NEW!"Diamond Essentials Collection" for winter 2010. Click here.
We not only sell diamonds, but we are experts in them as well. Sign-up to receive
our free newsletter.
|
   
It is sensational as to how when done right the smallest
pieces of jewelry can transform your look entirely. On the other hand, too much
shine and you could end up looking like a disaster. How easy and refined can
jewelry be when you take the simple steps of setting your list of the most
needed essentials in your wardrobe. For
most of us diamonds are home. Nothing beats the solid glitter of the tiny
rocks. However what are the key elements that your jewelry box should hold?
From beautiful princess cut diamond
earrings to
emeralds, here’s a list that will transform your thinking about baubles.
Solitaire Studs:
Any diamond lover knows that to get your rocks right you
need to understand the 4 C’s of the diamond language: cut, carat, color and
clarity. After this it is on you to splurge as much as you need on a classic
pair of solitaire studs. They are the perfect match to your crisp white shirt
and dark blue denims for work, or the sun-dress for your late afternoon or that
LBD which you sport in the night as you put your hair down and party. The princess cut diamond earrings
serve as one of the best solitaire shapes around.
Emeralds and Diamonds:
A match made in jewel heaven, emeralds and diamonds speak of
a chemistry which has been since the birth of the stars. They are classic way
to perk up the evening in any and every form, be it your marriage or a cocktail
party with your international clients. This combination never goes wrong. There
are certain colors however that compliments the hues of an emerald diamond
neck-piece or bracelet like off whites and largely pastels.
Solid Gold:
A band of gold can be the perfect edge to your finger. Italian gold rings are
the most famous and ideal options when it comes to investing in these. It’s all
about the design, with swirls and simplicity blending in to form a result of
the perfect harmony for every individual taste. Make sure your gold ring speaks
about you when you wear it, since jewelry that does not reflect you is just a
waste of ethnicity and charm.
Strings of Pearls:
Your grandma’s cupboard will have the treasure of your
childhood - that single string of pearly white pearls that was the apple of
your eye since you learned to play. A
modern version of this simple classic also involves a classic strap of silver
with a tiny diamond lock and it could also have two or three strands of pearls
attached in the centre to give it that curvy look of regality. Pearls are the best compliments to any
evening dress and are the preferred elements of class during any social.
Princess
cut diamond earrings, charm bracelets of white gold and platinum,
long thin gold chains that adorn a cross and a simple fabric ring; these are
elements that make jewelry come alive.
It all comes down to the stone glittering on her finger. It
all comes down to the hush when you bend down and ask her to be yours forever.
A diamond is the perfect expression of that bond and nothing can subdue it when
you have the ring that is just meant for her. But how do you find that perfect
piece of stone to express your love? Are they going to be asscher diamonds in
the engagement ring or the prized solitaire? What are the best ways
you could look into buying one and what are the pointers which you need to
consider. Here are some tips how:
Certification:
There are three recommended brands that certify precious
stones, the GI, IGI and HRD. Most of the jewelers have certification from
either of the three for their jewelry pieces. Make sure that while selecting
your engagement ring, you have a certificate of purity ascertained to the piece
of jewelry you are buying. This assures you the worth of the stone along with
its quality.
Color:
There are the white diamonds
and the colorless ones D-F which reflects light the best and the G-H which are
nearly colorless. Check out your stone in normal daylight for making out its
true color since most jewelry shops tend to have yellow lighting that makes the
stone shine brighter than usual.
Clarity:
They range from F (flawless) to VSF (very slightly flawless)
and usually cost higher up when they are purer. Only one percent of the world’s
diamonds are completely flawless since there are always some impurities when
the diamonds were being formed a million years back. See the purity of the
stone through the jeweler’s loupe, which will allow you verify the contents in
the mentioned stone and make sure that these are not visible to the naked eye.
Weight:
1 carat weights 0.2 grams and the price shoots up with what
we call “magic points”. Buy your diamond slightly below the magic point that is
the trick, say a 0.9 carat and it will be priced much lesser but offer the same
quality and purity.
Cut:
This forms the most important of the four C’s of diamond
shopping. People usually confuse the cut of a diamond as its shape, namely
Princess, Cushion, Pear etc. Rather it refers to how the diamond was crafted
from its rough state. The cut of the diamond determines how brilliantly will
the stone reflect its light, and flaunt its fire and scintillation. Hence, make
sure your engagement ring has The one marked as “Excellent” or a “Very Good”
grade cut since these are the best options to pick out from.
The asscher
diamond engagement rings are like one of the many that form
beautiful options when considering the perfect way to propose. They assure
quality and clarity and under some of the best names in the jewellery business
are fine ways to make a mark.
