Loose Diamonds: The Four C's That You Must Know

If you are in the market for a shiny diamond, then you should be aware of what to look for when shopping for these valuable gemstones. There are four C's of loose diamonds everyone should learn before venturing into a jewelry store to make that purchase.

The first C stands for Cut. This refers to the overall shape the diamond possesses and also the number and designs of facets that are cut into the stone. The facets reflect light and give it the sparkle everyone loves. The second C is Clarity. Since diamonds are formed naturally, they are rarely perfectly flawless. Most diamonds have varying degrees of flaws which are referred to as inclusions or blemishes. Most of these blemishes are invisible to the naked eye and will not affect its price tag too much.

The third C is Color. Most people usually purchase white diamonds, which actually lack color all together. However, there are many colors of diamonds: black, pink, brown, yellow, and blue. The final C of diamonds is Carat, or carat weight. This is a unit of measurement used to weigh your stone - the bigger the carat, the bigger the diamond. As you browse countless certified loose diamonds, keep all four of these factors in mind.

Jewelry Stores Facilitate Love for the Holiday Season!

While walking through your local mall, you will likely encounter a variety of jewelry stores. These stores will showcase gorgeous diamond rings in order to lure you into their establishment to buy said rings. The fact of the matter is, only true love sells jewelry. Sure, you can think that people buy diamond jewelry because they like it and think it is pretty, but the truth is, they love it! There is no better way to show someone you truly love than by giving them a gift of a diamond necklace, a pair of earrings, or a ring.

It is so incredibly important that a diamond ring is given to a woman by her man as he proposes marriage. This ring symbolizes the promise that he will put yet another ring on her finger as they exchange vows and become married. There is nothing in the world like knowing that you have found your true love, someone to to enjoy for the rest of your life. Through thick and through thin, you will travel through this life with a partner in crime. There is no better feeling in the world than knowing that you have someone on your team willing to go to bat for you, no matter what happens.

Jewelry Stores: Be Appreciated When You Spend

This holiday season, take the time to make an educated decision as to which stores you wish to give your hard earned money. Many stores donate a portion of their proceeds to charity and, depending on your beliefs,you may want to take your business to the Jewelry store of your choosing. From jewelry stores to toy stores, every single penny you spend in their establishment is much appreciated. In this day and age, you most certainly should not have to settle for poor customer service when there are hundreds of other stores right around the corner who would value your business that much more.

Since our economy has plunged into the sewer, people all over our great nation are being stingier with their money. This means that sellers must stand out from the crowd in order to attract the attention of buyers. Under no circumstances should an employee be rude or indifferent when you are trying to spend your money in their establishment. They should go above and beyond to impress you with their customer service and their products. If they fail to do this simple task, then you have the American right to take your business elsewhere, where it will be more appreciated. Money is too valuable to throw away.

Give the Gift That Makes Every Parent Proud: Family Jewelry

Every child wants to give their parents special presents for Christmas each year. When we are little, a simple handmade card is all it takes to make any parent tear up. When we are in our rowdy teenage years, maybe just saying, “I love you” or helping with the dishes Christmas morning is enough. College can be hard on any family, and many times we are separated for the holidays during these long school years. Even during Christmas. So, showing up to surprise everyone on Christmas Eve is the best present any parent could ever ask for!

The desire to give our parents special presents doesn’t just end here however. We eventually graduate from college, move on to our careers, and inevitably start our own families. The desire to give the ones we love wonderful presents each year just grows as we get older. Having our own children puts this into perspective even more. So, as we get older and wiser, what do we do for the parents who gave us everything? What could we possibly give to them to show our gratitude, love, and admiration?

Family jewelry is always an incredible option. We aren’t just talking about little gold stick figures resembling Mom that are bejeweled with everyone’s birthstones either. We are talking about one of a kind family jewelry this is unique and sentimental. Like, gorgeous white gold lockets for Mom that are engraved with something special on the back. Or, gold plated cufflinks for Dad that are etched with the family’s last name. The kind of jewelry that both of your parents will enjoy for a lifetime, and maybe even pass down to their grandchildren!

