Diamond Engagement Rings Specialist

Zhao Hongbo and Shen Xue are trying for the figure skating medals at this winter Olympics in Canada. She had retired from the sport but he persuaded her to come back and try for it for the fourth time. She said she would but only if they got married. So it was the wedding rings first before starting to practise for the Olympics. Thus far, they have competed in three Olympic events and have walked away with bronze medals twice.

They are in very good form but they are among the oldest of the participants so this could well be their last attempt and both of them know that. Which is why it was so important to compete this one last time.

The wedding ring is a western concept and would never have been thought of as a part of the Chinese wedding ceremony in China even a few years ago. However, with globalisation sweeping through the world, this is one tradition that is fast becoming a part of Chinese weddings.

Part of the wedding tradition is visiting all the relatives after the wedding ceremony and today, one of the things the couple does is to show off their wedding rings on these visits. Many of them are choosing diamond wedding rings and they love to flash that bit of dazzle to show off their married status. The wedding rings that many of the young Chinese couples choose are very expensive so much so that even though the wedding ring is a part of weddings there today, they don’t wear them everyday but only on occasions.

Any way you look at it, a product’s wholesale price will always be less than its retail price because you are going one step behind in the distribution chain. The great thing about online diamond buying is that it has opened up many more wholesalers who are offering their diamonds directly to buyers all around the world – and they are definitely less expensive than if you were to buy them in a brick and mortar store. So you really do have a double benefit here – you buy diamonds online where they are cheaper anyway and you can buy them loose at wholesale prices which make them even cheaper.

Diamond Rings: Some Things To Be Cautious About

Before you rush headlong into buying anything just because you are so excited about the price, there are a few things you just have to look at. Make sure the store sells diamonds that are certified – this is usually done by a qualified gemmologist. Many online stores will advertise that they have their own qualified gemmologists as well so do make it a point to check this out. Make sure that the site has a guarantee where they take the diamond back in case of any problems – this is usually a period between 30 and 60 days. Check if they offer free shipping and are members of the Better Business Bureau as well as Diamond Committees. You should also do an online search with their name to check if they have been involved in any scam – and avoid them like the plague if they are.

Diamond Rings: Loose With The Option Of Designing

Once you have bought the loose diamonds online, you could have them shipped to you so you can go get it designed into whatever you want. Very often, the wholesale sites online offer you the facility of designing your own piece of jewellery for a fee. The great thing is, you can look at the various designs they have, pick one and ask them to go ahead. They usually have a time lag for making the jewellery and it should be with you by the due date. Most sites also have easy search facilities where you can enter your budget and what kind of a diamond you want and you are shown only the ones that fit into those parameters.

When you buy a loose diamond and get it set, it just feels like you are a lot more involved in the diamond ring or other diamond jewellery than if you were going to a store and picking it up. From choosing the diamond, to deciding what metal you want, to deciding the design is a great feeling and makes you so much more involved with your diamond jewellery.

There are many reasons that couples upgrade their engagement rings. Perhaps one married young and could not afford a respectable sized diamond. Perhaps the engagement ring was an heirloom, and one wants a change in style. Perhaps the ring was perfect when one got married, but one really would like something more now. Or maybe there’s an important anniversary coming up, and an upgrade would mark the occasion beautifully.

Diamond Rings: Keeping the Setting

The first place to visit would be the same store that the ring came from. Jewellery shops often have an upgrade policy as long as the diamond is not damaged in any way. They will take the gem back - if not at full value, then at least at 75% of its value. If you want to keep the setting for sentimental reasons, the jeweller will have to see if it is possible to fit a larger diamond into the same setting. Often it is not and you will have to have an entirely new ring made, perhaps a copy of the old setting if desired? You could also get an entirely new ring in a different design, and keep the old setting with another gem fitted into it, to wear on your right hand. This works well with an antique ring or an heirloom. The old setting is retained exactly as it was, the diamond gets a beautiful new modern setting and both become heirlooms!

