by Pragna Prabhu

The Victorians believed that the heart is connected by a vein to the fourth finger: the ring finger. But always the circle remained an obvious choice for the shape of a ring because a circle has no beginning or end, just like true love should be. An engagement is the happiest time in a to-be-married couple’s life. So most men make painstaking efforts to make this event memorable. The choosing of that perfect ring for that perfect woman often becomes a difficult and stressful decision. As most men rarely spend that kind of money on jewelry, this can hurt a little bit.

To many people, of all cultures, an engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of romantic love and devotion. Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life. A decisive moment in which they consent to a life together. This is traditionally celebrated with a ring, popularly a diamond ring, the most precious stone of all. But first, let us take a walk down history and see how the tradition of proposing with rings came into existence. The tradition of engagement rings started with the caveman and the first engagement symbols were reeds or grasses woven into a cord or even sometimes leather.

True to caveman standards, these cords were used to bind together the hands and the feet of the chosen mate of a caveman! Finally when fully assured that she would stay with him, he tied a cord around her finger. Entertaining, but there is no certainty that this is true. The tradition, as we know it today, was started by the ancient Greeks. Their ring was called a ‘betrothal ring’. Etymology traces the word ‘betrothal’ back to the Anglo-Saxon word ‘troweth’ which means truth. Quite simply put an engagement ring symbolized true love and true friendship. Celtic cultures used their loved one’s hair for their rings. The earliest recorded history of a diamond engagement ring dates back to the year 1477, when the Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgandy to celebrate their engagement.

Since then, till today, diamonds have remained a popular choice of stone for an engagement ring. The Victorians believed that the heart is connected by a vein to the fourth finger: the ring finger. But always the circle remained an obvious choice for the shape of a ring because a circle has no beginning or end, just like true love should be. An engagement is the happiest time in a to-be-married couple’s life. So most men make painstaking efforts to make this event memorable. The choosing of that perfect ring for that perfect woman often becomes a difficult and stressful decision. As most men rarely spend that kind of money on jewelry, this can hurt a little bit. The final decision as to which ring to buy depends on style, workmanship quality, your fiancie’s preferences and of course, the price. It is also important to keep in mind that though diamonds are traditionally popular, other precious and semiprecious stones can look terrific without burning a sizeable hole in your wallet.

Gems and minerals like topaz, citrine, peridot, onyx, agate, opal, turquoise, beryl, lapis, tourmaline and malachite are iridescent, lustrous and beautiful, their rainbow hues a complement to your fiancie’s personality. A few tips can go a long way in helping you make an educated purchase decision. An engagement ring is a gift of love and should be as special and unique as the bride. Quite a few jewelers offer the option of designing your own ring to make a perfect match for the woman in your life. So if you don’t think its too much hard work, you can build your own ring from scratch. You can also indulge her by allowing her to choose any ring she wants. This is advantageous because what woman is going to turn down a proposal like that? But if you are planning to surprise her, then it’s a good thing to remember that old saying ‘Diamonds are girls best friend’. Diamonds have an enduring timelessness that is symbolic of the constancy of your love.

Sapphires come a close second and then the other precious stones of emeralds and rubies. Now if you’ve decided on the gemstone, the next step is to consider the four ‘C’s’ which stand for carat, color, clarity and cut. A little homework before you hit the shops will stand you in good stead. There is also a fifth ‘C’ and that is the cost. It just comes down to what you like and how much you feel you can spend. It’s for you to decide if you want to go over the top and buy her a ring which will land you up to your eyeballs in debt. Wedding lore suggests a month’s salary is what you should pay for a ring for your bride-to-be. Decide on your top budget and try your best to keep within it. Most jewelry experts would be glad to advise and help you to choose.

