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.

by Ritika Changrani

An engagement ring is a symbol of your love and commitment and hence an extremely important piece of jewelry. Princess cut engagement rings are all the rage lately and yet have their own distinct elegance. Ordinary square cut diamonds are out and the more sparkly square modified brilliant cut is in.

The name itself sounds so exotic that you are drawn to it immediately. A Princess cut engagement ring – the perfect ring to spoil and pamper your lady? Yes, it is definitely one that will win her over. The name is attractive but what exactly is it? Read on to find out more about Princess cut Engagement rings.

The importance of an engagement ring cannot be overemphasized. It is probably the most unforgettable piece of jewelry that you will ever buy. Knowing this, you surely would like your engagement ring to be special, to stand out amidst all others. It is, after all, an expression of your love and promises for a lifetime of happiness with each other.

The modern brilliant cut was invented about sixty years ago. The barion cut, which was the precursor of the princess cut was first introduced by Basil Watermeyer of Johannesburg about thirty years ago. The princess cut is a big improvement for square cut and oblong diamonds. It is actually a modification of the round brilliant cut. The technical term for this cut is the square modified brilliant cut.

The princess cut works best on deep stones. If a rough stone is likely to turn into a square final shape, a princess cut may be the best option. The weight retention in such cases is the maximum, thus lowering the cost per carat. And square cut stones have their own unique appeal when it comes to ring settings. Princess cut diamonds can be set in a continuous line without any gaps between them as it happens in case of round stones. They have a distinct elegance unsurpassed by others.

Princess cut stones have a series of v – shaped facets all along the pavilion, which results in the stone having square corners. Since so many extra facets have been created, these stones appear to be more sparkling than others. When these are set in engagement rings, the overall effect is stunning as the ring has a brilliant shimmer. As opposed to ordinary square cut diamonds, there is more weight retention in princess cut diamonds and also the final rings have a more glamorous effect.

Since an engagement ring is so special, choosing the ideal ring is extremely important. It is one piece of jewelry that will be cherished for a lifetime and worn regularly, so utmost care should be taken. A lot of thought needs to go into buying the right engagement ring. One has to consider the wearer’s likes and dislikes. Before making the final purchase, it would always be better to ask the woman to have a look at it. She has to wear it so she should have a say in it, after all. And if you don’t want to tell her as it is meant to be a surprise, know her taste a little. Princess cut engagement rings are all the rage now so she might like to opt for one rather than a traditional round cut diamond ring.

If you want to select loose diamonds and then have them cut as per your requirement, choose deep stones. The princess cut does not work well on shallow stones so you need to be careful. The final stone will look good if the rough one is slightly square or oblong in shape, just as round diamonds obviously are more appealing than oval ones. If the rough stone is oblong and long, it is always better to opt for an emerald cut or a baguette cut. Princess cut stones have a four edges (those of the square) that can tend to be sharp. This is why such stones should always be mounted in such a way so as to protect the edges. The points can be exceptionally sharp and are vulnerable points so correct mounting is vital. When you purchase a princess cut engagement ring check to see if the edges are jutting out or it is well protected. The kind of mounting will give you an idea of the skill of the jeweler and the quality of jewelry in the shop.

Diamonds are most vulnerable when they are in the process of being set because force is usually applied to the corners, which is one of its most delicate parts. Damages done during the process can be repaired by re polishing but it is an expensive affair and also causes delay. The stone may, sometimes also have a small weight loss. This holds true for diamonds as well as other stones but the problem is bigger for stones with corners. Many technical aspects need to be looked into, if you buy loose diamonds, have them princess cut and then set them in an engagement ring. If you do not know much about such stuff, it is always advisable to buy a ready engagement ring. If princess cut stones fascinate you, you can opt for one from wide array of rings available at all leading jewelry stores.

The Princess cut is not for diamonds alone. Many other gemstones look magnificent with a princess cut. Sapphires and emeralds look great when cut in the princess style. Lighter colored stones or preferably the more transparent ones would show well with a princess cut. Darker colored stones would hardly have any effect and all efforts spent on cutting and the money will probably be a waste. The extra faceting will be shown to its greatest advantage on colorless stones like the diamond. So, you can buy a princess cut engagement ring that need not necessarily be one set with diamonds. If sapphires appeal to you, for example, you can opt for a princess cut sapphire engagement ring.