Diamond Rings: Keeping the Diamond

Say you would like to keep the diamond – it marked a very special day in your life and you’re not parting with it. Three stone rings are becoming increasingly popular now, a symbol of the past, present and future. If you would like a larger diamond, then your present one could become the “past” in your new ring. A larger diamond would be in the centre with the old precious one and another of the same size, on both sides of it. If you like the size of your beloved diamond, then two others the same size (or slightly smaller) can be set on either side of it. An entirely new setting could enhance the diamond, maybe a pavé setting, maybe channel set stones on both sides. Just browsing on the Internet will show you the most incredible array of designs available – you then just have to locate the jeweller, try the ring on (does it look as good on your finger as it does in the ad?) and make the decision.

Diamond Rings: Keeping the Ring

And maybe, you just want to keep the ring. It’s beautiful, it means the world to you and you want to wear it always. But you want to add to it in some way, make it more than it is. You will be happy to know that most jewellers keep a variety of “diamond ring enhancers”. These are usually eternity or half eternity bands that will match your ring. Princess cut diamonds to match an emerald or Asscher cut diamond, round diamonds that will usually match any diamond, or even trilliant cut diamonds to match an unusual cut, like a pear cut diamond. These smaller diamonds can be channel set, though the common prong set is prettier. You can have two bands, on either side of your ring or maybe just one band. They usually fit snugly with your ring, literally “enhancing” it.

Diamonds can become an addiction and if you have the means, there’s nothing more wonderful than owning a collection of diamonds. The thing is, would you just like to collect diamonds in a random fashion or would you rather have a method when you do it? If you do put a method into collecting into place, you could have a collection of diamonds that spans a whole gamut of sizes, shapes and colours. So your collection would be representative of the vast variety that diamonds offer.

Diamond Rings: The First Rings

In all probability, the first diamond ring will be gifted to you – whether it is a graduation ring, a birthday ring and of course, the all-important engagement ring. These will usually be round diamonds, white, set in a simple setting. These are great to adorn young hands and the engagement ring in the classic simple design is a great match for a wedding ring.

Diamond Rings: The Older Rings

As one ages, the rings, especially the ones for the right hand and for fingers other than the ring finger can get more flaunting, more ostentatious. So if you are into a collecting spree, you can look at diamond rings first of all in other shapes. Then you could probably seek out diamonds of other colours. Now these may be very expensive, depending on how rare it is, it could be cheaper than a typical round solitaire. However, it would all depend on what you want and what looks good on you. Setting diamonds in fancy and unusual settings could also make them look very good.

Diamond Rings: Different Shapes

There are so many different shapes of diamonds. You could get an oval one, a marquise, a rectangular one or a pear-shaped one. You can set them in unusual unique settings that you design yourself. Or you could even shop for antique looking diamonds rings where the settings are sure to be unique and unusual. Settings like the pavé setting can look stunning when the design is right. Or you could design a ring with many small diamonds – a cluster with an unusual shape.

Diamond Rings: Different Colours

Once you’ve had your fill of white, maybe you would like to experiment with coloured diamonds. They are going to be big in the coming years, so the fashion pundits say. They could come in all the colours of the rainbow though pink and brown diamond seems to be the ones that celebrities are flaunting on the red carpet these days. Finally, what colour you go for would have to be one that you like.

Diamonds are perhaps the most precious and also the most beautiful of all gemstones. Diamond studded jewels are popular among men and women alike. All beautiful things come with a heavy price and diamonds are no exception. Investing in diamonds can take quite a heavy toll on one’s pockets and thus, a purchase of diamonds should be well thought over. A good way of ensuring that you are buying good quality diamonds is by looking for some sort of identification mark on it. Laser beams are typically used to engrave identification symbols on diamonds.

Diamond Rings: How Are Laser Beams Used?

Laser beams are used to inscribe a unique identification code on to diamonds. It could be a series of letters or numbers, but the entire string of characters together make up a unique distinguishing feature of the diamond. Thus, it gives a unique individuality to the diamonds. Many a times, laser inscribing is done in such a way that the identity of the diamond cutter or the original seller can be affixed to the diamond. A series of numbers for instance, may indicate the identity of the seller, the make of the diamond or the place of origin. Whatever the character series may stand for, one fact that remains unchanged is the basic purpose behind such inscriptions. A diamond assumes its own character and this is especially important from the point of view of a seller. While purchasing a diamond, you may come across situations where you feel that two diamonds are exactly identical. In reality, no two diamonds could be exactly same and this fact is cemented by inscribing each diamond with a laser tag.