Choosing a matching setting is important. Settings come in a variety of metals and styles. Most engagement rings are set in gold: yellow, white, two-toned or the hugely-popular platinum. Platinum is white-hot and in-vogue. Its rich brilliance brings out the fire in a diamond and is an ideal foil for it. Gemstones come in various shapes and cuts: round, princess, baguette, pear, marquise, oval and cabochon, round being the most popular. A general thumb rule to go by the carat weight is that the price increases exponentially with size. So now you know your budget, shape and size. Shop around with various jewelers. An engagement isn’t a time to stint nor is it the time to go into bankruptcy. Accidents can happen so don’t forget to get your insured as soon as possible, just in case. Another point to consider here is that most women wear their engagement and wedding rings together.

Make sure the wedding band suits the engagement ring. For all you old fashioned sort of guys who want to give your mother’s or granny’s engagement ring or a family heirloom, jewelers offer to reset it in a more modern setting and the band adjusted to fit. Traditionally the ring is presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective bride, but it is increasingly common today for a woman to buy her man a ring too. In fact, in Germany both the man and the woman wear engagement rings. So all you free-spirited women who want to pop the question to that special man in your life, wait no further. But it is truly the thought that counts, the intention of love and future marriage and your ring should represent all what you feel for your intended. Whatever decision is made with regard to a ring, it is ideally sealed with a kiss because an engagement ring, has been, is and will be a promise of a fine future together.

by Mathew Abraham

Since you intend to surprise her (although she may have been expecting it) you have to be discreet in searching her heart for that special ring of her desire. You can get a lot of advice and help, but the best way is to use your own heart – along with the following guidelines! There are three fundamental aspects to take into consideration when selecting a diamond ring: the stone, the metal for the band, and the design and setting.

Summary: Since you intend to surprise her (although she may have been expecting it) you have to be discreet in searching her heart for that special ring of her desire. You can get a lot of advice and help, but the best way is to use your own heart along with the following guidelines! There are three fundamental aspects to take into consideration when selecting a ring with diamonds: the stone, the metal for the band, and the design and setting.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER…AND SO IS LOVE!
The custom of giving or exchanging engagement rings varies from place to place and from person to person. Some girls even go along with their boyfriends to select the ring. But romantic women have a tendency to fall in love with gifts from their lovers, so the ideal option is for you to present the ring to your girlfriend when you proposes to her. It should be the most precious and unforgettable moment of her life – the moment when you are promising to love her and take care of her eternally. The timing must be perfect; the place must be perfect; the ambience must be perfect; and the ring must be truly exceptional! It should be everything she has ever wanted in an engagement ring – all her dreams come true. It should melt her heart because, once she accepts it, you will both start planning for your wedding, your honeymoon, your family and your future. Since the ring symbolizes everything you feel for her, make sure she loves the ring as much as you want her to love you. Stones like aquamarine, sapphires, emeralds, topaz, tourmaline, etc. are becoming trendy choices for engagement rings. But, unless you’re sure your girlfriend doesn’t like diamonds, go for diamonds – women just love that white fire!
The Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring
So how do you go about finding this perfect diamond engagement rings ? First of all you should become familiar with your special woman’s taste in jewelry. Since you intend to surprise her (although she may have been expecting it) you have to be discreet in searching her heart for that special ring of her desire. You can get a lot of advice and help, but the best way is to use your own heart – along with the following guidelines! There are three fundamental aspects to take into consideration when selecting a diamond ring: the stone, the metal for the band, and the design and setting.
Choosing The Right Stone
The stone is the first thing your girlfriend will be attracted to, so it better be something truly special and impressive. Sparkle is far more important than size. You don’t have to spend more than you can afford but don’t be cheap! Once you give her the ring, your fiancée will be waving her hands all over the place – especially before her family and friends. She wants to show off the ring, to let them see the size and sparkle and hear their “oohs” and “aahs”. She wants to hear them ask, “From where did he buy it?” and “How much did it cost?” So don’t buy a ring that she will be ashamed to display in public. You don’t have to waste your money and make her think you are a spendthrift. Just get her an affordable dazzler from a reputed jewelry store. Use your heart and your head in deciding on the cost. And don’t forget to bargain for a reduction in price.