Contact Us-
KELLEY JEWELERS
107 W. MAIN STREET
WEATHERFORD, OKLAHOMA 73096
Tel: (580) 772-2341
http://www.preferredjewelerswest.com/kelley-jewelers/

Loose Diamonds: Famous Diamonds on Display

There are several famous loose diamonds in the world today. One of the most famous is located in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. People have called this diamond the Hope Diamond for many years now. While it has had a few different names in the past, the current name probably won’t change again. The Hope Diamond is incredibly large, weighing in at a striking 45.52 carats.  However, this diamond is said to be cursed. Many of its owners were murdered, were executed, or committed suicide. This may just be a coincidence, but the Smithsonian seems to be doing just fine having possession of the monster diamond.

Another famous diamond is the Taylor-Burton diamond. Weighing in at over 69 carats, this diamond boasted one of the biggest price tags the world had ever seen in jewelry. Richard Burton purchased this expensive diamond for Elizabeth Taylor in 1979, when they simultaneously announced their engagement. After his passing, she sold the diamond for 2.8 million dollars (over twice the original cost).

The Hortensia is a peach-colored diamond that is on display at the Louvre in Paris. It was named for the queen of Holland – who was the stepdaughter of the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte – and weighs twenty carats. Another remarkable diamond that can be seen at the Louvre is the Regent diamond. This 140.50 carat monstrosity has donned the hilts of Emperors' swords and was a coveted member of the French Crown Jewels. Although there are many large diamonds on display, there are also a number of gems that have gone missing or simply have not been discovered.

Journey Jewelry for Unique People

When you go to buy fine jewelry for a present or anniversary, it can be easy to get caught up in the popular items that you see everywhere. You probably see the same style of jewelry three or four times a day on television commercials, in magazine ads, and on live human models. Fashion trends are sometimes fun to be a part of, but when it comes to jewelry, you want to try and steer clear of the crowd. The jewelry we wear is a statement of who we are, our unique styles, and our different tastes.

So, if you’re buying jewelry as a gift, then you definitely want to pick out something rare and special. Like we said, that can be hard when you see all the trendy pieces at the front of the jewelry store. They look so great on everyone else, so why wouldn’t they look stunning on the person you are buying them for? Just try and remember how everyone else already has these accessories. You are giving this as a gift and want it to be extra special!

Steer clear of the norm and start taking a look at unique pieces - like journey jewelry for example. The exquisite aesthetic is not only stunning, but sentimental as well. The delicate graduation of stones from smallest to largest can represent almost any aspect of a special relationship. Take, for example, the journey of a marriage, or maybe the growth of a new relationship. Journey jewelry can be a representation of so many things, but the main character of this jewelry is its unique look and special significance.

The Fast and Important Facts About Jewelry Appraisal

Jewelry appraisal is one of the most utilized services related to jewelry currently available within the industry, and it generates huge amounts of income for appraisers and jewelers every single year. The field and process can seem more complex than it actually is at first, but doing a little bit of research helps to demystify the appraisal experience. Note that appraisals can be offered at pawn shops, jewelry stores, or other qualified jewelry experts, and are not the same as gemstone grading from professional labs, but can still be effective in helping in a number of other tasks.

Professional appraisers are useful in determining the worth of a jewelry piece.  They spend their days inspecting gemstones and metal pieces underneath high-powered microscopes, meticulously checking for imperfections and anything that might devalue the pieces. They check for weathering, inclusions, and scratches in the stone, as well as the general condition of the jewelry pieces. Their final conclusions of price are made based on their findings, detailing the entire piece based on what the jewelry item could be sold for.

In this way, appraisers are providing valuable services that can help jewelry owners get their pieces insured or to help them ballpark exactly what it is their pieces are worth. In this way, jewelry owners are able to come to a greater understanding of the worth of their pieces and can move forward confidently after investing in appraisal services. Appraisal is a valuable service in the industry, highly valued by both jewelry customers and industry workers alike.

