Get it Right – The Importance of Ring Size May 25, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry , 1 comment so farBuying and engagement ring is something that most people only want to do once in a lifetime. However, buying an engagement ring is a bit more complicated than buying a new pair of shoes or even a new car. Potential buyers have to get a firm grasp on not only the measured qualities of a diamond, but also the taste of the intended recipient. The buyer must then figure out how to make those two things meet at a cost which is within the buyer’s budget. To put it bluntly, there are a lot of variables to consider when buying an engagement ring.
Fortunately, many people are able to trust the knowledge of their jeweler, helping to mitigate potential unforeseen circumstances when shopping for an engagement ring. However, there is one variable which neither the jeweler nor guesswork should be used for: ring size.
This is a detail which seems too important to overlook, and yet many people do. One of the most common justifications given for simply estimating a future-fiancés ring size is the need for surprise and the willingness to “just have the ring resized later.” This logic has one rather significant problem with it – not all rings can be resized.
To understand why, it helps to know how rings are actually resized. First, it’s important to know whether the band is being made larger or smaller. For a minor enlargement, a jeweler can sometimes just stretch a ring. However, for major adjustments in size, a jeweler must actually cut the ring. To make a ring smaller, the ring is cut and a piece is removed. To make a ring larger, the ring is cut and additional metal is inserted into the band. The ring is then welded back into one piece, massaged back into a circle, polished to hide the cuts, and finally buffed to a shine.
In an ideal world, the process is quick and the results are not noticeable. However, this process obviously cannot be applied to all rings. Why not? Well, there are two critical flaws which can prevent a ring from being resized.
The first such flaw relates to ring’s metal. In order for a jeweler to insert new material to enlarge a ring, the jeweler must know exactly what metal, or blends of metals, that the ring is made of. For this reason, many antique rings, family heirlooms especially, cannot be resized. However, this can extend to white gold rings if the composition of the alloy isn’t known. Mismatching metals can result in spotted or stained rings. Even if metal isn’t being added to a ring, not knowing the composition can cause spotting or staining when the jeweler attempts to melt and buff the ring back to the correct shape.
The second reason why some rings cannot be resized comes down to the process of buffing and reshaping. Rings which have detail lines or contain stones around the band would cause design inconsistencies if metal was to be taken away or added. Stones could be damaged, lost, or destroyed, decorative lines and details smudged, blurred, or even smooshed beyond recognition, and the ring essentially ruined.
Yes, there are alternatives to resizing. A jeweler might be convinced to swap out a ring, if the ring had purchased new. Ring guards, a metal piece inserted into a ring to make it smaller by taking up space, can be used for rings that are too large. However, these are overlooking one very important fact – when you’re on bended knee looking up at the one who just became your fiancé, you want her to be able to wear the ring right away. And you want it to fit.
The ultimate lesson is that ring size isn’t something you should guess at, nor is it something that you should consider fixable at a later date. Finding a ring size discretely might not be easiest task, but seconds after you pop the question, it will certainly be worth it.
Jill Renee – This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com a leading authority on wedding rings, engagement rings and fine jewelry. Danforth Diamond provides wisdom and advice to help you choose the right ring at the right price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RIN
Diamond Cutting May 10, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds , add a commentWhen a diamond is first extracted from the earth it looks just as any other pebble or piece of rock you may have picked up on a beach and thrown into the sea. Many people never realize the fiery, brilliant stone they are wearing was formed at least 50 miles below the surface of the earth under the most intense pressure and extremes of temperature which compressed humble carbon atoms into a particularly strong atomic formation which gives diamonds their quality of strength and fiery beauty.
In order to bring this beauty and brilliance to the fore, the rough diamond must be cut and polished and how this process is performed will impact directly on how a diamond will look; a wrong cut will destroy the value of a stone and diminish its beauty while a good cut will enhance and amplify one of the world’s most beautiful gemstones and certainly, the most valuable.
Cutting a diamond is a highly skilled art form and requires a superb craftsman to perform the process. For some, cutting a diamond is a highly stressful experience, even for those watching – one slip, one unnoticed flaw in the planes of the diamond structure or a mistake made in the choice of cut to apply and the stone can become a worthless piece of rock; so important is the cutting process that over 40% of the value of the finished stone is applied by the cutting process.
There are many different types of diamond cut and which is applied to a rough diamond will be determined by the overall size, weight and shape of the rough diamond as well as the intended use of the stone – many diamonds never become part of a jewelry collection and instead, end up being used in industrial processes using their hardness for forming the points of drill bits for instance.
Common diamond cuts include:
- Round
- Princess
- Marquise
- Emerald
- Oval
- Heart
- Pear
By far the most popular cut is the Princess Cut, usually with the stone used as the centerpiece for a solitaire ring, very frequently the choice for an engagement ring. The Princess Cut provides a sparkling effect but uses a more contemporary square style. The Emerald cut provide an elongated rectangular shape which together with the Pear Cut look perfect on long fingers; the shape of the diamond you choose will be influenced by a sense of style and also the size of your lady’s hand and fingers. Using an elongated diamond shape (Pear or Emerald) will look better on a hand with short fingers because the shape will accentuate them; a long fingered lady is fortunate in that she can get away with any bold style of diamond ring!
The diamond cut is the only man-made part of the process which directly impacts the value of a stone – the other factors are the Color, the Clarity and the Carat (weight) which with the Cut are known collectively as the “Four C’s“. Combined together, the Four C’s are used to classify and grade a diamond for quality and in turn, to determine its value.
Read more about Diamond Cuts.
Danforth Diamond to Carry The Moppets® Collection of Gold and Silver Charms for Moms May 6, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Diamond Jewelry, Press Releases , add a commentLeading Online Jewelry Retailer Danforth Diamond announces the addition of their newest jewelry collection for mothers: The Moppets® from Haute Corporation.
Midlothian, VA May 6, 2009 — Leading Online Jewelry Retailer Danforth Diamond announces the addition of their newest jewelry collection for mothers: The Moppets® from Haute Corporation.
These sweet and sassy little boys and girls, crafted in solid sterling silver and 14kt gold are sure to delight moms all over the world. Each delightful charm is available with diamonds, or with a child’s birthstones. Personalized engraving is offered to give each charm some added meaning to the mom who receives it. See the collection at: http://www.danforthdiamond.com/moppets/
Each of the 20 different characters in the charm collection is available in gold or silver; and each has its own name and personal story. They make great gifts for Mother’s Day, or any day, and are perfect for adding to a charm bracelet or hanging from a necklace.
In keeping with Danforth Diamond’s commitment to help preserve our planet’s future each of The Moppets® is made from 100% eco-friendly Harmony Recycled Precious Metal™. The creators of The Moppets® will NOT play a role in the Earth’s destruction just to create beautiful jewelry. Instead they choose to help preserve the planet by creating their product line from the HARMONY brand of recycled metal jewelry.
“We are excited to offer these adorable charms to our customers! Every mom and grandmother will love them,” said Jill Renee, President, Danforth Diamond.
Ken Bishop, president of Haute Corporation and creator of The Moppets® stated, “Danforth Diamond’s commitment to top-quality product, consumer education, and earth-friendly products makes them a natural partner in our effort to introduce the latest generation of The Moppets® to the mothers of America.”
