1. Online diamond purchases are safe and affordable

In this technological age, consumers purchase everything from washing machines to sapling trees on line; diamonds are no different. Purchasing diamonds online is as safe and affordable as purchasing anything else.

1. Price shouldn’t be the determining factor

The price of diamond engagement rings definitely matters, but so does what happens after the purchase. Be sure the jeweler will provide free periodic inspections and cleanings of your diamond jewelry, and if they won’t insure the jewelry, you should purchase from a jeweler that will.

1. Laboratory-grown diamonds are real diamonds

As much as some retailers want you to believe laboratory-grown diamonds aren’t real diamonds, don’t fall for it. They are both formed of carbon and other elements, and they are both formed under intense pressure and heat.

1. Clarity-enhanced diamonds can be very valuable

When a diamond is clarity-enhanced it means the imperfections have been removed or masked from the diamond by manual means. As a result, the diamond will have a better clarity rating, and a better clarity rating means the diamond is now more valuable. Don’t be afraid to purchase clarity-enhances diamond engagement rings.

1. Appraisal and certification are not the same thing

Certification means a diamond has been inspected and graded by an independent gemological laboratory, and the findings aren’t biased. An appraisal means a diamond has been assessed a value based on the opinion of the jeweller who is selling the diamond, and therefore the appraised value can be viewed as biased.

1. The GIA is the most reputable and reliable laboratory

There are a number of gemological laboratories around the world that inspect and grade diamonds. The most reputable, and reliable, of all of them is the Gemological Institution of America.

1. There is no such thing as a flawless diamond

OK, that’s a little misleading. Flawless diamonds do exist. However, they are so astronomically priced you’d never be able to afford one. So, if a jeweller is trying to sell you a flawless diamond…run!

1. Clearly understand the jewellers return policies

As with any other consumer purchase, be sure you clearly understand the return policies of the jeweller you’re making your purchase from so you aren’t caught off guard should you need to return your diamond engagement ring.

1. One C isn’t more important than another C

The 5 C’s of the diamond industry include Clarity, Cut, Color, Carat and Certification. One is no less important than the others so take all of them into consideration when purchasing diamond engagement rings.

10.Don’t forget your option to create your own

Finally, don’t forget that you have the freedom to design a diamond engagement ring the way you want to so that it will truly be a unique work of art. A jeweller will help you do this; you’ve only to ask for assistance.

1. Fancy color diamonds

Fancy color diamonds used to be reserved for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or just because. Fancy color diamonds are also the perfect complement to almost any outfit. Fancy color diamonds are also emerging as one of the newest engagement ring trends this year.

Shades of yellow, and pink, diamonds are among the most popular choices, but don’t rule out the beauty of blue, brown and red color diamonds. Any one of these colors placed in a unique setting can make the perfect engagement ring.

1. Mixed metals

Traditional 14k and 18k gold bands and settings are still popular choices, but mixed metals are trending as well. Any mixture of metals including platinum, titanium yellow or white gold is hot right now. The combinations can be used to create stunning settings, and their uniqueness makes them even more cherished.

1. Emerald cut

An emerald cut diamond has an aura about it that’s unmatched by any other diamond cut. It’s classy and elegance mixed with an air of vintage makes an engagement ring remarkable and memorable. The sleekness of the lines makes the stone appear bigger than it actually is which may also be attributing to its current trending.

1. Halos

Another huge trend in engagement rings this year is the halo setting; or more accurately, the double halo setting. The two-tiered look of a double halo wrapped elegantly around a center stone adds dimension to the ring, and makes the center stone look bigger.

1. Pear cut

The pear cut diamond engagement ring is another cut that has that hint of vintage coupled with a royal air of elegance. This extremely feminine design has the added benefit of appearing larger in carats than it actually is. This makes the pear cut not only popular, but more affordable.

1. Blue Sapphires

Maybe it’s because of that astonishing blue sapphire Prince William gave to the lovely, Kate Middleton that sparked the blue sapphire trend, but whatever it was, it’s caught on like wildfire. Blue sapphires a huge this year!