Family Jewelry: Something for Everyone in the Family

Family jewelry is one of the hottest kinds of jewelry in the market, offering something for everyone in your household. This kind of jewelry is perfect for expressing all kinds of familial sentiment; whether you are looking for a present to give to grandma or something fun for your teenage kids, this kind of jewelry has a lot to offer in terms of fun designs, age-appropriate themes, and a variety of designs. These combined factors make shopping for family-themed jewelry a great option.

There are many different kinds of family-themed jewelry pieces, and the term itself is broad. Pendants, earrings, lockets, necklaces, and even rings are all a part of the genre, offering an incredible amount of diversity and choice for those looking for the perfect gift for a family member. It’s also a fact that these pieces are often very reasonably priced - especially compared to similar designs achieved through custom design services. There is no doubt that the typical, comparatively low prices of this kind of jewelry sweeten the deal.

Some pieces are more obviously a part of this type of jewelry than others. For example, a locket that says World’s Best Grandma is most definitely a part of the familial jewelry piece, while a butterfly pendant may not be so obvious. Still, many stores - especially online ones - often consider these childlike, fun designs to be family jewelry. Their reasoning is that these innocent styles are all about having fun, all-ages jewelry alternatives to mainstream designs.

Earring Jackets Do a Poor Job of Keeping Earrings Warm

What exactly is an earring jacket? If you are anything like me, you have never heard this term and just do not understand why an earring would ever get cold enough to resort to wearing a jacket. That is an awkward visual! After conducting some extremely thorough research (I googled 'What is an earring jacket?'), I have come to this blog to enlighten many other people like me, who are clueless when it comes to outerwear for their earrings.

It turns out that, if your earrings are cold, they should be covered with ear muffs or a wool cap. The earring jackets will not help keep them warm in any way. However, they do provide a little decorative spice for an otherwise plain pair of stud earrings. This is not another earring - it is simply another piece to accent your studs. The pointy part of your stud earring (the pin than goes through your pierced ear) first passes through an earring jacket, then is securely held in place when clipped behind your ear. Step one: Push earring stud through earring jacket. It now appears as though you have one solid piece. Step two: Take the new two-piece earring and put it in your ear just like a normal earring. Step three: Secure it with the back of the earring to hold it in place. Now, your simple diamond-studded earring just became a diamond-studded earring with a halo (or jacket) around it! These jackets come in every color you can imagine to better accent your lovely diamond.

Jewelry Appraisals Skyrocket in Popularity

Some of the most popular shows on TV these days aren’t comedic sitcoms or a reality-numbing series of housewife after housewife. These days people are tuning in and taking a liking to a much different style of television. Shows featuring antique hunting, classic treasure finding, and old-world artifact trade have overrun more than a few DVR’s. People love watching someone dust off an old jewelry box, only to open it and find an incredible piece of jewelry from the 1920’s lying inside. What they love even more than that is tuning in to find out how much the jewelry is worth!

Antique, vintage, and classic jewelry appraisals have shot up in recent years. It seems everyone is on the hunt for era-inspired jewelry from days of old. Attics, garages, and basements around the world have been invaded by bounty hunting fanatics everywhere. Antique shops, estate sales, and back-road yard sales have been overrun with treasure hungry enthusiasts ever since the notion that anyone could make a fortune off vintage jewelry was put into their heads.

Just be wary of who you take your finds to. Some people will see a piece they like for themselves and undervalue your pieces on purpose. Then, there many people who simply just don’t know what they’re looking at. It’s never a bad idea to get a second jewelry appraisal opinion, so to speak. Research online and ask experts through various internet connections. Someone in Japan may recognize that strand of pearls from the 1800’s that the guy down at the local jewelry shop told you was a fake!

Diamond Right Hands Rings Are Perfect For an Amazing Woman

The independent spirit of a woman can never be harnessed. Her will for life and her incredible drive for success astound and inspire all who know her. She pushes the limits, tests boundaries, and is constantly striving for more. Give the powerful and strong woman in your life the kind of fine jewelry that encompasses her passion for excellence and showcases her aspiration for distinction.

A diamond can do just that. The quality and class that is exuded from a diamond is like no other gemstone out there. The rare beauty and wild nature of a diamond is the perfect compliment to a free spirited and exceptional creature like that of a woman. Having that diamond on none other than her right hand proclaims her independent nature and clairvoyant spirit. She will admire and cherish a diamond right hand ring just like she does her liberated disposition.

