More and more couples today are marking their imminent betrothal with sapphire engagement rings. Sapphires are a fashionable alternative to the traditional look of diamonds, and the naturally blue gemstones don't sacrifice the durability or hardness that comes with buying diamonds. If you feel that you want to mark your marriage with an eye-catching coloured stone, a sapphire engagement ring may be your best bet. However, to guarantee that you make a quality purchase, consider the step-by-step guide below.
1. Know What Tone of Blue You Desire
Sapphires come in a multitude of different shades of blue. The lightest is known as the Sweden princess blue, a tone that resembles baby blue, and the darkest shade is akin to a navy or near-black. Royal blue is the middle of the scale and it is also considered the most prized colour. Thus, royal sapphires are the most expensive. Camelot and commodore blues, a lighter and darker shade to royal respectively, are similar hues that make for more affordable alternatives.
2. Consideration of The Hue
Blue sapphires can be entirely blue, or they can contain tints, most commonly of green or purple. In terms of cost, a pure blue sapphire is valued the highest, followed by a slight purple tint and slight green tint sapphire. Any sapphire with strong tints of green or purple are generally rendered undesirable since these undertones overshadow the stone's natural blue hue.
3. Look at the Transparency of the Stone
Transparency is commonly overlooked when shopping for sapphire engagement rings, but the more transparent a gemstone is, the more radiant it will look. Transparency also directly correlates with value, so should definitely be considered by the buyer. Translucent gems, one rank below transparent, allow light to pass through with a little amount of obscurity. This downgrades their value but makes for a good compromise between quality and budget. Semi-opaque and opaque stones allow little to no light to pass through and as such are valued the least among all sapphires.
4. Consider a Fancy Colour Sapphire
Although blue is the most common and most coveted colour for a sapphire, these gemstones also appear in several other shades. Padparadscha sapphires are rare, orange-pink coloured stones and are considered very valuable. Pure pink sapphires are also a prized colour, whereas yellow and green are valued less as a fancy sapphire.
5. Be Aware of How Origin Affects Price
Where a sapphire was mined can have a vast influence on its asking price. Sapphires sourced from Kashmir, Burma, and Sri Lanka tend to be more prized than those sourced elsewhere because the quality of stones from these mines is usually higher than those originating from other locations. However, this is only a general trend and in some ways resembles paying for a product with a brand name. A good cost effective alternative is to shop for quality sapphire engagement rings adorned with a sapphire from a less prolific mining location.
6. Pay Attention to Cut
It is a common misconception to think that a stone's cut refers to its shape. Rather, cut refers to the facets on a stone's surface that dictate how it reflects light and shines when light passes through. A deep cut sapphire will have better colour and shine because more light can pass through. Shallow cut stones often look to large for their own weight and setting, and they do not sparkle as much. The cut of a sapphire is usually rated on a scale of excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor.
Consider these six steps when shopping for sapphire engagement rings and you will be sure to buy a quality jewellery piece for your soon-to-be bride.
Rabu, 29 November 2017
Selasa, 14 November 2017
3 Ways To Enhance Your White Gold Engagement Ring
Gemstones are available in a variety of colours and can offer the perfect accent for a white gold engagement ring. These precious rocks are crystallised minerals that formed in the earth millions of years ago, and besides diamonds, the most popular ones used in white gold engagement rings are sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
Sapphires
A sapphire is a transparent jewel made of oxygen and aluminium. It is an incredibly hard stone, almost rivalling the hardness of a diamond, and it is known for its durability. They naturally occur in a variety of colours, but their most common shade ranges from light to navy blue. Depending on the titanium and iron content found within the stone, the gem may appear pink, orange, purple, green, or even yellow. Pinkish orange sapphires known as padparadscha are the most valuable because they are the rarest, while green sapphires are the least expensive. A stone with a natural blue colour will always be more costly than one artificially infused with a different shade of blue or a new colour altogether. Sapphires have become increasingly popular in white gold engagement rings over the last several years and this has largely been attributed to the piece of jewellery used to mark the engagement of the most recent royal couple.
Emeralds
An emerald is a precious jewel that contains a chromium rich variety of beryl. The colour of the gem is determined by the variation of chromium and vanadium contents within the stone. They are mainly known for their profound green shade, and they can be used to create dazzling jewellery pieces. The gem can also be found in blue, yellow, or brown but natural green emeralds are far more coveted, and are therefore more expensive. They are not a naturally hard stone, so they can crack and wear rather easily. Because of this fragility, emeralds are often cut without corners in an attempt to reduce the possibility of damage. They pair well with white gold engagement rings because of the eye-catching contrast between the pale metal band and the deep green hue of the gem.