It is not too difficult to figure out how diamonds are weighed and priced. Diamonds are weighed (or measured) in carats, grains and points. 4 grains make a carat and 25 points make a grain – i.e. 1 carat = 4 grains = 100 points. The cost per carat is calculated something like this: if a 0.5-carat diamond costs $X, a 1-carat diamond will cost about $3.5X, and a 1.5-carat diamond will cost around $6X. While flaws reduce light reflection and sparkle in the diamond, clarity increases both. Look for a stone that really flashes white fire. The cut determines the brilliance in a diamond, and sparkle is what diamonds are about. A well-cut diamond will produce a dazzling effect. The best diamonds have no color – just a brilliant white light blazing out. You can even go for a colored diamond, but they can be fairly expensive. Though white is the traditional choice, you should also take your girlfriend’s taste (and your financial status!) into consideration.
Choosing The Right Metal
Most women prefer platinum, gold or white gold for the band. The choice generally narrows down to 18k or 14k yellow, white or rose gold. Make a careful study of your girlfriend’s jewelry and you will know what she likes. If you can afford it (and she likes it) go for platinum. That’s something she’ll really love.
Choosing The Right Setting And Design
The setting and design should be exquisite as well as sensible. Women may be more romantic than men, but they are generally more practical as well. You must know what suits your girlfriends taste and lifestyle best. There are four points to be taken into consideration in selecting the design: it should be uncomplicated and practical, it will be worn daily and must be suitable for rough use, it should hold the stone (or stones) firmly and securely, and finally it should look really grand and make her feel really great!
The Proposal
Now that you have selected the ideal stone, her favorite metal, a fascinating design and the perfect setting for the diamond, you have to propose to the woman of your dreams and offer her this beautiful token of your love for her. It should be an absolutely priceless and eternal moment, an emotionally charged event that fills her with unimaginable joy and a love that she has never experienced before. Take every care to ensure that all the arrangements and the environment are ideally suited to her special tastes. And don’t forget to kiss her when she accepts the ring and you!
A Happy Ending
So now you have it all. If you follow the above advice, every time your woman sees the stone on her finger she will remember the moment you proposed to her and the wonderful emotions she experienced. It is better to get a smaller stone with good clarity, cut and color than a larger stone with no glitter. Spend your money wisely. Get advice and help from her girlfriends and also from married friends – but make sure they keep it a secret. Buy her that diamond engagement ring she will love forever and her heart will be yours forever.

For affordable Engagement Rings, Diamonds and Ideal Cut Diamonds, visit James Allen

by Sheweta Dhanuka

Ancient history reveals that the bloodstone first occurred when at the time of crucifixion, few blood drops of Christ fell and stained the stone jasper lying down near the foot of the cross. As the red spots were considered to be the blood spots of Christ, the stone was attributed special cosmic, magical and healing power. Thus, after that day people started wearing this gemstone to cure all the blood related diseases. This is the reason why dark green coloured stone with red spots is named as Bloodstone.

Bloodstone is chalcedony quartz. It is also called as Heliotrope. This additional name is derived from Greek words meaning sun as bloodstone with red spots implies reflection of sun in an ocean. It is an alternative birthstone for the people born in the month of March. Unfortunately, it is not an anniversary gemstone.

This semi precious gemstone is closely associated with Christianity. Ancient history reveals that the gemstone first occurred when at the time of crucifixion, few blood drops of Christ fell and stained the stone jasper lying down near the foot of the cross. As the red spots were considered to be the blood spots of Christ, the stone was attributed special cosmic, magical and healing power. Thus, after that day people started wearing this gemstone to cure all the blood related diseases. This is the reason why dark green coloured stone with red spots is named as Bloodstone.

This magical stone is inexpensive semi precious gemstone but still many clever sellers deceive the buyers easily with their tricks. Bottlestone and Fancy Jasper are the misleading terms frequently used in the jewelry market. Thus, this article offers few buying tips that would help the buyer in purchasing the genuine Bloodstone gem and the different jewelry items made using this gemstone.

