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Ah, the splendorous world of diamonds! Through the ages,
this premium gem of all gems has captivated mankind. From the functional uses
of eons gone by to being one of the most revered forms of adornment, most
people dream of having a beautiful piece of diamond jewelery all to themselves.
Diamonds today are available in a multitude of shapes and cuts all ready for a
wealth of jewelry like necklaces, earrings, rings and more.
Although, a diamond's shape and cut are terms that are
often used interchangeably, usually there is a difference. While the shape of a
stone is what one chooses as per preference and personal style, the cut is what
enhances the play of light within a
diamond and will dictate how brilliant and shiny the stone is. A well cut
diamond will reflect light through its beautifully proportioned facets, angles
of the pavilion and more; while a badly cut one will do quite the opposite. It
also affects the overall quality, price and value of a stone.
Here we look at a few of the most popular cuts and shapes
across the world today -
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond – The most popular shape and
cut across the world today has to the a brilliant round diamond. From
glistening on stud earrings to bracelets and more, round diamonds are the ones
that most people start their diamond journeys with. As the name suggests this
circular shape is an all time classic and statistics say that this shape is
representative of over 70% of the diamonds sold worldwide. Cut usually with a
beautiful 57 or 58 facets, a brilliant round diamond reflects light beautifully
and is thus 'brilliant' and have a wonderful shine. In 1919 Marcel Tolkowsky
did a study and published a work known as the "Diamond Design: A Study of
the Reflection and Refraction of Light in Diamond" that listed out the
ideal proportions of a round diamond to maximize its brilliance. Since then
this precise formula for cutting has been used by diamond manufacturers to
create the brilliant round cut gems we see today.
Princess Cut Diamond – Another classic that is commonly
seen on engagement rings and wedding bands is the beautiful princess cut
diamond. With a number of gorgeous sparkling facets, this square or sometimes
slightly rectangular shaped cut was first created in 1980 and works really well
with most kinds of rings. Princess cut diamonds have a four sided pyramid shape
and are easier to cut from the diamond rough stone which is usually octahedron
in shape, usually making it slightly less expensive that a round diamond of the
same carat weight. In comparison to all the other cuts, a princess cut diamond is closest to the brilliant round in terms of the amount of brilliance and fire
it possesses. Usually a setting for a princess cut diamond will protect the
four corners of the stone, that are the areas most vulnerable to chipping.
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| Asscher Cut Engagement Ring |
Asscher Cut Diamond – Asscher cut diamond engagement rings are once again surging in popularity thanks to this shapes gorgeous
art deco and vintage feel. Asscher cut diamonds were first produced by the
Asscher brothers in Holland in 1902 and then again surged in popularity in the
1920s and then in the early 2000s and they are back again with a bang! Although
similar to an emerald cut diamond in a number of ways, the Assher cut diamond
also possesses a smaller table and bigger step facets giving it more
brilliance. This perfectly symmetrical stone has cropped corners and extremely
precise measurements and comes with an ideal length to width ratio. The unique shape
and look make it one of the most lovely choices for a striking ring.
Around the world, people are getting
ready for the months ahead. The last few months of the year are chock a block
with festivities and a jam packed holiday season that we all look forward to
with bated breath. One part about the fun holiday season however, that many of
us get super stressed out about – what to wear! Not only are the festivities
and parties a great excuse to dress up and be vibrant but also a fabulous way
to end the old year with panache.
Cold winter temps however often play a
dampener and it becomes tougher to be more confident about your sartorial
choices. Unlike the warmer months where you can throw on a little dressy number
and a pair of sky high stilettos, dressing for the winter holiday season and
the weird weather conditions often requires a little more thought.
Let's have some fun with winter fashion
and make this holiday season, your sparkliest yet! Read on for some easy
fashion tips -
Invest in some fabulous outerwear – So
you wear your best dress or gown that you have been saving for the right
occasion or that gorgeous silk blouse that makes your eyes pop; but then what?
Simply putting on an old well worn jacket or coat can bring your entire look
down from fab to drab. Since you will have to keep warm during the winter, invest
in a couple stand out outer wear pieces that will keeping you looking chic and
well put together. A great goat or jacket that is perfectly fitted to you or
even a statement jacket like those in gorgeous colors, luxurious fabrics and
the like are investments worth making for the colder months. Make a statement as soon as you walk in and
then you can dazzle them further with the awesomeness underneath! If you want a
little more added festive glitz and have a neutral jacket, top it off with a
great metallic belt or a gemstone pin.
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Beautiful New York Jewelry
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Add some bling – Whether you prefer to buy diamonds in New York, or embellish an outfit with flea market finds, the
holiday season is the perfect time to add a little glitz to your ensemble.
