The very first thing you are going to want to look at is your budget. In years past, the rule of thumb was that you spend two months salary on a diamond ring. However, that rule generally no longer applies. Today, with people living together before the question is asked, it is much more a question of how much your budget will handle.

After you know the price range you are looking for and can afford, you can then move on to the four “Cs” of diamonds. Color, cut, clarity and carat weight. Let’s take a look at the first one.

Color is the overall color of the stone. Traditionally, diamonds will rage from colorless to yellow. The less color in the stone, the more desirable it is. This typically has a relationship to the purity of the gem, although some people prefer the yellowish tint to a diamond stone. I personally think the yellowish tint makes it look old and not as clean as it should be.

Cut is very important to how the diamond will shine. If it is well cut, it will capture all available light and reflect it back to the height of its potential. If the diamond is cut too shallow, it will not gather light. If it is cut too deep, it will take light and not reflect it back. There are various different kinds of cuts, and a knowledgeable jeweler should be able to explain this to you as well as show you the same piece in different cuts so you can see the difference for yourself.

Clarity refers to how flawless the stone is. Diamonds that are flawless are going to be very rare and, therefore, very expensive. Usually, you can get more bang for your buck if you go down a couple of points on this category and get either a near flawless stone or one that has no visible incursions to the naked eye. Of course, the more visible the flaws, the less expensive the diamond. When you exmaine the gem with the naked eye, you should not be able to see “scars” or blemishes within the stone. If you can see scars but only when wearing a jeweler’s “loop” (the magnifying monacle microscope that any quality jeweler has on hand, which you can ask to borrow to examine a stone), then it is probably worthy of your consideration.

The last of the four Cs is carat. This is how big the diamond is. It is worth mentioning that the larger stones are more rare and are more expensive. Because of this, you can get the same amount of total carat weight for less money. As an example, two half-carat stones are less expensive than a single full carat ring.

When shopping for the perfect diamond ring, the setting will also come into play, as well as what type of metal the ring is made of. Gold is traditionally the metal of engagement and wedding rings, but silver; white gold and platinum have started to become more popular in recent years as well. This is more a matter of personal taste than anything else, although you want a quality setting.

One more thing to look for when shopping for a quality diamond ring – a quality jeweler. They will help you decide what your budget should be and show you a wide range of what you can afford. They will be able to tell you more on the four Cs, show you a variety of settings and help you through the buying process so you are comfortable with your purchase. Don’t be afraid to ask the jeweler to borrow his “loop” for a minute so you can get a close view of the diamond you are considering.

Jewelry of course contributes a great deal in making her look like the epitome of loveliness. Although preference for jewelry depends on one’s personal taste, diamond jewelry is one variety of wedding jewelry that always stands out on a bride at her wedding party, simply illuminating her beauty and radiance.

While selecting the right diamond jewelry for the bride to wear at her wedding party a few things must be kept in mind. The most important thing to consider here is the wedding dress she will be wearing. The diamond jewelry should be selected in accordance to the cut and design of her wedding dress.

The diamond earrings and the diamond necklace designs should definitely be in sync with the neckline of the wedding dress for that contributes a lot towards achieving the complete look. If you have a low scooped neckline then indulge in a heavy diamond necklace but do away with any neck piece if your wedding dress has a high neck.

If you thought otherwise, let me gently remind you that the way you wear your hair also helps a great deal in determining the right pieces of jewelry that you should ideally sport on your wedding day. If you’re wearing your hair high then focus on your diamond earrings but make sure they match with your neck piece.

If you have decided on a theme for your wedding party then it would be a nice idea to wear diamond jewelry that complies with the same mood or theme. If you are unable to decide then always go for diamond solitaires which will never fail to add glamor and glitter to your charming looks on your most special day.

Since we are talking of nothing less than diamonds one thing that surely needs to be carefully thought of here is the budget for the wedding jewelry. Allocate an amount for the diamond jewelry as it is always wise to plan carefully for all wedding expenses especially diamond wedding jewelry.

Jewelry stores are rampant in displaying different kinds of jewel may it be on rings, necklace, bracelet or earrings. The latter topples the sales as it is best for a woman wearing earrings. What makes it valuable is to have it out of stud diamond earrings. The attraction is too overwhelming as it glows our face and enlighten our spirit. Truly these kinds of earrings are the dream gift to have from someone special. It does ponder our love more for a man. The magnificent boon is an everlasting item. The splendor of the stud brings out more the beauty of the stone. It is suited in every occasion or for daily use. It completes our outfit and boost confidence to our self.