Diamond rings of this kind need to be as unique as the woman who wears them. Utilizing a professional custom design service is always a great way of capturing the aesthetic and quality that you’re striving for. You want to give her something she has never seen before. You want to shock and awe her just like she does so very often with you. The amazement that you want to see in her eyes when you give her this ring is the very same feeling of wonder and excitement that she gives you every single time you are around her.

The Precious Jewels of Heirloom and Family Jewelry

We’ve all heard our parents tell us, “Families are forever.” The saying is as old as time, and one we’ve come to understand more and more as the years pass. We go through a lot together. Every difficult hardship, each incredible accomplishment, and all the celebratory moments in our life are shared with family. Every occasion is just another testament to the strengths and bonds within a family unit. Commemorate the unique spirit of your own family and the lifelong commitment you all have with one another this holiday season with family jewelry.

The perfect representation of family can be defined in one simple, yet magnificent symbol: the infinity sign. The curves and twists of this sign never break and never waver from their true form. It’s just like your family structure - the unbreakable bonds and unwavering relationships you have built through the years will continue to grow and gain even more strength. Represent these incredible connections with jewelry that can be worn by each individual member of your family.

There are beautifully crafted leather bracelets for brothers and sisters to give to one another. The cords are held together by a single infinity charm, and they suit male and female styles perfectly. There are also other unique versions where the clasp is actually the symbol. For dad, a more unassuming piece of jewelry is probably necessary. Again, a simple leather cord with a tiny charm can work perfectly.

Then there is the center of your family unit, the mother. You want to give mom a piece that symbolizes her important role. A beautiful sterling silver necklace showcasing a gem-encrusted infinity pendant is ideal for her. Choose gems that represent all of your birth months. This adds that extra touch that she will cherish forever. 

Fabulous and Classic Famous First Lady Jewelry

The jewelry you wear reveals a lot about the wearer. Personality. Style. Class. Many Presidential First Ladies were well known for their choice in jewels and gems, and several have become so famous to have replicas of their favorite pieces created.

Probably the most well known and recognized First Lady with an extensive and classy collection of adornments is Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Known for her simple, elegant and classic style with pillbox hats and pearls, she is acknowledged decades later for her iconic jewelry. Though other First Ladies before her had worn pearls, she made them the new tradition for the First Ladies to come. Jackie’s three strand pearl necklace was her signature piece that everyone who lived in the Kennedy era, remembers her wearing.

First Lady Barbra Bush was also well known for her pearl necklace which became tremendously popular.  Jewelers across the country created replicas and known as “First Lady pearls.” Who doesn’t want to ooze with the class and radiance of someone like so many of our country's First Ladies?

Breaking the mold for First Ladies, Michelle Obama has been seen in pieces from the classic First Lady pearls to fabulous vintage brooches and sparkling statement necklaces. She might go down in history for her fashion sense just as Jackie Kennedy Onassis. 

Status and Luxury Woven in Golden Fabric

Wealth. Power. Prowess. Gold is associated with all of these attributes. Before gold jewelry became the iconic item for these attributes, fabrics sparkling with golden thread and accents were how people showed their status in society.

For thousands of years, finely woven silk was a status symbol for the elite. Silk is woven from the cocoons of silkworms. It is an arduous process to sort, soften and roll the fibers of the cocoons into skeins. This process is why silk has always been seen as a sign of refinement and elegance. The time and craftsmanship it takes to create a shimmering swath of silk is worth the price people have paid over the years for this luxurious fabric.

Silk was often paid for in gold, especially when it was brocade silk, which was adorned with threads wrapped in gold and silver or threads created of these precious metals. The Chinese created beautiful designs with these threads, flowing images and motifs that could be found no where else.

In today’s society luxurious robes and fabrics have become gleaming gold and gems in jewelry as the way to show your elegance and class. The step from gentle, flowing cloth to shimmering stones in sparkling settings has been a slow transition, but gold remains the iconic standard throughout time.