Nothing speaks of festivities quite like the twinkle of jewellery or the sheen
of a sequin. If your outfit is simple add the glamour with beautiful eye catching jewellery like earrings, necklaces, stacked bracelets and more, or
even a scarf with metallic embellishments and a blingy head band. The holidays
is also the perfect time to bring out bedazzled clothing like that darling
sequinned mini, a cardigan with metallic threads, a lame jacket or shoes with
crystals and faux gems. Just make sure you don't pile it on all at once to
avoid looking like a Christmas tree!
Try new luxurious feeling fabrics –
Winter fashion is all about layering to keep you toasty as well as keep the
style quotient up. For the holiday season, dabble in fabrics that look
luxurious and opulent and feel fabulous against your skin. Velvet, silk, satin,
cashmere, suede and the like not only look very dressy but also feel
comfortable and soft. You could even look at accessories like shoes and
clutches and even light jackets in more dressy fabrics like brocade and
metallic lace to add a 'holiday' feel. Instant and easy chic! Faux fur and real
or faux leather are also stylish options.
Take heed of the dress code – If you are
going to an event or party, pay attention to what the dress code is. It can be
extremely uncomfortable to turn up in denims when everyone is dressed to the
hilt or wear a gorgeous formal gown to find people lounging about in flirty
cocktail dresses. When in doubt or if you can't confirm with the host /
hostess, a little black or navy dress is always a safe option that you can
dress up or down with make up and accessories. Usually it is better to err on
the side of being overdressed rather than under-dressed.
Have fun with holiday dressing and you
will shine no matter what you wear!
We all wake up wishing we could have a
leisurely hour or two to have a relaxing shower or soak in the tub, peruse
through our closets at ease and take a good while on our dressing tables before
we need to head out the door for work. However, reality often is that we need
to quickly get dressed, make ourselves presentable and rush out the front door
after we finish a little of what needs to be done around the house first!
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| Diamonds are forever! |
While we all may not have the time or
resources to go buy diamonds in New York, or the latest fashion
offerings from Milan on a regular basis, looking and feeling great is
definitely a goal all of us can achieve. If you end up feeling rushed every
single time you have to leave the home and always feel a little 'unfinished',
here are some time saving tricks to help you out -
Double duty make up - The world of cosmetics today is a
marvelous one. You find a huge variety of products out there that have
multiple purposes in one, helping you cut down a considerable amount of time
and shave off minutes from your daily routine. If you are an only slip
moisturizer on and go kind of a girl then look for a face and body cream with
sunscreen in it, this will save you the added time of applying both products
with the recommended gap. If you require a little extra coverage you can skip
the foundation and add concealer where you truly need it, put your moisturizer
and quickly dust off with a compact or face powder that sets it all in. Or
another great alternative is to look for a moisturizer with added foundation
built it in or the ever popular BB and CC creams nowadays that are beneficial
for the skin and provide a decent dose of coverage or base. Need to do a quick
touch up while at work or when commuting? Consider purchasing a face tint or
cream that can double up as blush as well as color for your lips. Look for the
right kind of double agents and you can save a few precious minutes every
morning!
Easy fall-back outfits – One thing that
is a huge time suck is standing in front of your wardrobe thoroughly confused
about what to wear. One of the best systems for busy women on the go is to
create a few easy fall back outfits, i.e. outfits you know always work well
together and leave you feeling well put together and looking great. On a
weekend or day off come up with a few ready outfits right from tops to shoes
and bags that always make you feel comfortable and fabulous. Things you would
reach for on a day without any hassle. Take pictures and tape on the inside of
your closet for easy and quick inspiration and ideas when you don't have the
leisure to browse through its contents.
Simple hair styles – A bad hair day can
derail even the most chic outfit! When you are in a hurry and your hair just
doesn't seem to cooperate it can be a boon to slip your hair into a no fuss yet
appropriate hair do. Learn a few simple hairstyles like a sleek ponytail with a
barrette, a simple knot or how to quickly just iron or blow dry sections of
your hair for maximum effect.
Slip on one stand out accessory –
Whether you prefer to buy diamonds from New York or are more of a flea
market kind gal, the right accessories can elevate even the most simple outfit.
Slip on a great pair of earrings or a beautiful necklace, an eye-catching scarf
or a killer pair of shoes and the like to polish up a neutral outfit you have
slipped on in a hurry. Keep a few of your stand out accessories accessible near
or on your dressing table for easy grabbing.
Ready, get, set, gorgeous!
