Jewelry
A diamond is a fitting symbol for everlasting love
because of its beauty, rarity and enduring value.
Diamonds
Every
couple should understand the "Four C’s" (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat)
before choosing a diamond. The brief summary below provides a starting
point. Any expert jeweler will gladly augment this information by
answering questions that are sure to arise when the search begins.
Cut:
The visual beauty of a diamond is largely determined by the cutter and
polisher when they transform the rough, natural-occurring crystal into
the faceted, refined gemstone seen in the jewelry store. Ideally, the
best cut will reflect the maximum amount of light back to the viewer.
This reflection, called brilliance, is vital to determining value. Cut
also refers to the shape of the diamond. The most common shapes are
round, pear, oval, marquis, emerald, baguette and heart. The shape of
the cut contributes little to value. It’s the quality of the cut that
counts.
Color: To the untrained eye, the
common diamond is somewhat colorless, usually tinged yellow, brown or
gray. The completely colorless diamond is very rare and thus very
valuable. Also rare and valuable is the "fancy stone," a diamond with
definite color rather than just a shade or tinge. Yellow, red, green,
blue, canary and brown are some of the colors that make "fancy stones"
valuable.
Since completely colorless diamonds and "fancy
stones" may be out of the average couple’s price range, couples will
wisely remember that shades of color lower the price of common, mostly
colorless diamonds. So if a more obvious tint of yellow appeals to a
couple’s personal tastes, they may get more diamond for their money.
Clarity:
Diamonds are formed deep in the earth from one simple mineral — carbon.
As the carbon crystallizes into a diamond, imperfections make each
crystal unique. Internal and external spots and lines form, lessening
the clarity of the diamond.
A flawless diamond must show
no surface blemishes or interior inclusions when examined at a 10x
power magnification. Generally, the more irregularities there are, the
lower the value of the diamond. Value is also affected by those
imperfections that interfere with light passage.
Carat:
The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats: 1 carat equals 200
milligrams; 142 carats equal 1 ounce. Carat fractions are further
subdivided into points: 1 carat equals 100 points; 1/2 carat equals 50
points; etc.
The weight of a diamond is not the most
important factor when determining its value, however. The three other
C’s discussed above — cut, color and clarity — play a greater role when
computing diamond price. If cut, color and clarity are equal, a 1 carat
stone will be more valuable than a 3/4 carat. But a 3/4 carat diamond
that has better cut, color or clarity can easily cost more than the 1
carat stone.
Whether looking for a sparkling diamond or lovely gemstone, a couple
should take the time to consider a fifth (and perhaps the most
important) "C": Confidence. The wise couple will choose a jeweler in
whom they have confidence. The reliable jeweler will talk frankly and
freely about the diamond the couple wants to buy and the price they
want to pay.
Insurance & Care Another issue to consider when investing in a
diamond is insurance coverage. If you and your fiancé are combining
households, you will probably acquire or update a homeowners or renters
insurance policy as part of the process. Your ring will automatically
be insured with the rest of your possessions.
However, be aware that under most homeowners or renters policies,
automatic coverage is limited to between $1,000 and $2,500, and you’re
likely to pay a deductible if a loss occurs. In addition, the coverage
often is restricted to a few specific causes of loss. If your ring is
worth more, you should request a separate scheduled endorsement or
"floater" from your insurance agent.
A sales slip is usually insufficient for insurance purposes. It is
important for your jeweler to provide a more detailed appraisal or
report for insurance coverage, so your insurance company can pay to
replace your ring with a ring alike in kind and quality in the event of
a loss.
Another option is buying a separate jewelry insurance policy. This
choice can include more comprehensive coverage in case of loss, theft
or damage. It can also offer no deductible, a complete description and
the value of the ring written on the policy, and annual inspections and
cleanings of your ring by the jeweler of your choice to prevent wear
and future problems. Finally, when you come home with your new ring, be
sure to care for it properly so it can keep saying "I love you"
forever. Clean your ring frequently to avoid dirt build-up which can
accelerate wear. Unless your diamond is fracture-filled, clean it with
an ammonia-based jewelry cleaning solution or rubbing alcohol and a
soft toothbrush. Once cleaned, dry your diamond with a soft, clean
cloth. Your jeweler can professionally clean your ring and provide you
with additional maintenance tips.