The main source of Bloodstone gem is India. Thus, it is used in many of Indian ayurvedic medicines. Other countries producing this gem are Australia, Kathiawar Peninsula, Brazil, China, South America and USA (Wyoming). The wide availability of this gemstone makes it quite affordable stone.

Bloodstone is dark green in colour with red spots. The green shade appears due to chlorite content in the composition. The spots present on the surface of the gemstone are usually red and can be brown or multi-coloured too. Traditionally red spots were believed to be the blood drops of Christ but scientifically these spots occur due to the presence of iron oxide in the chemical composition of the gem.

Genuine Bloodstone gem possess bright shining. Bright shine is one of the characteristics to identify the natural gemstone. It is non porous and opaque in nature. As it is opaque the clarity is not taken much into consideration while selecting the gemstone.

It is easily cut into different shapes like round, oval, octagon, emerald, cushion and cabochons. Cabochon is the shape most in demand for ornaments choice. Bloodstone set as cabochon in 18K yellow gold or sterling silver makes amazing jewelry.

Its wide shapes, polished look and low cost make it a popular gemstone choice. Many females like pendent and rings with large size of bloodstone. Brooches made up bloodstone are also preferred. The suitable diameter of brooch can be 2.80 cm or 1.10 inches that can hold pure bloodstone brooch of 11.50 gram (7.39 dwt).

For those who cannot afford large size stone jewelry can select smaller size gemstone jewelry items. For example pendent made up of sterling silver having bloodstone gem size between 18mm to 10 mm. The pendent can hold the gemstone either in prong or mount setting and can be easily worn in 16 inches or 18 inches sterling silver chain. Similarly, earrings in different designs are also available having gems or beads in sizes between 8mm to 12mm. Like females, males too like to wear bloodstone. It is used as a sealstone in male’s signet rings.

Bloodstone is widely used as beads. Beads are also given different cuts like oval, round and baroque shapes. Mostly sterling silver is used for making jewelry from bloodstone beads. Plain necklace with bloodstone beads looks quite attractive irrespective of the shape. Beads of same size or different sizes can be used for making the necklace. 18 inches or 45 cms is the ideal length of the bead necklace. Like necklace, bracelets are also created from bloodstone beads. Beads size between 6mm to 10 mm makes attractive bracelets that cover the full wrist delicately. While selecting the beads buyers should ensure that the entire beads in the necklace together offer synchronized look. It should have similar brightness and colour shade.

It is 7 Mohs on hardness scale. Inspite of being quite hard, it has to be protected from sharp blows and scratches. Household solutions and cosmetics containing harsh chemicals can also spoil the natural beauty of the stone. Also extreme temperature changes must be avoided. Bloodstone needs to be always kept dry else moisture would ruin the polish of the gem.

Bloodstone is the gemstone that fulfills the desire of wearing gemstone jewelry of the people belonging to every age group and price range. Bloodstone gem can be a very good option that makes the wearer beautiful and close to GOD !!

by Seema susheel

The interesting factor with diamond is that it can be cut into many fancy shapes and hence the buyer has many diamond shapes to choose from. The fancy shapes are attractive as the diamonds shine and brilliance depends on the way the shape of a diamond is and of course the cut.

To get engaged is a special moment in every individual’s life. To make this special moment memorable couples give each other engagement rings. Almost all the time, couples worldwide choose to buy a diamond engagement ring as diamond is forever and like diamond they wish that their relationship will stay shinning forever. An important decision is to choose the right ring, as the ring will stay shining testimony to this special day, for a lifetime. Apart from many other things choosing the right shape of the diamond is an important factor to decide on. The shape and cut in the diamond determines the luster and shine. The shape and cut though related are two different things and shouldn’t be mixed up. The shape is the form of the diamond and cut refers to the reflective qualities of the diamond.

Different diamond shapes
The interesting factor with diamond is that it can be cut into many fancy shapes and hence the buyer has many diamond shapes to choose from. The fancy shapes are attractive as the diamonds shine and brilliance depends on the way the shape of a diamond is and of course the cut. These fancy shapes are many and are generally named as round, princess, emerald, pear, oval, asscher cut, marquise, heart, radiant cut and triangle cut.