Diamond Rings: Benefits Of Laser Identification

Laser tags are beneficial to both the buyer as well as the seller. To the buyer, it gives the assurance that the purchase he makes is worth its price. To the seller, a laser tag is a mark of the fact that he is reliable and trustworthy. Laser tags are of great importance in the diamond market. Often times, the larger diamonds do not find buyers unless they have laser tags and a GIA report. GIA reports specifically make a mention of the existence of laser tags. In the diamond market, a GIA report is a must and many a times, it becomes difficult to sell the diamond to a reputed jeweller in the absence of one. Laser tags can help safeguard your precious diamonds. If a diamond were to be stolen, its resale to a reputable jeweller would be difficult with a laser tag. In addition, one may want to add a personal message engraved on a diamond. This too is done using laser beams. The next time you plan on purchasing a diamond for your sweetheart, consider engraving ‘I love you’ on the diamond - this could be the most unique gift that you could ever gift to your loved one!

There’s something that diamonds do to a woman that defies description. Maybe it’s the way a diamond has been packaged and showcased all these years that has something to do with it – or maybe there’s something in a diamond that just calls out to the soul of a woman. Whatever it is, it makes her eyes light up and her heart beat faster. So when a woman is going to be given a diamond engagement ring, you could choose for her and hope she’ll like it or you could take her along to do the choosing. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both.

Diamond Rings: Doing The Choosing

If you are going to be the one to choose the diamond engagement ring that you are going to get your girl, there are a few questions that you need answers to before you go out and do it. First of all, how much do you plan to spend on the ring? The usual amount is two months’ salary but that is no reason why you need to follow the herd. You might want to spend a lot more – or a lot less – that is your prerogative. All you need to do is to set a budget. Then, talk to someone she knows very well. Can they try and smuggle out a ring of hers for size? That makes it so much easier when you go to buy that ring for her or order it online. Then ask yourself, what kind of a design would she like? Fussy? Classic? If you can’t tell for sure, go with the classic. Then walk into that store or do your online browsing and choose from within that budget. You’ll be fascinated with the choice that is in front of you but do keep a clear, objective head on your shoulders and keep the parameters in mind. When you choose the ring, the element of surprise is always there.

Diamond Rings: If She Does The Choosing

If you would prefer to take your girl along when you buy her a diamond engagement ring, be prepared to spend a little more than you had budgeted for. She will probably go crazy when she sees all those beautiful rings shining in front of her and the budget will be the last thing on her mind when she is choosing. You probably won’t be able to resist her unspoken pleas either if she likes something and it costs a bit more than you had anticipated. However, what you will love is the joy she finds in looking at all those dazzlers and finally choosing. There is one thing though – here there is no element of surprise as she obviously knows what it’s all about.

Diamonds are really a girl’s best friend and whether you find joy in choosing it for the one you love or she finds joy in choosing it for herself is not the question – what is important is that she finally has a wonderful diamond to slip onto her finger.

Diamonds are the hallmark of love, the ultimate confession of a lifetime of commitment and togetherness. Like all invaluable objects, diamonds too come with a heavy price. Diamonds are the most expensive of all gemstones and not everyone is fortunate enough to afford them. However, for those on a tight budget, there is still some hope. One important part to be borne in mind is that purchasing a diamond ring is not a once in a lifetime experience. If you buy one for your significant other, chances are that you may have to repeat the same in future again! You may thus wish to set aside a budget for a diamond ring.

Diamond Rings: Simple Tips For Small Budgets

Once you have set aside a budget, the next you need to do is to find the right diamond. You may consider the option of buying loose diamonds - they can be packed attractively and they will come without the jeweller’s overhead costs. The biggest advantage of investing in loose diamonds is that your loved one gets the liberty of designing the jewellery.