Rubies
Rubies symbolically represent happiness and love, and given this metaphorical meaning, many are partial to accenting them in their engagement rings. They consist of aluminium and oxygen and are a very durable stone. Their high level of hardness permits them to be cut into any shape, although oval and cushion are the most popular styles used for white gold engagement rings. Rubies receive their vivid red hue from the mineral chromium. Depending on how abundant this mineral is within the stone, the gem can range from a light rose to a deep crimson.
Sapphires
A sapphire is a transparent jewel made of oxygen and aluminium. It is an incredibly hard stone, almost rivalling the hardness of a diamond, and it is known for its durability. They naturally occur in a variety of colours, but their most common shade ranges from light to navy blue. Depending on the titanium and iron content found within the stone, the gem may appear pink, orange, purple, green, or even yellow. Pinkish orange sapphires known as padparadscha are the most valuable because they are the rarest, while green sapphires are the least expensive. A stone with a natural blue colour will always be more costly than one artificially infused with a different shade of blue or a new colour altogether. Sapphires have become increasingly popular in white gold engagement rings over the last several years and this has largely been attributed to the piece of jewellery used to mark the engagement of the most recent royal couple.
Emeralds
An emerald is a precious jewel that contains a chromium rich variety of beryl. The colour of the gem is determined by the variation of chromium and vanadium contents within the stone. They are mainly known for their profound green shade, and they can be used to create dazzling jewellery pieces. The gem can also be found in blue, yellow, or brown but natural green emeralds are far more coveted, and are therefore more expensive. They are not a naturally hard stone, so they can crack and wear rather easily. Because of this fragility, emeralds are often cut without corners in an attempt to reduce the possibility of damage. They pair well with white gold engagement rings because of the eye-catching contrast between the pale metal band and the deep green hue of the gem.
Rubies
Rubies symbolically represent happiness and love, and given this metaphorical meaning, many are partial to accenting them in their engagement rings. They consist of aluminium and oxygen and are a very durable stone. Their high level of hardness permits them to be cut into any shape, although oval and cushion are the most popular styles used for white gold engagement rings. Rubies receive their vivid red hue from the mineral chromium. Depending on how abundant this mineral is within the stone, the gem can range from a light rose to a deep crimson.
Selasa, 10 Oktober 2017
Just a Black Engagement Ring or a Diamond From Outer Space?
I just can't quite get over the fascinating idea of an intergalactic meteorite engagement ring. In terms of bragging rights, you simply cannot top that, right? I think my fiancee might be a little ticked off with me for harping on about it. She complains that, yes, the science part is all very interesting, but the beauty of the stone seems to be wasted on me. To which I protest! I do agree. It is beautiful: 'intergalactic beautiful' which is just so cool!
A black diamond possess a unique geological structure, incomparable to any other type of diamond found on the planet, which further leads scientists to believe that they most likely originated from supernova explosions. These specialists speculate that each single black diamond may, at one point, have been the size of an asteroid, with a total diameter of over one kilometre. This speculation is certainly reflected in the price tag of any black engagement ring. However, to be able to say that your bride-to-be literally has 'an asteroid' on her engagement ring is fairly priceless!
The space theory surrounding the origins of black diamonds really does have its merits. I was reading in Science Daily that recent controlled comparisons between astronomical spectra, lab-created spectra, and models of emission and absorption have revealed that there are, in fact, real diamonds in the sky. Not ready-to-cut, whole diamonds such as you would find in a traditional or black engagement ring, but fragments of diamonds, sometimes called 'diamond dust'.
'Diamond dust' is commonly located on meteoroids called carbonaceous chondrites and originates from the same furnaces that give stars their glow. In layman's terms, the carbon atoms that constitute this dust can be considered 'fingerprints' of diamonds. The actual explanation for this classification is complex and involves a lot of scientific jargon, but the simpler version is that the absorption and emission bands detected in chondrite spectras are close enough to those of diamonds for these carbon-based atoms to be given that label.
At the moment, scientists consider that the amount of existing evidence is still somewhat limited. However, most seem to be in agreement about that these carbon residues can, to a certain extent, be called 'space diamonds'. This certainly gives an engagement ring, especially if it is a black engagement ring, a certain cosmic appeal!