1. Art Deco

While the vintage look has been making great strides for many years now, the newest trend has been narrowed down to the very prominent and striking art deco look. This trending look has strong, masculine lines, but the intricate detailing adds that feminine touch every girl is looking for.

1. Eternity Bands

The newest kid on the block is the eternity band. This strong, stunning look is catching more and more eyes, and more and more women are asking for an eternity band as their engagement ring.

1. Floral Motifs

What woman isn’t swept away by flowers? Floral motif engagement rings have personality, beauty and are fast gaining popularity among brides-to-be.

10. 3-stone ring

It is said that the 3-stone ring symbolically represents the past, the present and the future and that why they are still so popular. Look for 3-stone rings in unique settings, and in an array of fancy colors.

As the interest in diamonds grows each year, the demand for them goes up. One way the diamond industry has attempted to meet that growing demand is by manufacturing diamonds in laboratories around the world. Man-made diamonds are quite common place in today’s diamond market. Some people wonder if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Let’s take a look.

1/4 carat side diamonds three diamond ring with triangle sides

Everyone knows that diamonds that are formed naturally in the deepest depths of the earth are by far, more desired than manufactured diamonds. These precious and unique stones aren’t always available, though. Simply put, there are just not enough of them being mined each year. The alternative choice, laboratory-manufactured diamonds, is intended to fill that demand.

What’s a laboratory-manufactured diamond?

Sometimes called synthetic diamonds, cultured diamonds or cultivated diamonds, these stones are created using an artificial process that mimics the process that natural diamonds are subjected to in their creation. This is done using a few different methods.

High Pressure and High Temperature (HPHT) is the original way synthetic diamonds were first created. As the name of the process indicates, high pressure and high temperature are combined in a controlled setting to create diamonds. Other methods used are Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), a process that creates a carbon plasma onto which carbon atoms cling to and ultimately form a diamond.

Other processes used are detonation of explosives inside a metal chamber which allows carbons to form into diamonds, and Ultrasound Cavitation, a process that synthesizes diamond microcrystals to form diamonds.

Are laboratory-grown diamonds as valuable as natural diamonds?

There is no one answer to this question. Synthetic diamonds have the same chemical makeup as natural diamonds, but they aren’t real diamonds in the sense that they’ve been manually manufactured. Still, some synthetic diamonds are quite expensive, and considered extremely valuable. It really depends on the diamond’s carat, color, clarity, and cut.

Also, synthetic diamonds are extremely hard to detect. Telling the difference between them and natural diamonds can be very hard to do. This is another reason a synthetic diamond can be so valuable.

So are laboratory-grown diamonds good or bad?

The answer to this question depends on you. If you’re adamant that your diamonds are formed naturally within the earth, then synthetic diamonds aren’t for you. If, however, you’re more concerned with your diamonds clarity, color, cut and carat and not so much about how it was formed into a diamond, then synthetic diamonds are a good choice for you.

Remember, synthetic diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical makeup of diamonds that are mines from the earth. The only real difference is that laboratory-grown diamonds are more readily available.

Stackable diamond rings aren’t anything new. They’ve been around for some time, and there was even a trending spike last year. Well, the forecast for this spring indicated these unique fashionable diamond rings aren’t going anywhere anytime soon so be sure to purchase at least one for your diamond jewelry spring collection.

Platinum is another trend from last year that is easily transitioning over this spring. That black and white allure that comes from so many different combinations of platinum and diamonds are one of the hottest, and longest running trends, that fit any season; this spring is no different.

Another diamond piece that fits nicely into this year’s spring diamond collection is the diamond watch. There’s a huge selection out there, but the ones that are getting most of the attention are the large-faced watches encircled with diamonds. Watch for wider diamond watch bands as well. Big and bold is definitely in for spring 2013.

