The Four C’s of a Diamond – Clarity January 30, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds , add a commentOne of the telling qualities of a cut and polished diamond is clarity. The gemstone’s near transparency has done a great deal to contribute to both the sense of beauty and the associated value of the diamond.
But how clear is a diamond, really?
The answer, like color, varies from diamond to diamond. Though the gems by and large maintain an overall sense of clarity, diamonds do tend to have minor internal imperfections, known affectionately as birthmarks. Because many of these birthmarks are too small with the naked eye, diamonds have a clarity rating similar to the color, which can seem abstract at first glance.
Clarity Guide
- F – IF (Flawless to Internally Flawless) – these diamonds are as clear as a diamond can be.
- VVS 1 and 2 (Very Very Slightly Included) minute imperfections that are difficult to detect by a trained professional at 10x magnification.
- VS 1 and 2 (Very Slightly Included) as the name might suggest, these diamonds have tiny imperfections that are invisible to the naked eye and still difficult to see under magnification, essentially requiring 10x to make them out. Probably the sweet spot in balancing affordability with clarity
- SI 1 and 2 (Slight Included) The difference between SI1 and SI2 is largely the naked eye. Both have birthmarks that readily evident under magnification, however, the SI2 can occasionally have birthmarks which are visible to the untrained and unaided observer.
- I 1, 2, and 3 – (Inclusions) These diamonds have obvious birthmarks which are easily observed by the naked eye.
Birthmarks Make for Unique Diamonds
Just like a finger print, no two diamonds will have the same set of birthmarks. When a diamond is certified, these birthmarks are noted in a “plot” which can be used to uniquely identify the stone.
That sense of the unique also adds a measure of character to a diamond. Birthmarks that are invisible to the naked eye still affect the diamond by altering the diamond’s light refracting properties. This means that diamonds of the same clarity grade, will sparkle differently.
What grade is right for you?
Danforth Diamond is very careful to sort out any diamonds which are not “eye–clean.” The diamonds that do not meet this measure have inclusions which are visible to the naked eye. This means that Danforth sells diamonds rated at SI1 and better.
Crazy Diamond Studded Gifts January 27, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Diamonds , add a commentThe World’s Most Unique Diamond Gifts
Everyone has someone on their holiday shopping list that is difficult to shop for, be it because they’re incredibly unique or they simply have everything. Because of this, gifts must be hunted for months in advance. Keeping in mind that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner now is the time to start looking for the perfect gift of diamonds. While the best solution for the unique gift-recipient is to simply get to know them better, the gift for the person who has everything is a bit easier. The trick is to buy a truly one of a kind gift.
FOR THE MUSIC FAN OUT THERE
White ear buds proved to be a major marketing victory for Apple and the iPod. The more discerning shopper, however, might want to push the limit a bit, choosing to sport a pair of 18 carat gold plated ear buds. These truly unique devices can be purchased for £3,500, or about $5,300. photo credit
FOR THE TECHNOLOGY FAN
Should your difficult recipient be a fan of the high tech gizmos, constantly buying the latest and greatest in shiny devices that whiz and blink, attempting to buy them anything tech-related can be a difficult task. A much wiser decision is to appeal to the tech lover’s sense of nostalgia. That is, go retro. Simply buying older technology is a bit passé, so, for the sake of a good gift, it’s best to spice retro up with a touch of diamonds. Take, for example, the gold-plated, diamond-studded original Gameboy, retailing for $29,500. photo credit
If the tech fan in your life is not into video games, it’s a safe bet that they love their computer. And every computer eventually needs a new mouse. Giving a mouse as a gift might sound a bit mundane, but this mouse is anything but. According to Pat Says Now, the Swiss manufacturer of the mouse, this device is cast in 18 carat white gold and is set with 59 brilliant cut diamonds in either a flower or scattered design. The modern, 3-button, optical wheel mouse can make the perfect gift for a mere $24,180. photo credit
Read the full article: World’s Most Unique Diamond Gifts
Wedding and Marriage Advice January 5, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry , add a commentAs a wedding approaches, planning often becomes frenetic. Problems emerge that need to be resolved and time quickly slips away. Meanwhile, thoughts about life spent together after the wedding are placed on the back burner. Planning a wedding and reception can be stressful, even if you’ve delegated a majority of the tasks to friends. Plus, there never seems to be enough time to take care of everything. But, it’s still important to remember that once you return home from your honeymoon, life resumes. And this time, that life is intimately linked with your spouse.
Below, we’ll discuss the wedding and reception, including the choice between a big event or small affair. We’ll also provide some advice for enjoying the honeymoon and returning home to build a lasting marriage.
Big Wedding Or Small?
Big weddings have always been popular. Decades ago, it wasn’t uncommon for a wedding to draw several hundred people. Family, friends, distant relatives, and even minor acquaintances were invited to share the experience and celebrate the marriage. However, times have changed. While large events are still popular, smaller affairs are becoming common. They’re more intimate and are designed to draw the people who play a significant role in either partner’s life. Neither choice is the right one. Selecting between a big or small wedding is a matter of catering to each partner’s preference.
Managing The Cost
Weddings are expensive. Today, the average wedding costs $25,000. And the bigger the event, the more expensive it is. Also, more couples are contributing to that cost than ever. Before planning any part of the wedding or reception, the engaged couple should agree on a budget. Not only will this keep the cost under control, but it’s a great opportunity to practice fiscal responsibility together. Plus, by creating a budget, both partners can establish reasonable savings goals in preparation for the wedding.
Planning And Enjoying Your Honeymoon
Traditionally, the planning of the honeymoon has been the responsibility of the man. However, just as men have begun taking an active role in the planning of a wedding, both partners should work together to plan their honeymoon. That includes agreeing on a suitable destination, activities to enjoy, the duration of the honeymoon, and where to stay. Arranging the details together makes it a team effort and ensures that both partners will have a great time.
Building A Successful Marriage
Eventually, the honeymoon ends and the married couple returns home. That’s when life together truly begins. Most couples who have been married for decades claim that a successful relationship is built upon a few basic principles. They include a willingness to compromise, communicate, and support and respect each other.
Of course, developing these traits within the context of a marriage is easier said than done. This is especially true for newlyweds. Often, they’ve lived the majority of their life without having to rely upon a partner. Being married turns that lifestyle upside down. It takes time and patience to cultivate the qualities that make a marriage successful. When long-married couples talk about the amount of hard work involved in building a lasting marriage, this is what they’re referring to.
Love For A Lifetime
A wedding is always exciting because it holds the promise for a loving, lifelong marriage. Two people, once strangers, combine to form a single team. Over time, that attachment and commitment to each other continues to grow, making them all but inseparable. For some, having children and raising a family is a natural extension of that love and respect. For others, a life shared together without children may be preferred. In either case, from the wedding to the honeymoon and beyond, a lifelong union is possible.