That is not all, however. More recently, actual black diamonds have been claimed by scientists to be of extra-terrestrial origin as well. 'Carbonado' (or 'charcoaled') diamonds, found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic, were discovered to have traces of hydrogen and nitrogen in their composition, which would indicate an outer-worldly provenance.
This is fascinating stuff, and I have certainly learnt a lot about these cosmic gems. My intended suggested that the only thing she has learnt is the true extent of my nerdiness. We'll see who the nerd is after I present her with a ring with an asteroid on it!
A black diamond possess a unique geological structure, incomparable to any other type of diamond found on the planet, which further leads scientists to believe that they most likely originated from supernova explosions. These specialists speculate that each single black diamond may, at one point, have been the size of an asteroid, with a total diameter of over one kilometre. This speculation is certainly reflected in the price tag of any black engagement ring. However, to be able to say that your bride-to-be literally has 'an asteroid' on her engagement ring is fairly priceless!
The space theory surrounding the origins of black diamonds really does have its merits. I was reading in Science Daily that recent controlled comparisons between astronomical spectra, lab-created spectra, and models of emission and absorption have revealed that there are, in fact, real diamonds in the sky. Not ready-to-cut, whole diamonds such as you would find in a traditional or black engagement ring, but fragments of diamonds, sometimes called 'diamond dust'.
'Diamond dust' is commonly located on meteoroids called carbonaceous chondrites and originates from the same furnaces that give stars their glow. In layman's terms, the carbon atoms that constitute this dust can be considered 'fingerprints' of diamonds. The actual explanation for this classification is complex and involves a lot of scientific jargon, but the simpler version is that the absorption and emission bands detected in chondrite spectras are close enough to those of diamonds for these carbon-based atoms to be given that label.
At the moment, scientists consider that the amount of existing evidence is still somewhat limited. However, most seem to be in agreement about that these carbon residues can, to a certain extent, be called 'space diamonds'. This certainly gives an engagement ring, especially if it is a black engagement ring, a certain cosmic appeal!
That is not all, however. More recently, actual black diamonds have been claimed by scientists to be of extra-terrestrial origin as well. 'Carbonado' (or 'charcoaled') diamonds, found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic, were discovered to have traces of hydrogen and nitrogen in their composition, which would indicate an outer-worldly provenance.
This is fascinating stuff, and I have certainly learnt a lot about these cosmic gems. My intended suggested that the only thing she has learnt is the true extent of my nerdiness. We'll see who the nerd is after I present her with a ring with an asteroid on it!
Sabtu, 23 September 2017
Black Diamonds: A Sturdy Alternative For An Engagement Ring
A classic song declares that 'diamonds are forever', but this is actually not strictly true. In fact, this type of rock can be extremely fragile, depending on its carat and quality. One member of the diamond family, however, stands out for its sturdiness and curiously it is the literal 'black' sheep.
That member is, of course, the 'carbonado', more commonly known as the black diamond, a rock that more engagement ring designers should take into consideration when looking for resilient materials for their wedding and engagement ring orders, due to its extreme resilience when compared with other members of the diamond family.
The reason why carbonados are so much more resistant than 'regular' diamonds is, of course, that they do not technically belong to the same geological group. Their internal constitution is almost entirely different from that of a standard diamond, being closer to that of a meteorite or igneous rock. Its polycrystalline structure, reinforced by nitrogen, makes it virtually impossible to break down, significantly improving its resistance.
In fact, the old adage that states that you can only break a diamond with another diamond is true for carbonados, even if it isn't strictly accurate for its 'regular' cousins. A standard diamond can be crushed by an abnormally strong grip, but to cut a black diamond you have to use another black diamond, which is a long-winded process. This might explain why only very few engagement ring designers opt for these stones for their pieces.
The uncommonly resistant nature of this type of stone may, of course, be connected to its origin, which many speculate to be intergalactic. Popular theories regarding the provenance of black diamonds include the idea that they may be pieces of a star turned supernova or are bits of meteorites that collided with Earth and shattered upon impact. This would explain not only their unique geological structure and composition, but also the fact that they can only be found in a couple of places around the world, namely certain spots in Brazil and Africa.
Whatever their origin, however, the fact remains that black diamonds are extremely resistant, lasting up to three billion years, and therefore constitute a great choice for an engagement ring stone. The fact that there aren't more engagement ring designers using them for their creations might be something to do with the difficulty in acquiring and cutting them, whereas their relatively modest levels of popularity may stem from their rarity, which also explains the high price they bring. At any rate, it is undeniable that carbonados really should be more popular among newlyweds and engagement ring designers alike.