Another important consideration is the size of the diamond. While large sized stones do look breathtakingly beautiful, the practicability aspect remains to be tested. It is worth considering how comfortable or uncomfortable it would be for a person to carry such a large stone around throughout the day. It is much easier to go easy on the size and to choose a small sized diamond over the large one. This also means that you save a good deal of money!

Diamond Rings: Buy During Sales

Like apparel stores, jewellery stores too have clearance sales. You can remain watchful of the happenings in your vicinity and if you come across any jewellery sales, be sure to be there. Purchasing a diamond is not an action solely dependent on your whims and fancies - it requires careful planning. This way, you can begin saving money and thus, will be able to set aside a fixed amount for your purchase. Such a careful planning also means that you will get ample time to visit stores offering jewellery at discounted rates. Who knows, you might find a beautiful ring at such a sale!

Diamond Rings: Buy Online

Another good way of avoiding unnecessary expenditure is by turning to online shopping. While scouting for rings online, look for the ones which are slightly used. These rings will be significantly cheaper and since they have been used before, they will not be as expensive as the new ones. If diamonds far exceed your budget, you might think of investing in clever substitutes. One such stone, the Moissanite, is known to have brilliance comparable to that of a diamond. Wedding bands set with Moissanite stones are fast gaining popularity. It is now considered fashionable to sport Moissanite jewellery - a trend that is being glamorized by super models and movie stars. However, if you do prefer a diamond as most do, you could look for the ones that are offered at discounted prices online.

Diamond rings are a token of love - they make marriage complete. Not many can afford real diamonds, for lone solitaires can be quite heavy on one’s pockets! For the lucky people who wish to own diamonds, some discreet measures are a must. Before buying diamonds, these are a few simple tricks to identify the real diamonds from fake ones.

Diamond Rings: Real vs Fake

Real diamonds more often than not tend to have some flaws as opposed to the fake ones. Many a times, careful craftsmanship will ensure that the artificial diamond is virtually flawless, so that one may be tricked into believing that the diamond is real. However, real diamonds may have ‘flaws’ that lend it an enhanced brilliance. A common trick to determine whether a diamond is real is to look inside the gemstone as if you were peeping into a crystal ball. Real diamonds always have some inclusions within the crystal layers, so that to the naked eyes, you should not be able to see through it. If observed under a microscope, these inclusions are plainly visible.

Diamonds are perhaps the most expensive of all gemstones that is used to make jewellery. That is precisely the reason as to why they are set in expensive metals. If the diamond that you are buying is set in inexpensive metals, the chances of them being fakes are very large. Diamonds are remarkably hard, so if you notice any scratches on the surface, you know you are holding a fake one!

Diamond Rings: Simple Tests

In case of unmounted diamonds, a simple reading test will help you determine the authenticity. Place the diamond in question on a newspaper. Real diamonds refract light, so if the print on the paper is visible, chances are that you diamond is a fake. Another simple test checks the conductivity property of the stone. Breathe on the diamond and observe if any fog collects on its surface. If the surface of the crystal stays foggy for four seconds or more, chances are that the diamond is a fake. However, some other stones besides diamonds may pass this test, so a safer option is to have a complete thermal conductivity test done on the diamond.

Diamond Rings: Some Common Sense Tests

Sometimes, simple common sense might help you in making the right choice. Real diamonds usually have an ‘open setting’, so their rear end is visible. Fake diamonds are often coated with silvery film at the rear end so as to impart extra brilliance. And last but not the least, the price of the stone is the best indicator as to the authenticity of the stone. If a particularly large stone is priced ridiculously low, one should think twice before opting to purchase it.

Finally, a trusted jeweller is the best bet when it comes to buying diamonds, Get a certification for your diamond from a well reputed diamond store and you know you cannot go wrong.

For decades, a diamond ring was an engagement ring. The engagement ring, over the centuries, was worn on the left hand ring finger – that’s how the finger got its name. The reason the right finger for this special ring is the left ring finger makes interesting reading.