Round shaped diamond
Diamond is usually round and round shaped diamond is extremely popular too. The round shape is popular as it has the maximum shine and brilliance and would fit in to any design and style of the engagement ring. From a solitaire to a band of diamonds, or three stone ring. The round shape diamond has the maximum number of facets as compared to other shapes hence this is the only shape in diamonds which shines the brightest.

Princess shaped diamond
This shape of a diamond is traditionally the square shape with step smaller square on top which gives it a royal look. It’s basically a rectangular shape that was designed to get the maximum brilliance from a square shape diamond. This is the most popular shape in engagement ring diamonds as it gives a brilliant brilliance when viewed from all the angles. This particular shape is much more preferred in a solitaire diamond engagement ring.

Emerald shaped diamond
The emerald shaped diamonds are square shaped with rounded corners. The shape resembles a box when looked down from above. The name ’emerald cut ‘comes from the fact that emerald was cut in the same way. The emerald shape has fewer facets as compared to the round diamond but still is popular as it resembles a clear sheet of glass. The emerald cut comes in square as well as rectangle shape.

Oval shaped diamond
The oval shape is also a popular choice of diamond engagement ring as its closer to being round and fits all designs. The oval shape gives the finger a more slender graceful appearance; hence it’s a popular choice among the women. This shape is a popular choice for a three stone engagement ring. The brilliance is typical of a round diamond but the difference is the exciting shape little away from the ordinary.

Pear shaped diamond
This shape is similar to a pear and also resembles a droplet. The rounded bottom with both sides tapering together on the top forming a diamond drop is very enchanting. It’s a pretty shape which accentuates long slender fingers.

Heart shaped diamond
As the name suggests the shape is of a heart which is difficult to achieve in a diamond. Apart from the trouble the good thing is that as the heart is the symbol of love, and the diamond is the symbol for eternity, when a diamond is heart shaped it becomes a symbol of everlasting love. All around the world heart shaped diamond engagement rings are more popular and most sought after.

Asscher cut shaped diamond
This unique shape looks similar to the emerald cut but the only difference is that it’s square while emerald cut diamond also comes in the rectangle shape.

Marquise shaped diamond
The shape of a marquise diamond is such that it will appear big and give you a much larger-looking brilliant diamond. This fancy-shaped marquise diamond looks beautiful set in any design. The shape is enhanced to its full potential when surrounded with side stones. The length of this particular shaped diamond accentuates the fingers and makes them appear long and slender.

Tips for right shape for your engagement ring
You have decided to get engaged, you have also decided to get yourself and your fiancé a diamond engagement ring. You and your fiancé have decided to have matching engagement rings and want to shop together for the ring. Once you have decided which company to buy from, you need to place an order. The shape of the diamond determines the entire look of the ring hence to decide on the shape will be the first step. If it’s a solitaire then as the diamond is a stand alone an attractive shape is very important. You should go for a shape that suites your personality and physical build up and complements your entire persona. A shape that also enhances the look of the diamond, and adds to the shine and brilliance of the diamond. A shape which is classy and elegant, and has a style statement that won’t fade away with time. A shape which gives you more out of the diamond. For example you can’t have a huge well built man wearing a tiny heart shaped finger ring, or a small built dainty women wearing a huge emerald shaped finger ring. Engagement ring is going to be worn through out life and it has to complement your each and every dress and occasion. It’s not necessary that the costliest of the diamond is the best looking one for you hence you can always make the right selection by going for the right shape, cut, color and design to make the perfect ring that will add a sparkle in your life forever.

by Seema susheel

Clarity is the purity of the diamond. Almost all diamonds naturally will have some very minute inclusions or grain trapped inside or blemishes on the surface, all these factors effect the clarity of the diamond.

The four c’s, criteria

There are four c’s which are considered while pricing as well as buying a diamond. The four c’s are cut, clarity, color and carat. Each of these c’s is important and only when in harmony, there is a perfect, brilliant diamond. The cut determines the way light would reflect from its surface causing the overall brilliance. The color is the amount of color seen in the diamond. The more the diamond is colorless the higher is its value. Carat is the size and diameter of the diamond. The bigger the carat weight the higher the price. Clarity is a factor that we will discuss in detail in this article.