Princess cut solitaire rings are very much in vogue and are also ideal as engagement rings. So, if you want to go for a ring that is elegant yet chic, modern yet classic, princess cut engagement rings are definitely an interesting option.

by Sheweta Dhanuka

It is an alloy of gold and a few white metals for example silver and palladium. It is measured in karat and could be used of any karat like 18kt, 14kt, 9kt and so on. 18kt white gold implies that it is a mixture of 75% gold and rest 25% of silver and palladium.

Engagement ring is the most important jewelry item for women because it is the pledge to love the would be better half forever. For women finding her true love and getting engaged is very special and close to her heart. She waits and dreams for this exceptional moment since the minute she discovers about it. Therefore, engagement ring is the most precious asset to her for her lifetime.

The engagement rings are fashioned in exquisite designs using different metals like white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, titanium, sterling silver and stainless steel. All metals are suitable for making attractive rings in any design. It is always advised to collect the general know-how about the jewelry items before making the final purchase in order to make accurate and successful acquisition. Therefore, this content provides all purpose information and facts about white gold engagement rings. The below text would acquaint the potential buyer with this metal and the rings made using it.

Young women adore white gold engagement rings across the globe. In the content, rings would refer to white gold rings. These rings are relatively new to the jewelry lovers however; it is gaining recognition and popularity at a very rapid alacrity. In order to provide complete information about the main focus in the best possible way, a small note concerning white gold is proffered before the brief on the subject of the rings.

What is White Gold?

White gold is created by mixing gold and white metals. In other words, it is an alloy of gold and a few white metals for example silver and palladium. It is measured in karat and could be used of any karat like 18kt, 14kt, 9kt and so on. 18kt white gold implies that it is a mixture of 75% gold and rest 25% of silver and palladium. During the initial days when white gold was introduced for making jewelry items, nickel was used instead of palladium in the alloy but now utilization of nickel is completely closed because it causes skin allergies to many people.

It differs from yellow gold in terms of metal used in making the alloy. Silver and palladium are used for white gold whereas copper and zinc are used for yellow gold. Gold is same for both but the difference in colour comes due to the change in the other metals used in the alloy.

Rhodium Coating

The jewelries made using this spectacular metal need to be coated with rhodium in the end in order to acquire bright white colour. Without rhodium plating the jewelries especially the rings would look dull gray in colour because that is the natural colour of white gold. On the other hand rhodium is pure spotless white in colour and very hard. Therefore its plating gives intense white appearance. Conversely, with passage of time and regular use the brightness of white colour of jewelries grows fainter and it need to be re-rhodium plated to get back the desired glow. All jewelry items made using 9kt, 14kt or 18kt white gold shall have the same look, as all are plated with rhodium. On the contrary, without the coating 18k ring would be brighter than the 14kt ring.

White Gold engagement Ring price

This wonderful metal is costlier than yellow gold because palladium is little more expensive than copper and zinc. On the other hand this fascinating metal is much more affordable than platinum. Platinum is double the price of white gold as it is denser and is used in its pure form (approximately 95% platinum and 5% other metal). It does not require any rhodium plating because it is pure bright white in colour.

Uses of white gold

It is widely used for making exquisite jewelries venerated by people in every corner of the world. Rings made up of white gold are acquiring fame amongst the fashion conscious group of the society, possessing classy choice. Pendant sets in delicate designs are pretty apt for casual attire. Modern jewelry designers create mesmerizing jewelries of white gold with precious and semi-precious gemstones that makes women more beautiful with a grace.

Populous prefer to buy engagement rings of this captivating gold mainly because of two reasons – one it consists of more stylish look over the yellow gold and it is half the price of platinum. The jewelry bazaars are swamped with attractive designer rings and it becomes very difficult to make the right purchase. And if someone plans to surprise her fiancée then it happens to be more crucial to buy the best between all the available choices. Engagement ring is a very exceptional ring so it has to be a diamond ring. Buying this special ring would be a never forgettable experience (as it costs more than the months cash inflow) and for her it would be treasure for the entire life with the package of happiness. To make right purchase of rings one should read-through this write-up comprehensively before buying and must convoy her best friend while buying.