Diamond Rings: Vena Amoris

In classical times, it was believed that a vein ran directly from the ring finger of the left hand to the heart which was why this was called the vena amoris or the vein of love. This was why the ring of betrothal was placed on this finger. From a ring woven with reeds or grass to rings with heavy precious stones set in them all the way to the modern diamond engagement ring – it was the journey of the symbol of love and commitment. The left hand engagement ring is a very Western concept but it has spread all over the world. Even in Eastern countries where there are other symbols of betrothal and marriage, the diamond engagement ring has been incorporated into the rituals. Today, when you think about a diamond engagement ring, the design that springs to mind is the classic one that Tiffany’s made possible – the simple gold band with a diamond solitaire in the middle set in the typical prong setting. In spite of so many contemporary designs coming into fashion, this classic design has held its own against all the odds.

Diamond Rings: Right Hand Engagement Rings

In some countries, the left hand rule is not followed. Instead, the woman wears it on the right hand ring finger. There are a few East European countries where they follow this custom. With globalization, there are many who are travelling more or getting more exposed to outside influences and it is showing in the younger ones changing over to rings on the left hand. Sometimes, betrothal rings are for men and women and the men wear this as a wedding ring too. Again, some wear these on the left hand ring finger and others on the right.

Diamond Rings: Not Engagement Rings

Today, diamond rings do not have to be just engagement rings so if it isn’t a part of the whole proposal ritual, you can wear the ring on any finger and on any hand. There’s been a huge upsurge in right hand rings when it comes to jewellery fashion. Today, diamonds are fast moving away from the purview of engagement rings to light up every finger in your hand. Even solitaire diamonds rings are being flaunted on the ring finger of the right hand. Truly, diamonds have no right finger anymore – any finger is the right finger.

When it comes to metals, gold or platinum are the usual choices depending on the colour that appeals to you. Gold comes in a variety of colours. Pure 24 karat gold is the golden colour we know, but it is too soft to hold a diamond securely, so usually the jeweller uses 18 karat gold down to 10 karat gold to make a setting for a diamond. He makes an alloy, combining another metal with the gold to make up the 24 karats. The other metal is the one that gives gold a new colour and this could be anything from white to blue, green, pink, read, etc.

Diamond Rings: The Setting – Claws and Prongs

For a solitaire diamond, the usual setting is a claw or prong. As the name suggests, thin gold or platinum wires hold the diamond securely at the edges of its crown, the base of the prongs forming a little basket attached to the ring. There are four to six prongs holding the gem, placed at even intervals. Ideally rounded at the edges, they barely show and allow the natural brilliance of the solitaire to shine out. A common prong setting is seen in eternity bands. The diamonds are set all around the ring and each prong will hold the diamond on both sides of it, creating a continuous circle.

Diamond Rings: The Setting – Bezels

A bezel setting is a band of precious metal wrapped around the sides of the diamond and very slightly protruding above it. This setting, though traditional, can be modernised by breaking up the bezel into two bands. This is called the semi or half bezel and allows more of the diamond to show. The gold or platinum band that the bezel is set in is sometimes engraved or set with tinier stones, making the entire ring more interesting.

Diamond Rings: The Setting – Channels

The channel setting is as its name suggests, diamonds set in a row embedded in a channel. This setting is popular for both wedding rings and for engagement rings. A central diamond can be enhanced by having smaller channel set diamonds running down both sides. A channel setting is very pretty for the eternity band, allowing two channels of diamonds to run around the ring, on the outer edges – very tiny diamonds, of course!

Diamond Rings: The Settings – Pavé

The pavé setting is another exquisite way to set diamonds. Exactly as it sounds, the diamonds cover the surface of the ring like a pavement of cobblestones, or a carpet of gems. All the diamonds are exactly the same size, and cut perfectly. Pavé needs a very skillful and painstaking craftsman to accomplish, so these diamond rings do tend to be more expensive.

Settings are often combined, a solitaire or bezel set diamond will often have channel or pavé set diamonds on the sides. Cluster rings are usually stylized designs of flowers or abstracts and combine a variety of gems in different settings. There are so many designs - the only way for you to decide the best setting for yourself is to see how it looks on your own hands.