Annual inspections by your jeweler will help identify potential
problems, such as loose or worn prongs that could catch on fabric and
cause your diamond to fall out of its setting. Whenever you suspect
such a problem, have your jeweler inspect your ring immediately.
Avoid sharp blows to your diamond. Even though diamonds are among the
hardest of materials, they are not indestructible. Diamonds can chip if
struck at the wrong angle.
Protect your ring from dirt and grime. If you are gardening or
performing chores around the home, remove your ring. But don’t leave it
on a dresser or counter where it could be lost or stolen. Put it in a
soft container in a safe place, away from other objects that could
scratch the stone. Always keep your ring out of the reach of children
and pets, and be sure to remember where you left it!
Here’s a good rule of thumb: wear your engagement ring as you would your favorite dress. Be careful, but enjoy wearing it!
OTHER JEWELRY
Bridal
Jewelry Jewelry plays an important role in the finishing touches of the
bride’s attire. It is wise to keep in mind the style of the dress,
since the jewelry should work as an accent, not a distraction to the
wedding gown. A stunning necklace can add sparkle to a seemingly simple
sophisticated dress. Earrings can act as a frame to the face. A
bracelet can add additional interest to the ensemble. Choosing the
right jewelry is important and luckily there are many jewelers who can
help.
Costume jewelry can be found at jewelry stores,
bridal shops, specialty stores and artisans who will even custom make
the jewelry to exact specifications.
Gifts Many couples provide their bridesmaids with matching necklaces
and earrings as a gift that will complete their ensemble. This jewelry
can incorporate the wedding colors or work as an accent to add color to
the bridesmaids’ apparel. Most couples will include the jewelry as a
"thank you" gift to the attendants.
Jewelers offer other beautiful quality gifts for both the men and women
who partake in the ceremony. For the bridesmaids, consider bracelets,
charms, watches and other trinkets or collectibles. For the men; cuff
links, watches and fine pens make wonderful gifts. While browsing
through the jewelry shop, the bride and groom may even want to think
about a special gift for one another. Jewelry is a lasting gift that,
like marriage, will stand the test of time!
Renowned for our bridal jewelry, we offer
high quality bridal jewelry at great prices. All of our jewelry comes
with a complimentary gift box. Keepsake Garters, Handkerchiefs, Bridal
Purses & the lucky Something Blue, you are sure to find those
personal items that you need to complete your wedding day attire.
Phone: 386-427-5047
More Details: http://www.aweddingaccessorystore.cathysexpress.com
Wholesale tiaras, rhinestone jewelry, bridal jewelry, gloves, handbags,loose beads, sunglasses and much more. Wholesale prices.
Phone: 504-736-0357
More Details: http://www.awnol.com
Make your wedding day a special day with
unique accessories, favors, clothing and more! We will do everything
possible to ensure that your experience with My Wedding Accessories
will be a pleasant one.
Phone: 619-528-1980
More Details: http://www.myweddingaccessories.com
Your complete online source for wedding
accessories, personalized wedding favors and
engraved wedding party gifts. Your satisfaction
is our #1 priority.
Phone: 419-465-4213 - Toll Free: 800-605-3415
More Details: http://www.myweddingreceptionideas.com
Create your first family heirloom! A unique replacement for your wedding
guest book. Have your family, friends and guests engrave their signatures
on a brightly finished pewter or sterling silver tray with a special non-electric pen, for a lasting memory.
Phone: 804-740-2115 - Toll Free: 888-721-3030
More Details: http://www.SignaturesRemembered.com
Sweet Herb Fake Fur capes,
stoles,
faux fur & maraboa feathers fashion accessories
featuring muffs, capelets &
shrugs.
Phone: 718-667-0363
More Details: http://www.sweetherb.com
Related Links:
Adorable Anna,
National
Bridal Bags By Helene,
National
Shades of Fun! Decorated Sunglasses,
New York, NY
The Sugar Plum,
Houma, LA