Also known as the square modified brilliant cut, princess cut
diamonds are among the most popular shapes out there today. Most diamond lovers
have a pair of gorgeous shimmering princess cut diamond earrings or
a princess cut solitaire pendant just nestled in their jewellery box waiting to
be worn time and time again. What makes this kind of cut so alluring and so
very, very beloved?
The princess cut was developed in the 1960s and its timeless elegance
hasn’t dulled since. When looked at head on a princess cut diamond is normally
in a square or rectangular shape. From the sides it looks like an inverted
pyramid. It is also similar shaped to that of one half of a octahedron and is
usually cut from a stone of that original shape. This usually means that you
can get two perfectly halved and similar shaped princess cut diamonds from one
octahedron shaped stone, wasting very little of the original diamond as
compared to many other cuts. It also makes for a perfectly symmetrical pair of princess cut diamond earrings or two matching stones for a ring
setting.
Jewellers love the princess cut because its unique shape makes it
easier to place in any kind of setting. This makes these diamonds extremely
popular choices for engagement rings and wedding bands, since they can be fit
beautifully in almost any design. The only criteria is that a princess cut
diamond has to be placed in a four pronged setting, with the prongs placed in
its four corners. This kind of setting also helps camouflage any colour
variation, natural inclusions and the like that may be visible at the more
vulnerable corners. It also protects the beautiful stone from chipping over
time.
Princess cut diamonds are also the most brilliant following the
round brilliant cut gems. They have a beautiful fire and reflect light in a
very eye catching manner. This makes princess cut diamond earrings and
engagement rings so very popular, since they draw the eye to exactly where you
want them to, all the while giving out a beautiful radiance. They also
definitely reflect more light than other square diamond cuts like the Asscher
and emerald cut stones.
When purchasing princess cut diamond earrings or any other jewellery for
that matter, the same cornerstone principles of diamond shopping should come
into play , namely the 4Cs – carat, cut, clarity and colour. Your carat weight
of course depends on the size of the stone you desire and the budget you have.
This cut of kind looks beautiful in coloured diamonds as well, but colourless
white princess cut jewellery is definitely one of the more popular choices. Of
course among the colourless gems you will find different colour and clarity
grades from the pristine flawless stones to those that have natural inclusions
and a slight colour. One of the best parts of the princess cut diamond is that
it is very forgiving of naturally occurring 'flaws' compared to some other
cuts, especially when viewed with just the naked eye.
Whether it is a pair of princess cut diamond earrings, a
necklace or a gorgeous ring you are lusting for, make sure you purchase a
certified gemstone. Fit for a princess indeed!
A woman never forgets her
engagement ring. A symbol of the promise of ever lasting love, commitment and
loyalty, it is one of the most precious pieces of jewellery she will ever own.
People grow up dreaming of the perfect wedding. The beautiful dress, a lovely
venue, the person of your dreams and a gleaming ring on your finger proclaiming
your betrothed status to the world.
You have your classic
brides who love the tradition, the timeless elegant wedding and a look to match
including the outfit, the jewellery and the aesthetic for the day. The love for
vintage has bloomed all over the world and everything from movies to events
to yes, weddings have been touched by
the hand of vintage nostalgia. The old world glamour and charm of vintage
jewellery cannot be denied and it is a perfect fit for that classic bride who
wants the tradition, the romance and the beauty that sometimes only the not so
new can provide. When it comes to diamond rings for the vintage and classic
style inclined woman an ideal choice are asscher diamonds,
engagement rings with a precious gem cut in this style are a
sight to behold.
The asscher cut diamond
was the brainchild of the Asscher brothers from Holland and was first produced
in the year 1902. They were renowned at the time for cutting the stunning
Cullinan diamond, which was the biggest rough stone in the world at over 3000
carats. Becoming extremely popular in the 1920s, the asscher cut diamond had a
re-emergence in the early 2000s. This beautiful cut is often seen in antique
and vintage stores carrying fine jewellery. Its old world appeal has made it
immensely popular today. It adds that special sparkle of antique glamour that
few other cuts of diamonds provide as eloquently. It is no wonder then that asscher diamond engagement rings are seen gracing the hands
of stars and celebrities both in real and reel life.
The asscher diamond,
similar to the emerald cut with its squarish shape and cropped corners. These
corners also tend to make the diamond look a little octogonal in shape. You
will find slightly rectangular varieties as well, although a square is the more
traditional asscher design. With a higher crown and larger facets, asscher
diamonds have a beautiful brilliance entirely their own. They make for a
dramatic choice when an usual emerald cut, does not seem unique enough!