That member is, of course, the 'carbonado', more commonly known as the black diamond, a rock that more engagement ring designers should take into consideration when looking for resilient materials for their wedding and engagement ring orders, due to its extreme resilience when compared with other members of the diamond family.
The reason why carbonados are so much more resistant than 'regular' diamonds is, of course, that they do not technically belong to the same geological group. Their internal constitution is almost entirely different from that of a standard diamond, being closer to that of a meteorite or igneous rock. Its polycrystalline structure, reinforced by nitrogen, makes it virtually impossible to break down, significantly improving its resistance.
In fact, the old adage that states that you can only break a diamond with another diamond is true for carbonados, even if it isn't strictly accurate for its 'regular' cousins. A standard diamond can be crushed by an abnormally strong grip, but to cut a black diamond you have to use another black diamond, which is a long-winded process. This might explain why only very few engagement ring designers opt for these stones for their pieces.
The uncommonly resistant nature of this type of stone may, of course, be connected to its origin, which many speculate to be intergalactic. Popular theories regarding the provenance of black diamonds include the idea that they may be pieces of a star turned supernova or are bits of meteorites that collided with Earth and shattered upon impact. This would explain not only their unique geological structure and composition, but also the fact that they can only be found in a couple of places around the world, namely certain spots in Brazil and Africa.
Whatever their origin, however, the fact remains that black diamonds are extremely resistant, lasting up to three billion years, and therefore constitute a great choice for an engagement ring stone. The fact that there aren't more engagement ring designers using them for their creations might be something to do with the difficulty in acquiring and cutting them, whereas their relatively modest levels of popularity may stem from their rarity, which also explains the high price they bring. At any rate, it is undeniable that carbonados really should be more popular among newlyweds and engagement ring designers alike.
Kamis, 07 September 2017
Wedding Rings and Some Unwelcome Advice That Always Comes Along
When it comes to wedding advice, it seems as though everyone wants to offer the newly married couple their thoughts on the matter. Not only is some of this advice not very helpful, but some of it can be downright horrible! When it comes to wedding rings and bells, let the happy couple be just that- happy! They do not need to be worrying about advice on their special day. They need to be focusing on the celebration at hand!
Probably the most common advice people tell a newly married couple is to never go to sleep angry. I am certain these people have nothing but great intentions, but what is the point of staying up late and continuing to debate the issue at hand? Sometimes people just need to cool off and sleep on it before further discussing the matter. Continuing the conversation could lead into more heated words, and maybe even wedding rings flying across the room!
People will also tell you to take your time and enjoy one another before you have kids. This is good advice for the young couple who gets married in their early twenties. If you are in your early thirties, this may not apply to you. Some women feel it is their mission in life to produce children, and the window of opportunity to have them gets smaller as you age. There is no reason not to at least start practicing as soon as those wedding rings are on your fingers! People also say that once you have children and your children leave the nest, you will have nothing to talk about, and will drift apart. This is not necessarily the truth. You spent many happy years together before the children were born and you will continue to spend happy years together after they are on their own.
People always love to tell you what kind of wedding you should have. Exchanging diamond wedding rings under the gorgeous sunset here or destination wedding there would just be perfect! Well, it is not their wedding. It is your wedding and you should exchange your diamond wedding rings wherever you darn well please! This is a special day where you get to call the shots. Taking your family members ideas and suggestions into consideration is one thing, but try not to let them control your entire day! This is your time to shine, so put on your game face and get ready for the ride of your life!
Probably the most common advice people tell a newly married couple is to never go to sleep angry. I am certain these people have nothing but great intentions, but what is the point of staying up late and continuing to debate the issue at hand? Sometimes people just need to cool off and sleep on it before further discussing the matter. Continuing the conversation could lead into more heated words, and maybe even wedding rings flying across the room!
People will also tell you to take your time and enjoy one another before you have kids. This is good advice for the young couple who gets married in their early twenties. If you are in your early thirties, this may not apply to you. Some women feel it is their mission in life to produce children, and the window of opportunity to have them gets smaller as you age. There is no reason not to at least start practicing as soon as those wedding rings are on your fingers! People also say that once you have children and your children leave the nest, you will have nothing to talk about, and will drift apart. This is not necessarily the truth. You spent many happy years together before the children were born and you will continue to spend happy years together after they are on their own.