Contact us-
WEDDING DAY DIAMONDS
DEAN NASIFOGLU
8329 CRYSTAL VIEW ROAD
EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA 55344
Tel: (952) 513-0030
Fax: (952) 513-0031
www.preferredjewelerswest.com/wedding-day-diamonds/

Loose Diamonds are a Safe Investment

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I know a better way for you to invest your money. Remember what Will Rogers said about investing in land and that no more of it will be made? Well, there are two problems with that. First of all, they are. I personally live on an island that is twice as big as it used to be, thanks to man-made fill. Number two, there are other things that not only are in a limited supply and always will be, but they are also highly cherished and always in demand. That would be loose diamonds.

Obviously these aren’t the type of things you can just pick up while at the department store. You need to find a professional jeweler who has the access to the finest certified diamonds from around the world. Depending on how much money you have to invest, they can help you find the class and quality of diamonds that is affordable for you. Don’t just rely on them for the fine jewelry you love so much. They can also help you invest your money in as safe a place as possible. Plus they are certainly much prettier to look at than anything else.

Certified Loose Diamonds are the Closest to a Sure Thing

They say nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. That may be so, but there other things that are near certainties, and that is what we are looking for when it comes time to make an investment. Stocks may rise and fall, businesses may come and go, but some things will always be around and valuable. Certified loose diamonds are one of those things. There will always be a demand for them, they will always be treasured, and there will only even be so many of them.

People don’t really consider making an investment in diamonds, but only because they may not even be aware that it is a possibility. The ability to invest in diamonds and other gemstones and precious metals has exploded over the last several years as the internet has brought the world closer together. The same professional jeweler who you trust to sell you the most affordable fine jewelry can help you make an investment that will protect your money better than almost anything else in which you could invest. We spend our whole lives looking for that one sure thing. Nothing is guaranteed, but there is nothing else that comes close to being a sound investment.

Jewelry Stores: In-Person or Online

In a world where face-to-face consumerism seems to be fading, where can you go to get your jewels? Isn’t an in-person purchase from an actual jewelry stores better than an online buy when it comes to precious gems?

Not necessarily. The Internet can be your friend when it comes to finding a good jeweler. Whether it’s an online store or a real, live shop, it’s easier to rate their products and customer service for all to see.

In-store: If you’ve got the time to shop around in person, lucky you. You have the option of feeling the situation out first hand, but you can also research the products they sell online to be sure you’re getting the best deal possible. In addition your in person recon can be a valuable tool to be used in tandem with online shopping. This way you can see in person the difference between certain grades of diamonds instead of hoping that your monitor color is accurate.

Online: Jewelers who operate online can be just as great and often more unique and affordable. Look for independent artists on Etsy for something special that won’t break to bank. Sellers on sites like Etsy, and also Ebay, come complete with a history of feedback so you know exactly who you’re dealing with. Be sure to get a guarantee, too, in case the blind buy does fail you, and you need to do a refund later on. In addition, it has become popular for your favorite local jewelers to host their own websites. Many of the online companies that you may be viewing have real brick and mortar stores that they have years of experience operating.

Happy shopping, and just remember to buy with both your head as well as your heart.

A Short and Sweet Guide to Certified Loose Diamonds

You don’t need to read a novel to know the basics on certified loose diamonds and their key characteristics. Remember these easy tips when you’re shopping for your forever rock, because your heart can’t do all the thinking.

Diamonds go through a special grading system to receive a slew of different grades based on four characteristics, or the 4C's as they are popularly known. They are, in the order of importance, carat, cut, color, and clarity. Knowing these attributes helps you, the buyer, judge the quality rather than trusting the suave of your salesperson.

First decide on the carat you’re willing to buy. If your partner’s eyes are bound to gloss over at anything less than a carat, then this is something you don’t want to compromise on. She will be wearing this ring for the rest of her life so, get it right the first time.

Then, make sure the cut grade is closer to the excellent range than the poor rating. This will determine the sparkle that the stone emits. This also known as its brilliance in the jewelry industry.

