As long as you go in with a sure price point and some basic information they can provide the great service of comparing rings within your range and explain the difference which could have eluded you otherwise.

One of the major drawbacks is not being able to actually see your future engagement ring. Although a lot of the value of your diamond center is ascribed by details too small to be seen by the naked eye, there are other qualities that need to be compared in person. Which one offers the most sparkle, which setting suits your hand, which ring takes your breath away? It’s impossible through a screen, there’s absolutely no comparison to seeing the ring and making that connection in person.

Put in the leg work, make a visit, this is the ring with which you’re promising your life to another. Make it the right one.

For more on online engagement ring shopping: The Plunge

What Diamond Shape is Right for You?

April 30, 2013 Jennifer

There are so many shapes to choose from when shopping for the right engagement ring center. Don’t be restrained by not knowing your options. Shape, not to be confused with cut (which you can read more about here), is the final form your diamond will be. Here’s a short guide on basic diamond shapes and options.

Round: The Brilliant Round is by far the most popular diamond shape. Versatility puts it at the top of the list. It can look sleek and modern in a minimal setting or chic and elegant on a more intricate design. It is also flattering across the board.

Oval: An elongated version of the brilliant round, the oval shape is perfect for girls with shorter fingers. It looks great with side stones and makes a statement as a solitaire.

Marquise: The marquise is an elongated oval shape with pointed ends. This is a dramatic diamond; its unique shape is opulent and aptly named after the Marquise de Pompadour. Because of its shape the diamond may actually appear larger than it is and is perfect for wide fingers.

Pear: The pear shaped diamond is a cross between the marquise and oval. Resembling a glistening teardrop this diamond is great for average or long hand and can elongate short fingers.

Heart: A whimsical choice, although not often use for engagement rings, despite it being the universal symbol of love. A challenging shape to create, the skill of the diamond cutter is tantamount to forming this shape and giving it ultimate sparkle. Like the pear it can be more elongated at the point or wider, so it can be flattering for varying hands depending on the ultimate shape.

Princess: The princess second in popularity only to the round offering almost as much brilliance and sparkle. It’s also fairly new to the diamond game, having been introduced in the send half of the 20^th century, this ring is great in modern setting but has the same classic effect of other square shaped diamonds in traditional mounting. Universally flattering to all hand shapes.

Emerald: A classic rectangular shape with clipped corners, while not as popular for diamonds as other shapes still evokes old world charm. Most flattering for slender elongated fingers.

Radiant: This shape has the brilliance of a round but the shape of an emerald with more faucets than a princess. Yet not one of the most popular shapes despite its versatility in flattering many hand shapes.

Asscher: Created in 1902, and popularized in the 1920s and 30s this square shape with deep cut clipped corners have a dramatic art deco feel with antique appeal. But it is suggested that when selecting this shape clarity be of the highest grade since it can make imperfections more obvious.

Cushion: Otherwise known as a pillow shape has a vintage feel. The soft and rounded rectangular shape is flattering on most hands.

With square cuts of course it is important to compare proportions and orientations of the diamond selected.

There are many opinions on which diamond shape best matches your hand and finger shape as well as personality, but ultimately the most important opinion is your own, fall in love with your diamond.

For more on shape and personality: The Knot and Ebay Shopping Guide

The Four C’s: A Guide to Cut

April 29, 2013 Jennifer

The best tool anyone can carry with them when shopping for an engagement ring is knowledge. It’s important to know what you want, but it’s not going to be easy to express that if you lack the terminology necessary to explain. As a continuation of the previous delve into diamond 101 (A Guide To Color) let’s discuss another one of the Four Cs. Cut.

Cut, not to be confused with shape, does not designate the shape that your diamond will be styled. It actually decides how much light will be reflected by your diamond. The better the cut the more sparkle.

Let’s get to know your diamond. It is comprised of 5 parts: the table, the crown, the girdle, the pavilion and the culet.

basic_diamond_proportions — Source: Choosing Diamonds

The depth of the pavilion is integral is creating the best sparkle. A diamond can fall into

any of 3 basic cut categories: ideal, shallow and deep.

Shallow Cut: A shallow cut means that the pavilion is too short. More light will escape through the sides and bottom of the diamond; it runs right through it instead of reflecting back. As a result the diamond is less sparkly and a bit dull.

Ideal Cut: The ideal cut, is well, ideal. It is cut with the perfect proportions to reflect the most light back out of the table of your diamond. The brilliance of this diamond is of the highest quality, as well as, the highest value, because during its production more of its raw material is cut away.

Deep Cut: The deep cut means that the pavilion is too long, this often causes light to be redirected to the wrong facets of the diamond allowing more light to escape. The center usually appears darker.

For more information about cuts: Jewellery Monthly and Brilliance