When you’re selecting your diamond spring collection, of course you’re going to want to include the traditional diamond earrings, and diamond necklaces. Big may be in for diamond watches, but diamond earrings and necklaces are taking a more modest approach this spring. These diamond jewelry pieces will still have flair, but not as much as you may think.

The colors of spring are a popular this season too. Soft pinks, iridescent blues, and yellows are all in for spring 2013. These spring colors will be seen more in necklaces and earrings, than diamond rings. Still, there’ll be lots of shades, and designs to choose from so you’ll certainly be able to find something that fit your fancy.

There’s always a big wave of new diamond engagement rings that hit to market each spring. This time of year represents rebirth, and growth. Many couple choose to commit to each other in the spring as a symbol of their desire to start a new chapter in their lives as a couple. The diamond engagement ring represents their commitment to grow together in the future. This spring you’ll see a mix of traditional, and contemporary, diamond engagement rings available in various settings and colors.

And of course, don’t forget to keep your eyes pegged on the red carpet of Hollywood as spring unfolds. Here’s where you’re going to see these hot trends, both old and new, emerge with a huge dose of “Bling” tossed in. Celebrities just can’t stay away from diamonds!

So when you’re putting together your diamond jewelry spring collection this season, you can use these tips to create a fashionable and trendy collection everyone will be talking about!

The good thing is that diamonds work well with every color under the rainbow, and you can wear them with any attire you choose. The real issue is the size, and shape of the diamond earrings.

Let’s face it, a man wearing heart-shaped earrings is going to get a few stares; and not because they look so good on him. The only two diamond earring shapes that suit a man are round and square.

These shapes work well because they have a masculine quality about them, and they add a touch of style to any outfit. They also look good with any men rings. Another thing to consider when purchasing diamond earrings is the size of the stone.

Large flashy stones aren’t necessarily a good choice for men’s diamond earrings. Younger men mistakenly believe that a large stone makes them stand out, and that young women find them more appealing, but this just isn’t so. Large, bulky stones take away from that masculine look. The same can be said about small diamond earrings.

Tiny diamond earrings, often called chips, are too dainty for men. They are strictly for women, and should be avoided entirely. A good choice in size for men’s diamond earrings are somewhere in the medium range. Color is another consideration.

Simply put…men should only wear white diamonds. Colored diamonds are feminine on too many different levels to ever be worn by a man. Stay away from colored or fancy colored diamonds. The setting, however, is something that offers many options.

Practically speaking, men can wear any setting. Silver, gold, platinum, titanium; they all work. It is wise for men to have a couple of different pairs of diamond earrings in various settings. This is because the setting can really compliment the attire he’s wearing.

For instance, men’s diamond earring in a simple, gold setting works well with casual wear, sportswear and even some semi-formal wear. They also work well if you’re sporting some type of men rings in a gold setting. Platinum or titanium, however, is the perfect choice for real formal attire like business suits, and tuxedos. Silver can be worn with anything, so having a pair of diamond earrings in a silver setting is always a safe bet.

Here are a few more tips for men who currently wear or are considering wearing diamond earrings.

• You can wear diamond earrings with sportswear, but you shouldn’t wear them while participating in sports or working out. Any jewelry worn during these activities could inadvertently cause injury to you or someone you’re interacting with.
• It’s important to have your diamond jewelry cleaned regularly.
• Store you diamond earrings in a place that isn’t accessible by small children or animals.
• Have your diamond earrings insured so you can have them repaired without cost should they become damaged.

Did you know that all diamonds have flaws? Only the rarest of diamonds are formed naturally without imperfections. That’s why these diamonds are so expensive. Most diamonds have some degree or of imperfections in them. And it’s no wonder when you consider how they were formed.

Diamonds are formed deep inside the depths of the earth under intense heat and tons and tons of pressure. This process would significantly damage or completely obliterate most things, but because a diamond is so hard it holds up under the pressure and heat. Still, the process does leave flaws in the stone.