Next, pay attention to the color. The diamond should be clear, bearing no shade of color at all as these are valuable and more desirable. For a warmer tone look for a stone in the H-J range as this can be paired well with vintage settings and they can be more affordable.

Finally, make sure there’s clarity. This means that no flaw should be visible to the unaided eye. If you can spot an inclusion (inside the diamond), keep on shopping. Now that you’re a professional diamond shopper, remember this last thing: don’t settle until it ultimately sits right with your soul.

Certified Loose Diamonds: A Certified Winner

When you first start shopping for fine jewelry, there is much to learn before purchasing. Unfortunately, it's not just a matter of taste anymore or being able to find the best deal. The best deal is actually the purchase that comes with certain assurances of quality, like certified loose diamonds do. Why buy certified, some customers ask? Or rather, what is a certified loose diamond anyway? Both are valid questions and should be addressed, so that next time you are shopping for the perfect piece of jewelry, you will know what to pay a little more for.

Buying a diamond that has been certified is akin to buying a pure bred puppy that has papers. You have a certificate that states the origin and all specifics pertaining to that item. A certified diamond has undergone a rigorous evaluation before being shipped to a jeweler and placed in a piece of jewelry. This evaluation judges everything about the stone from the cut to the color, the clarity of the stone to its carat weight. Buying a diamond that has been tested and certified in this way should certainly give the consumer more confidence in their product. Gem labs that provide certifications are all third party so that they can maintain a certain neutrality when looking at the stones.

In addition to knowing that the stone you are buying has been tested for quality, buying certified stones will help in the insurance process. It is highly recommended that high end jewelry be insured in the event of loss, damage or theft. Most policies require an appraisal or certification to be submitted for this process. Buying certified diamonds provides you with the essential information right from the start. Now that's being an informed consumer.

Where to Buy Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

I grew up in a small town in the south. My family didn't have money, nor did any of my friends' families. Some of us really grasped the frugal lifestyle and some of us didn't. I know several individuals from my graduating class that proposed to their girlfriends with engagement rings with huge stones, at least a half-year's pay. I think my favorite one, though, was my best friend, who took her husband to the jewelry counter at a store in the mall and pointed out a gem with a tiny, cute butterfly on it. The butterfly was made of beautifully set Peridot stones, a deeper more lustrous green than you usually see. They're both August babies, so it was a shared birthstone. “That's what I want you to propose with,” she said.

Now, they'd already talked about getting married, being rational and thoughtful folk, but JT wanted to wait until he got a better paying job to propose. He wanted to get her something big and fancy, to show he could take care of her. She still caught him by surprise that day, though, and he finally popped the question a few months later, with that little butterfly ring.

When seeking an engagement ring always remember that she is saying yes to you not just the ring. Traditions are a wonderful thing but often times being non-traditional is the essence of being crazy in love with someone.

Diamond Engagement Rings: Stressing Out

There is certainly an array of choices for couples to pick from when looking for diamond engagement rings. The shimmering inventory of choices can often be overwhelming when you are looking to take the plunge. After all, isn't it stressful enough just wondering if she is actually going to say, yes? Here are three ways to bring that stress level down to a dull roar and walk away with the perfect ring.

Engagement rings are the mainstay of the fine jewelry market. You can only pick one of those glistening designer gems from the vast array of inventory. It's no wonder your blood pressure begins to go up at the thought of shopping! It's a big decision and you need something extra special to convey that statement. However, before you begin looking at rings, look at your bank statement. A large part of ring shopping anxiety is the expense. One way to avoid stress is to sent a real budget and try not to look at rings that are out of that range.  Secondly, if you are thinking of using a financing plan, make certain that you already have at least 50-75% of the purchase price. It's much easier to pay off a small portion and some interest than the whole ring on credit.

The last way in which to avoid stress is to involve your partner in selecting a ring. To be honest, you can't stress about if she's going to like it or if it's the perfect ring, if she picked it out herself! Ask for advise! Ask for examples and find rings that are in your price range. Shopping for engagement rings does not have to be a time of stress and anxiety if you take it one step at a time.