People always love to tell you what kind of wedding you should have. Exchanging diamond wedding rings under the gorgeous sunset here or destination wedding there would just be perfect! Well, it is not their wedding. It is your wedding and you should exchange your diamond wedding rings wherever you darn well please! This is a special day where you get to call the shots. Taking your family members ideas and suggestions into consideration is one thing, but try not to let them control your entire day! This is your time to shine, so put on your game face and get ready for the ride of your life!
Selasa, 22 Agustus 2017
Stones You May Never See Topping a Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
As far as precious gems go, diamonds are perhaps the ones which most frequently capture the imagination of the average bride or groom. Among these, fancy diamonds, a special, extra-sparkly sub-category within the broader 'diamond' classification, are perhaps the most coveted, either due to their rarity, their beauty, or a combination of both.
Unfortunately, most of these stones are altogether too expensive for anyone but the richest of brides and grooms to be able to afford. The exceptions are yellow diamonds, the relatively common nature of which takes the purchase of a yellow diamond engagement ring out of the realm of fanciful fiction and brings it down to a more realistically possible level for most couples.
However, even yellow diamonds have their outstanding specimens - stones so perfect, large or rare that it is all but impossible that they will ever be set in a yellow diamond engagement ring, at least one owned by a 'mere mortal'. This article describes a few of them.
The Exceptionals
When the subject is yellow diamonds, the first stone which comes to mind is, of course, the world-famous Tiffany diamond. This stone, dated by many as having been discovered in 1877 or 1878, belongs to the owners of the famous upmarket jewellery store located on Fifth Avenue in New York City and impresses not only for its size, approximately 129 carats, but also for having been fashioned into a stylish brooch, complete with a stylised bird standing on the rock.
The Tiffany diamond is not, however, the only diamond unlikely to feature in a mass-marketed yellow diamond engagement ring. The approximately 254-carat Oppenheimer diamond is another worthy entrant to the 'Exceptionals' category. This stone's claim to fame, apart from its size, is having belonged to the founder of De Beers, the world's leading diamond merchant. The same individual also owned another notable yellow diamond, the 235-carat 'De Beers Diamond', part of the Patiala necklace.
But of course, no list of noteworthy yellow diamonds would be complete without 'The Incomparable', the largest diamond of this colour in the world, and third largest overall. Weighing in at a whopping 408 carats, this mammoth stone is also notable for being internally flawless, which understandably increases its value substantially. Ironically, this most valuable of all diamonds was discovered by a young girl as she was playing in a pile of rubble in the Congo.
There are, of course, many other stones which could qualify for this list and which are unlikely to adorn a yellow diamond engagement ring. However, these are the most impressive representatives of that group and constitute good examples of occasions when a stone of this type is not necessarily all that affordable.
Unfortunately, most of these stones are altogether too expensive for anyone but the richest of brides and grooms to be able to afford. The exceptions are yellow diamonds, the relatively common nature of which takes the purchase of a yellow diamond engagement ring out of the realm of fanciful fiction and brings it down to a more realistically possible level for most couples.
However, even yellow diamonds have their outstanding specimens - stones so perfect, large or rare that it is all but impossible that they will ever be set in a yellow diamond engagement ring, at least one owned by a 'mere mortal'. This article describes a few of them.
The Exceptionals
When the subject is yellow diamonds, the first stone which comes to mind is, of course, the world-famous Tiffany diamond. This stone, dated by many as having been discovered in 1877 or 1878, belongs to the owners of the famous upmarket jewellery store located on Fifth Avenue in New York City and impresses not only for its size, approximately 129 carats, but also for having been fashioned into a stylish brooch, complete with a stylised bird standing on the rock.
The Tiffany diamond is not, however, the only diamond unlikely to feature in a mass-marketed yellow diamond engagement ring. The approximately 254-carat Oppenheimer diamond is another worthy entrant to the 'Exceptionals' category. This stone's claim to fame, apart from its size, is having belonged to the founder of De Beers, the world's leading diamond merchant. The same individual also owned another notable yellow diamond, the 235-carat 'De Beers Diamond', part of the Patiala necklace.
But of course, no list of noteworthy yellow diamonds would be complete without 'The Incomparable', the largest diamond of this colour in the world, and third largest overall. Weighing in at a whopping 408 carats, this mammoth stone is also notable for being internally flawless, which understandably increases its value substantially. Ironically, this most valuable of all diamonds was discovered by a young girl as she was playing in a pile of rubble in the Congo.
There are, of course, many other stones which could qualify for this list and which are unlikely to adorn a yellow diamond engagement ring. However, these are the most impressive representatives of that group and constitute good examples of occasions when a stone of this type is not necessarily all that affordable.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)