In the diamond industry, these flaws are called inclusions or blemishes. These inclusions and blemishes impact the clarity of a diamond. A diamond’s clarity is extremely important to its ultimate worth.

What is Clarity?

Clarity refers to the number of imperfections a diamond has; the more imperfections, the poorer clarity it has, and the fewer imperfections, the better clarity it has. The diamond industry uses a grading scale (Or rating) to indicate the clarity of a diamond.

What are clarity enhanced diamonds?

Clarity enhanced diamonds are diamonds that have been manually altered in order to reduce, and even remove entirely, the flaws found within the stone. By doing so, the clarity rating is increases, and the appearance of the diamond is more pleasing to the eye.

How are diamonds clarity enhanced?

One way in which a diamond’s clarity can be enhanced is by a process called laser drilling. This process drills a hole down through the diamond to wear the imperfection is. Acid is then poured into the pathway, down to the imperfection, and removes it from the stone.

Another way diamonds are enhanced is through a process called fracture drilling. This process injects a glass-like substance into the diamond to hide the imperfection. This process is very hard to detect.

So, should you buy or invest in non-enhanced diamonds?

Well that’s entirely up to you. You may not think so, but clarity enhanced diamonds can be extremely expensive. You could even significantly increase the value of a diamond you currently own by having it clarity enhanced; here’s how.

Let’s say you have loose diamonds that are valued at $1,000.00, and they have imperfections. The value placed on the diamonds is based on the imperfections they have. If you were to have the imperfections removed the diamonds would have a much better clarity rating (Because the imperfections are now gone) which in turn will increase their value.

Clarity enhanced diamonds are just as valuable, and more often than not, more valuable than diamonds that have been left in their natural state of being. Investing in either is a wise choice, but because the value of a diamond is normally increases once it’s been clarity enhanced, you may want to invest more in these diamonds.

Pre-made diamonds rings are stylish, elegant and there is a huge selection to choose from. The benefits of purchasing a pre-made diamond ring are that you can purchase the ring as soon as you find the one you want. There’s usually no waiting period, and availability is almost always a certainty.

Creating your own diamond ring also has some advantages; the most obvious one is that you can create the ring to look exactly the way you want it to. You can choose and design the setting, you can choose what type of metal you want it to be constructed of, and you can search around to find the perfect stone.

Of course, the best advantage to creating your own diamond ring is that it is a one of a kind master piece, and there is no comparing the joy the receiver will experience when you tell them that you created it yourself. There’s really only one drawback to creating your own diamond ring; the waiting period.

If you decide to create your diamonds ring, you’ll have to wait for the jeweler to make it. This could involve a few weeks or even a few months. If you’ve chosen a jeweler to make your diamond ring, or have narrowed the search down to a select few, ask how long it will take for your ring to be completed. That may help you decide which way you want to go.

The other difference between a pre-made ring and a custom-made one is the way the setting is created. Pre-made rings are casted; meaning the metal used to make it has been put in a cast to be molded. Some people believe this lessens the integrity of the setting making it more susceptible to damage. A custom-made diamond ring setting is considered a much sturdier and longer-lasting setting.

As you’ve probably come to see, there’s really no right or wrong answer to this question. Deciding whether you should purchase a pre-made diamond ring or create your own is really a personal choice. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both and then decide for yourself.

Whether you’re looking for diamonds engagement rings, friendship rings, or some other type of specialty ring, you certainly have more than one option. Take a look at both options, see what’s out there, and then decide which option will best fit your needs. No matter which method you choose, as long as you’re happy with the final result, you’ve done well.

What are enhanced diamonds?

Pear Diamond

There is a misconception out there that diamonds that are enhanced aren’t real diamonds. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Enhanced diamonds are real diamonds that come from the earth, like all other diamonds. They are not manufactured in a laboratory, and they can be just as valuable as diamonds that haven’t been enhanced in any way.