Glittering
atop fine jewellery and sparkling on our hands, we often think of diamonds as
valuable yet merely beautiful creations that are a blend of nature's creations
and man's crafting. However, diamonds are also becoming pretty popular tools
for investment purposes as well. It is not the jewellery, the precious metal
used, the brand or the store name, but quite simply the stones that offer a
viable investment tool. They are even purchased to pass down as heirloom assets
that go down one generation to the the next. If you are looking to purchase a
diamond as an investment, loose
diamonds from New York or other diamond capitals of the world will give
you much more value for money than purchasing from a retailing jewellery store.
Loose
diamonds are also a better way to save money on diamond jewellery itself, since
it often costs less to purchase a loose stone separately and then have it
fitted and designed into a piece of jewellery, experts say. This can
effectively cut out the margin retailers put on the stones since you will be
able to shop for the diamond yourself and compare prices from various sources.
Let us take
a look at a few basics when it comes to purchasing loose diamonds
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Educate yourself about the 4 Cs –There is no point buying premium loose
diamonds in New York or elsewhere if you do not know what exactly you are
purchasing and why the stone is priced the way it is. A buyer be it for
investment purposes or for jewellery, must know what the basic four C's of
diamond shopping are and how they affect the quality and valuation of the
diamond. The carat weight, cut, colour and clarity all play a huge role in what
your diamond will look like and will be worth. Carat is the weight of the stone
and often a good indicator of the size as well. The colour of the diamond will
range from entirely colourless to those with less than perfect colourlessness;
and off course you will also find a variety of naturally coloured diamonds like
blue, pink, yellow etc.
Clarity is the absence or presence of natural
inclusions and flaws within the diamond, with a flawless one being the most
desired. And the cut is how the diamond is faceted and also can indicate shape
like a brilliant round cut, emerald cut, princess cut and more. Educate
yourself well. Strangely enough medium quality diamonds are said to be easier
to sell rather than the absolutely premium ones, since those will have a very
limited buyer base.
Purchase single stones – Sometimes people purchase a diamond
jewellery set thinking they can sell it at a future date when the prices go
up. However, rather than buying sets, from an investment point of view it may
be a better idea to buy single stones, as these are easier to sell and price.
Check for authenticity – Whether you are buying from a store or an
online retailer always checks for authenticity. Ensure that you procure a
certificate and a stamp of authenticity from a known standardising body. Opt
for reputed sellers who know the business, whether online or not.
Diamonds
have always been associated with jewelery that is extremely elegant and very
chic and 'proper'. And while they are definitely all those things and more, we
find more and more designs that are gorgeously whimsical and bohemian. Diamonds
aren't just used for adding a subtle twinkle or for making an opulent formal
accessory anymore, but also used in some quirky and eye catching designs that
are often a mix of historical or ethnic influences and contemporary style
indicators.
The latest
jewelery seen on red carpets and the streets show that diamonds in New York and
other fashion capitals of the world are making a bold and fun comeback in a
myriad of unconventional ways.
A few of the
most eye-catching and fun diamond jewelery styles seen now days -
Glittering head pieces – Head pieces are seen in many ancient
cultures around the world and some even continue to wear them today. Gorgeous
jewelery to wear on your crown or even your hair are becoming a staple in the
fashion world as well today. From chains that are placed across the forehead
and and behind the ears (a nod to the hippie era) to those that are placed over
your head and drape across the top and sides are making a foray again on the
style scene. You will find those made with beads, metals and coins but also
gorgeous high end head gear made with glimmering diamonds. A perfect boho luxe
look! If those are a bit too out of the box for you, you can also place stunning diamond
brooches (especially vintage or antique look pieces) in up-dos like a
messy bun or chignon.
Draped diamond dazzlers – Diamond necklaces are definitely a gorgeous
investment and even the most simplest ones can add a lot to an outfit. But the
draped designs seen now days are the veritable show-stoppers! They are ultra
long and draped in a variety of super stunning ways. Recently red carpet
sightings have shown a lot of glimmering necklaces being worn long and draped
on the back, sometimes with a beautiful tassel on the end (perfect for backless
dresses). You also find the fashionistas draped long diamond and other gem
stone laden chains off to the side over one shoulder (ideal for strapless tops
and dresses), which looks very sensual and yet very bohemian. Try different
drapes to find one that works best with your outfit and overall style!
Whimsical waistbands – Waistbands are part of many cultures as well;
seen very commonly in India, especially in silver. They can be pretty
eye-catching too, so definitely not for those who don't want some attention!
Waist bands and chains for your tummy or hips, can be taken to more luxurious
heights when adorned with precious diamonds. Not only are they fab to
incorporate a touch of the exotic ,but to also highlight a nicely shaped waist
or make a simple outfit pop. Add over a plain close fitting dress or even with
a pair of jeans and a simple tee shirt!
Diamond
jewelry is getting great new makeovers recently...it is time to experiment!
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