How to Find Affordable Engagement Rings

Are you ready to take the next step in your relationship but worried about finding her the perfect ring that won’t wipe out your savings? Finding an affordable engagement ring is actually pretty simple if you are willing to step out of the big chain jewelry stores.

Look for hand crafted jewelry. There are many talented artisans working with precious metals, rare, gems, and even diamonds. You might also find a vintage engagement ring that your lady will love!

You can also check out the consignment area at a local jeweler. You can find beautiful engagement rings for half the price of the large chain stores. Another way to find the perfect engagement ring is by going to estate sales where you can purchase rare antique jewelry at huge discounts over retail.

Be careful shopping at sites like Amazon or eBay. You won’t be able to check the authenticity of the ring until you receive it, which can be a bit of a gamble. You are better off shopping at a reputable online jewelry dealer.

Always remember, the most important thing about your engagement is you and your love. Finding her the perfect ring might take a little creativity, but you can start your new life together debt free.

Engagement Rings: Be Bold Brilliant and Dazzling

Engagement rings are a big deal. There’s just no getting around it. The ring you choose to propose with reflects the ways you think about the relationship you are about to suggest should continue until one of you dies. You do not want to start off on the wrong foot. That makes shopping for these rings a frightening process, but to some extent, it absolutely has to be. This is a huge transition on which you are about to embark. Finding the ring that perfectly sums up and communicates what you believe your relationship uniquely expresses is what the whole thing is about.

A trick that can help is to start thinking about one value you really want to express to your partner and then shop accordingly. If that is trust, for example, trust is traditionally associated with the idea of marriage, so more traditional designs can be appropriate in expressing that value. This jumping off point is at least a way to start thinking about the way that the properties and materials of a ring work together to create a message, and that communication is vital when it comes to your ring. Boldly go and select your engagement ring with that idea in mind and you are sure to find the perfect ring.

Choosing Loose Diamonds to Personalize Jewelry

Upon entering any jewelry store, there are many pre-made pieces of diamond jewelry from which to choose. From rings to watch chains, any type of jewelry can be found with these precious gems.  There are some individuals, however, that prefer to personalize their jewelry by choosing from a selection of loose diamonds for placement in a variety of settings. When deciding to create diamond jewelry by selecting the individual pieces, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

When choosing which diamond to use, consider the setting in which it will be placed. If that intricate gold leaf necklace has a small setting place, a large carat diamond probably should not be selected. If it is too big, not only will it not fit, but it may not look right on such a delicate piece of jewelry.

Make sure that the diamond is of the highest quality possible. It should be a certified diamond, with the paperwork showing the four “C's” of the stone in question. The four “C's” include carat, clarity, cut, and color. Personalizing jewelry with loose diamonds can be a wonderful way to create unique, personalized jewelry for any individual. The selection of the diamond should be made carefully, however, before creating the perfect ring or necklace.

The Symbolism Behind Solitaire Diamond Engagement Rings

Over the years, solitaire diamond engagement rings have been the most popular outward sign of a couple's commitment and devotion to one another. Simple yet elegant in design, the symbolism they represent can provide the perfect way to express two people's intent to spend a lifetime together.

The diamonds of the engagement rings themselves represent long life and overcoming struggles. The stones were formed under extreme duress over hundreds of thousands of years. After being exposed to constant heat and pressure, the lumps of coal are made into something precious, durable, and long-lasting. Like these gems, relationships, many times, undergo obstacles and hardships that mold and strengthen the love felt by the people involved. This strength helps the couple feel closer, as well as gives them the knowledge that they can last throughout a lifetime.

The single stone of the diamond solitaire engagement ring also symbolizes the love felt between two people. After they are married, they are no longer two separate entities. They become one unit bound together through love, devotion and dedication to one another. The sole diamond represents this lasting unity between two loving people. When two people become engaged and commit to a lifetime together, the solidarity and unity felt is often indescribable. Solitaire diamond engagement rings symbolically represent these feelings with a single gem that will last forever, just like their love.

Expressing a Lifelong Commitment with Engagement Rings

When a couple makes the decision to become man and wife, the emotions surrounding the event can be quite intense. The deep feelings of love and joy can become overwhelming, with no words to be found to express these feelings accurately. The wearing of engagement rings attempts to provide a symbol of this love, as well as the strong commitment felt by the individuals involved. Because of this, the selection of the ring should be carefully considered before purchasing it.