The clarity criteria
Clarity is the purity of the diamond. Almost all diamonds naturally will have some very minute inclusions or grain trapped inside or blemishes on the surface, all these factors effect the clarity of the diamond. As the name clarity suggests when the diamond is clear without any internal inclusions and outside blemishes it’s pure and valued high. If there are no flaws in the diamond the light will reflects smoothly without any obstacles and hence the over all look of the diamond will be stunning. The clarity plays an important role in buying a diamond and grading a diamond for its value.

100% clarity = purity
The GIA or the Gemological institute of America and the AGS or the American Gem Society two national organizations in America have developed a grading system from long years of research and education. Any diamond supplier manufacturer and retailer have to follow the countries recognized and accepted guidelines to grade the diamond according to its clarity, cut, color and carat. Similarly in countries worldwide similar national organization have been made to create guidelines and grading system to value diamonds so as to ensure that the customer gets value for his money and he has an authority to verify the quality of diamond he buys. Clarity is an indication of a diamond’s purity. All diamonds, except the most rare, have tiny traces of minerals, gases, or other elements that were trapped inside during the crystallization process. To determine a diamond’s clarity a professional with a trained eye uses a 10x-power binocular microscope. There are very few diamonds which are flawless and because of this uniqueness they are graded high.

Many times almost most of the diamonds have inclusions and blemishes. The grading system checks on the position and type of the flaw and puts it in the value report of the diamond. At times the inclusion is very minute or is in a position which is not noticeable by a naked eye then the diamond doesn’t loose its value so much. The flaw doesn’t make much of a difference to the shine and look of the diamond then the buyer can make the diamond his own. In any case the buyer has the right to know the in and out of the diamond he buys. For example if the customer is given two choices to go for a diamond with a small flaw which is not noticeable and is priced lesser then the diamond which is flawless, he could go for the first one with a small flaw as he gets a bargain. A small flaw has got him a discount. Only when the retailer and the customer are aware of these inclusions will the customer have a choice.

Types of inclusions
There are certain common types of inclusions that are named so as to later grade a diamond by the type of inclusion.

One type is the Diamond crystals which are small diamonds trapped inside the bigger one. This naturally occurs while the diamond is formed. These again come in different shapes. Many customers find it interesting to find a small baby diamond inside a bigger one.

Pinpoint inclusions are tiny dotted inclusions or crystals inside the diamond. It looks like a tiny dotes of light when viewed under high magnification. These types of inclusions are not mentioned in the grading report as they are very tiny and difficult to find. They are mentioned as ‘pinpoints not shown or shown’ in the comments of the grading report.

A cloud is another type which is basically a cluster of pinpoint inclusions together giving a look of a cloud. The size of this cloud formation bigger or smaller affects the clarity of the diamond. A smaller cloud which is not noticeable is not considered as a clarity issue as its translucent and not visible from the naked eye. The light source used to evaluate the inclusions determines the visibility of the inclusions.

A needle is a long thin needle shaped inclusion inside a diamond. They appear as a streak of light inside the diamond. Many times some diamonds also have cluster of needles together.

A knot is another inclusion type which is a crystal appearing on the surface of the diamond. This crystal appears as a knot and diamonds having a knot inclusion is rejected as the inclusion is visible to the naked eye and it degrades the beauty of the diamond.

A Feather is another kind of inclusion which is basically a crack or fracture in the diamond which is referred to as feather. If the feather is located inside the body of the diamond then it doesn’t pose a threat to the durability of the diamond, but if it’s on the edge then there are chances that the diamond might break during the setting process. Seasoned buyers with an eye for detail and track record for quality diamonds won’t go for a diamond with a feather inclusion.

The clarity of the diamond you buy is an important criterion you can’t ignore as you are going to give in a lot of money to go for your dream purchase hence you can not compromise on the quality.