With a touch of the old
and modifications today of the new, asshcer diamonds pop beautifully on bands since they are placed
elevated and still maintain their squarish shape on the setting. They make for
eye catching solitaire rings and also look beautiful when set with other
precious stones like rubies and sapphires. The vintage look of such a gem makes
it ideal also for a more vintage style band with a little bit of work on it.
Whatever you choose, it definitely stands out!
When purchasing an asscher
diamond ring, check for the length to width ratio of the stone. Also as always
with diamonds consider the 4 C's – cut, carar, clarity and colour.
Have you ever wished your
favorite diamond ring was in a different setting so it wouldn’t keep cleaving
your clothes? Have you bought diamond jewelry without considering the diamonds’
grades and certification only because a particular design appealed to your
taste? Have you ever hoped to find that one select style or design you saw a
celebrity wearing at a red carpet event at your local retail diamond jewelry
store? Well, if you have, it may be time to say ‘goodbye’ to retail jewelry
stores and be introduced to the world of loose diamonds. In view of the fact
that you want nothing but the best, consider buying your loose diamonds in New
York. The number one reason for this is that the city is the largest diamond
hub in the country. NYC routes almost more than 90% of the total diamonds
entering the United States.
The New York diamond district is
located in the heart of the city and houses some of the most celebrated diamond
traders in the industry. You have quite a few choices. You should be in safe
hands as long as you deal with a trader that values his reputation and believes
in providing his clientele with the best he can offer. Having said this, it is
always better to know at least the basics of diamonds and diamond shopping.
This includes knowing about the 4 Cs and how they influence the beauty of the
precious stone. You might also want to read up a little about the different
diamond jewelry settings and how they change the way a jewelry piece may look.
These days, many smart buyers
prefer shopping around for high-quality loose
diamonds in New York for the following reasons. In addition to having a
superior selection as compared to any other city in the country, some of the
well-known diamonds traders in the district offer services such as diamond
connoisseurs to help customers find the exact diamonds they want, sending the
diamonds that fit the requirement of the client to his or her office or home to
inspect, and designing the desired piece of jewelry with the selected diamonds.
Loose diamonds are a better bet as compared to diamonds that have already been
set in jewelry pieces in many ways. Firstly, you can choose the loose diamond’s
grades and specifications, which can add to the jewelry’s beauty and appeal.
Plus, in most cases, even loose diamonds that are high in quality and grades
can be found at fairly reasonable prices making the jewelry cost-effective.
Online portals have made shopping
for
loose diamonds in New York
simpler than ever before. All you need to do is search for a recognizable name
and let them know of your diamond requirements.
Fashion
trends are ever changing, evolving and very often cyclical. There is never a
dull moment! The past couple years have seen a re-emergence of the importance
of accessories and they are bigger and better than ever. With a lot of emphasis
on the luxe and the elegant, fine jewelry continues to be a big fore-runner and
is once again on the upswing, but with a pretty noticeable twist! Bigger,
chunkier jewelry now seems to dominate many a fashion season, and it has
continued into the new year as well, as seen on the streets of the fashionable
New York city and at starry events all over the world. When it comes to fine
jewelry and those looking to make a trendy yet long term investment - what is
popular are large diamonds
in New York, Hollywood and many cities where the trend-setters reside.
Diamonds are
timeless, effervescent and undeniably beautiful. Diamond jewelry changes from
year to year; the styles, the sizes and the kinds of colors used and the way
people wear them, all of it goes through minor and major overhauls every year.
There are the timeless solitaire studs, diamond hoops, solitaire rings and the
like that are always in vogue; but the bigger, brighter rocks have caught the
attention of anyone who wants their very own piece of opulent dazzle. If you
are looking to purchase large diamonds in New York or
anywhere else in the country, it is is obvious that it is a major investment
and a pretty noticeable one at that. The stone should ideally be of a skilled
cut, good clarity and will be a high carat weight due to the size.
Recently,
red carpet sightings have been full of A-listers wearing large diamond tear
drop earrings, a statement necklace with a big stone set in the center or
tennis bracelets encircled with glistening large gemstones. These luminescent
sparklers have inspired many designer and local versions, in all sorts of
ranges and styles. If you want the look of gorgeous large diamonds but without
the price shock, you can also try layering a couple smaller diamond encrusted
pieces to mimic the impact and the pizazz or opt for costume jewelry if you are
still figuring out if the look fits in well with your personal aesthetic.
If you are
seriously considering investing
in large diamonds, New York
is the place to go. It is not only home to some of the best jewelry design
houses, up to date on the trend du jour, but also home to many reputed diamond
trading companies who not only procure the best quality stones for you, but
also provide customers with a range of stunning setting options, where they can
place the diamond of their choosing. Some of the better known and more
professional traders also offer detailed guidance on the best diamonds to
purchase, as well as give you the option of custom designing your own unique
piece.
|