The solitaire diamond ring is the most recognized engagement ring. It has been used traditionally for years by couples to express the solidarity represented by their relationships. These solitaires, however, are not the only rings that can be used when two people become engaged. Diamond clusters, rubies, emeralds and many other gemstones can be used, depending on the taste of the couple as well as the symbolism they represent for them.

The time of engagement is an exciting, emotional time for couples who have decided to commit to each other for the rest of their lives. Engagement rings offer a tangible symbol to express the deep love, commitment and devotion felt by two people planning to walk together throughout life's path.

Bone Carved Jewelry

Some of you may be apprehensive of wearing carved bones, but at one time, it was at the cutting edge of jewelry innovation.

Wood was easy to carve, but without modern day sealants, it broke or would wear away quickly. Stone was very durable, but could take a long time to carve into the desired shape. Bone was easier to carve than stone and would last far longer than wood. Not to mention that most of the jewelry of the time was designed as functional objects and not display pieces.

Utilitarian type objects such as fish hooks, needles, and hair combs were fashioned out of bone due to its strength. Soon pendants and amulets were made as record of tribal histories and passed down the line of progression. Bone carved jewelry is still around today, but not as prominently as what we're used to in our local jewelry stores.

The reason for that is actually quite simple. Most of this kind of carved art and jewelry is made from whale bones. That means there is a select few that can legally obtain the materials required to make it.

The allure, beyond the metaphysical beliefs that some may have, is that bone carved jewelry has a warmth to it that metal doesn't impart. Also, many develop an attachment to their bone jewelry as it absorbs skin oils and slowly changes colors because of it. They feel that it has become a part of them, or them to it.

Diamond Engagement Rings: A Dark History

With today's progressive stance on gender equality, it's hard to imagine a time when women were considered more-so property than a person. That is why diamond engagement rings were popularized. They represented a form of insurance for the women, if their fiancé ditched them before the wedding, the woman at least had the engagement ring as compensation. Also, because it was customary for the woman to keep the ring, it served as motivation for the man to stick around or he'd lose that particular investment.

Times were different back then. Premarital sex was a major taboo and a woman's virginity carried a premium value. All too often though, an engaged couple would do the deed before the "big day," an act that isn't uncommon today. If the couple's engagement didn't work out, the man walked free and clear, but the woman was considered "damaged goods." There was even a span of time that women could take legal action against a man that did this. It offset the possibility that the woman couldn't find another man that would want to marry, "damaged goods."

We have come a long way in a short time. I would hope that men and women alike now see diamond engagement rings a symbols of eternal love, and not an insurance policy.

Engagement Rings, for All Ages

My mother has a tiny little ring that her mother bought for her when she was just a baby. Tradition of old, was to give a baby a gold ring to signify the never ending love felt for the child by the parents.  I have friends who have continued the practice with their children.  Rings are a part of our lives from the very beginning and mark special moments as we grow to maturity.

Jewelry has always been the perfect symbol for many different things, engagement rings in particular.  When we graduate from high school, we get a class ring and again if we achieve a college degree.  Best friends exchange friendship diamond rings and young, adolescent lovers commit themselves to one another with a promise ring or a tape wrapped class ring.  Rings are often given as gifts for life accomplishments such as a Super bowl win or an NCAA national championship. When we find the love of our lives, a ring is the symbol of the endless love we feel for one another.

Additionally, Antique rings are a symbol of power in some instances.  If you recall Marlon Brando as the Godfather, his ring was kissed by all asking favors or paying their respects.  The same applies to the Pope himself.  The ring worn by this Catholic icon is a symbol of the holy deity and the power of the church. It is also traditionally kissed by Catholics as a sign of honor and respect for the man. 

Rings are a part of our lives for our entire lives.  No other jewelry, throughout history has held more symbolism or meaning for the human soul.  The next time you would like to let someone know for any reason, that you love them, a meaningful ring will bring the sentiment full circle round.