Loose diamonds can be enhanced in a number of ways. They can be laser drilled, fracture filled, or they can undergo a process called color irradiation and color annealing treatments. Within the diamond community, all of these processes are accepted forms of altering the diamond’s natural state of being.

Why enhance a diamond?

The purpose of enhancing a diamond is to bring its appearance closer to an imperfection-free state. While an imperfection-free diamond is an extremely rare find, many diamonds have a very small and limited number of imperfections. Because a diamond with fewer imperfections is more valuable than one with more imperfections, enhancing them to remove imperfections increases their value.

Fracture drilling

Fracture drilling is a process that injects a glass-like substance into a diamond in an attempt to hide natural imperfections that exist within it. The process enhances the clarity of a diamond, and is extremely hard to detect.

Laser drilling

As the name of the process implies, laser drilling involves using a laser to create a thin pathway inside a diamond. Acid is then injected into the pathway where it travels along it to an imperfection within the diamond. The acid bleaches the imperfection out of the gem, therefore enhancing its clarity.

Color irradiation

This process of enhancing loose diamonds is done by exposing them to high levels of ionizing radiation. The process changes the atomic structure of the gem, which in turn, alters the gem’s color. This process can also create a color that isn’t naturally found in diamonds or enhance a natural color rarely found in a natural diamond.

Annealing

Also referred to as HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature Treatment), annealing involves manually replicating the natural environment diamonds are formed in, in nature; high pressure, and high temperature. The process also alters the color of a diamond.

There is some controversy surrounding the HPHT method of altering a gem’s natural color, but the GIA (Gemological Institution of America) grading reports clearly indicate when this treatment has been performed on a diamond, and the Federal Trade Commission requires that the process of HPHT be disclosed to consumers.

It’s up to you whether you purchase loose diamonds that have been enhanced. Just remember that in almost every instance, the value of the diamond is also enhanced.

Whether you’re a big fan of the celebrity world, or you’re a novice who checks in once in awhile, you can’t help but notice that one thing that goes hand-in-hand with stardom is “Bling”. When celebs are primping up for their big night on the red carpet their outfits always revolve around the diamond bling they wear. So what are the newest diamonds finding their way onto the red carpet? Let’s take a look.

Can you say “B-B-B-Bling?” That’s what you’d be stuttering and muttering if you had the change to wear the 381-carat necklace draped around Carrie Underwoods slender neck as she made her way down the red carpet at the 2013 Grammy awards.

This breath-taking necklace designed by Johnathon Arndt is made up a beautiful arrangement of oval, marquise, pear and round-cut diamonds. Coupled with her eloquent Robert Cavalli designer dress and her loosely-curled blonde hair, this necklace was the star of the red carpet. Oh, just so you know, this eye-popping piece of diamond jewelry is valued at a staggering $31 million dollars!

Now that we’ve got the heavy-hitter out of the way, let’s take a look at some other Bling that’s recently made its way to the red carpet; if your head has stopped spinning, that it!

Also seen on the red carpet that same night was Rhianna, who was bathed in $2 million dollars of brilliant diamonds including a stunning 100-carat diamond and platinum serpentine bracelet by Neal Lane, as well as a 30-carat diamond and platinum drop earrings by the same designer, and Jennifer Lopez who sported 2 white diamond bangles offset by a 33-carat canary diamond bracelet by famous designer Norman Silverman, with a price tag of $5 million dollars combined.

The 18^th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards saw Amanda Seyfried coming down the red carpet with a beautiful jade and diamond pendant necklace by Lorraine Schwartz dangling perfectly from an opera-length chain. Her platinum and diamond stud earrings didn’t go unnoticed either.

Viola Davis made her way along the red carpet wearing two of Cathy Waterman designs including an eye-catching pair of coral and diamonds dangly earrings, and a striking turquoise and diamond cuff.

Yes, where ever there are celebrities there will certainly also be diamonds. Diamond rings, diamond necklaces, diamond cuffs and bracelets, and earrings. And, diamonds of all colors, shapes, and cuts in exquisite and unique settings.