Finance

The first most important step is to decide the amount one plans to spend for the ring as the price starts from the minimum and there is no maximum. Price varies in two aspects; one is the karat of gold and other is size of the diamond and precious gemstone if any. Diamond is precious and it expresses the love for the other person irrespective of its size. Therefore, if the budget is less one could select smaller size and so on.

White Gold engagement ring Setting

There are four different types of ring setting viz. bezel, prong, chevron and invisible. As per the frequency and use of the ring, setting has to be decided. Bezel setting is appropriate for daily wear and also for rough handling. In this setting, white gold rim surrounds the stone from its entire circumference and is extended a little on top of the stone. It shields the edges of the diamond or any other gemstone. In few rings, partial bezel setting is also used, which is also known as semi-bezel or half-bezel. In this setting bezel rim encircles just half of the diamond/stone, keeping it locked and letting other stone visible. Invisible setting was developed in France many years ago. In this type, groove in every single stone strap is placed into the white gold frame beneath the surface in a way that the metal is seen, so stones are sited next to one another, crafted into common surface.

Prong setting is idyllic for solitaire rings. In this setting, gem is placed into more than two gold prongs giving it shape of basket, later the split ends of the prongs are curved over in a way that it rest against the gemstone, keeping it tight without leaving any space. It is also called as claw setting. Chevron setting is not very popular for engagement rings. However, some people like it very much so it totally depends on individual choice and fondness. Some designs are created using more than one setting for the single ring. It too could be a good option.

White Gold Karat

Rings are made using 9K, 14K and 18K gold. Any karat could be selected, as all are apposite and durable. The 9K and 14K rings are certainly priced less than 18K rings but the value of money is best realized in 18K gold and even the luster and vividness of the stone is excellently highlighted in it.

Stone Selection for your engagement ring

Diamonds used in the rings could be of any shape and style. It could also be paired with ruby or emerald if someone’s fiancée has a keenness for these precious stones. Many creative and innovative designs are fashioned with attractive pairing between diamonds and these gems. Besides only diamond rings alone could also articulate the passionate love towards her.

Quality of the Stone

The gemstone quality is judged on the basis of four vital Cs namely, colour, cut, clarity and carat weight. Colorless, oval or princess cut, maximum clarity and high carat weight are the pinnacle points of these four distinctive characteristics. As the gemstone traits falls from these peak points its value in terms of money decreases.

White gold engagement ring selection

Rings for engagement should be eye-catching and notable all by itself. For this imperative occasion designs of the rings with center stone are supreme as it suits the delicacy and criticality of the affair. Center stone bordered with other stones further enhances the beauty. Rings without center stone is not at all fit for this most awaited event no matter how many diamonds are studded in it.

Precautions

White gold rings must not be worn at the time of swimming or working with home cleaning agents or harsh chemicals etc as chlorine present in swimming water or cleaning agents eats away the nickel metal other than gold in the alloy and causes skin allergies. And also in water the rhodium plating tends gets removed much faster. Therefore, while buying the rings always ensure from the seller that the white gold alloy consists of palladium instead of nickel. This observable fact is more common in 9K or 14K white gold. Hence, 18K jewelries are much better choice. Secondly, ensure the credibility and reputation of the seller before buying diamond, ruby, emerald or sapphire ring from him. Always insist to take the certificate of authenticity for the gemstone before giving the final payment.

White gold engagement rings are acknowledged as an icon of love and proposing. When a gentleman asks his lady for her hand in marriage and in his life, this splendid ring is presented making the moment extremely poignant and memorable for the couple and also the people present for this awe-inspiring occasion. The man takes away the heart of the woman and with this sensational ring he promises to give all his love and happiness to her for rest of their life!!

by Ms Nandita Ray:

This wearing of a wedding band is not new. It has drifted down from yesteryears when the ancient Egyptians exchanged a never ending band of love. A circle of love with no end to the perfection and unity between the two. The exchange of the rings in a ceremony came down from the Romans, where it symbolized a public acceptance of the marriage contract between the man and the woman.

Men’s wedding ring Facts

In most cultures when people marry they not only have a ceremony to seal the event but also don an article to display their newly acquired status. Different cultures have different ways to exhibit marriage. Some African tribes wear a Labret; the Hindus wear vermilion on their forehead or a Mangalsutra around their neck while most Christians prefer a wedding ring. This is true for the bride.