This can be paired with sterling silver, platinum or pure white gold as the trend goes. It was used for added complexion and good looks. Carat defines the price, cut must be in good condition as the sparks of it can best be described as same as color and clarity. The radiant glow is a lifetime memento. Women are the buyers of this stud. We awe with admiration seeing one wearing this. The explicit loveliness has no words to define. As it glitters, we can feel the importance of our womanish. Expensive as proven but is worth to spend for. No other jewelry can equal this.

Stud stands alone in your earlobe but it perfectly drawn attention especially of opposite sex. The appeal multiples and it helps you come out of your shell with elegance. The simplicity of these earrings utters the quality benefit it provides. It gives prompt and stable admiration. The best thing with diamond stud earrings is its undying spark of beauty as the classical stone it is.

What is interesting about diamond stud earrings is the fact that they come in variety of different colors. People often think that diamonds are white and there are no other colors of them. However, not many know that diamonds can be green or blue. What is interesting and important to note that green diamonds are one of the most rare diamonds in the world. That is why green diamond stud earrings are really expensive. However, if you can afford them, then go for it and make yourself look like a queen.

Points to kept in mind to to make it a part of a diamond setting

• Prong Material – The material of the prong that you wish to go with, is absolutely your own personal choice, it could be platinum, white, yellow or two tone gold. In today’s world, people often tend to go with Platinum, provided they have the budget to afford it, because platinum is much heavier than gold and is resistant to any wear and tear, however in the case of gold, over the time one might see some wear and tear.

• Number of Prongs used – Well, the number prongs used in a diamond setting decides how highly secure, your diamond is held, now here is the catch, if there are more than say 6 prongs, then that would crowd up the ring, thereby making the stone lose its grace, however if the number of prongs used is somewhere around two or three, then that would create a slight concern on how securely the diamond is held, since it is very likely to fall. The preferred number of prongs is around 4 to 5, which would not let the stone lose its grace and would also securely hold it.

• When it comes to choosing a jeweler – be sure you find out someone who best understands you and your designs. You could also go for online jewelry stores, but then be certain of what design you choose for the ring and what diamond you prefer to embed.

• Material of the Ring – Choosing the material of a diamond ring setting is again a personal choice, which could vary from platinum to white, yellow or two tone gold. White gold and platinum are highly growing in demand, since the class and style that it brings to the wearer is simply unmatchable. This is the best way out to get the best piece of diamond jewelry There are one too many settings to choose from, such as Prong setting, Bezel setting, Channel setting, Pave setting, and so on. This again is a personal choice, however, be sure to choose the type of setting that best suits you.

Prior to that, diamond jewelry was worn almost exclusively by royalty. The earliest example of diamonds being placed in a setting dates from the time of the Norman Invasion of England; at that time, one of the Árpád kings of Hungary, possibly Andrew I, had rough-cut diamonds set into a crown for his queen. However, cut diamonds would not be available for another half-millenium.

The mid-1500’s were an energetic time; Martin Luther of Germany and Henry VIII of England had broken with the Church of Rome; Ivan IV (the Terrible) expanded Russia to its present-day borders, and Ottoman sultan Suleiman extended the Turkish empire as far west as Vienna. It was during this time of ferment that the first diamond-cutters’ guild was formed in Antwerp, located in present-day Belgium. An industry soon developed for the purpose of appraising loose diamonds, giving birth to the modern diamond jewelry market. Antwerp continues to be the center of the international diamond jewelry trade.

The gems that are used in diamond jewelry is 75% science and 25% art. Together, these make up the “4 Cs” that are used to evaluate loose diamonds:

* carat

* color

* clarity

* cut

“Carat” of course refers to the weight of the gem; a carat is equivalent to about 2 decigrams, or a mere 1/150th of an ounce. That means the largest cut, polished diamond in existence – the famed Star of Africa – weighs just a little over 2-1/4 pounds.

Although we generally think of clear or white diamonds, they come in a wide range of colors ranging from crystal-clear white to dark amber. Pink, green, blue and even purple diamonds are not unusual, and some are far more valuable than their white counterparts.

Clarity refers to just that – how clear the stone appears. All natural and artificial diamonds have internal flaws; the fewer or the less apparent these flaws are, the higher the appraisal is likely to be.

These three qualities are objective, and easily measured and quantified. Cut is a more subjective quality; selecting gems that are appropriate for use in diamond jewelry requires a good eye and aesthetic sense.

Of course, loose diamonds are not really jewelry until they are placed in a setting, such as a ring or necklace. Even the finest diamonds’ value can be affected by the setting; it is a value-added aspect of diamond jewelry.

Using a mild detergent and warm water prepare a soapy solution. Leave your ring in this solution for a few minutes. Then using a soft brush clean the diamond, areas like the prongs and other parts of the metal band where there are chances of dust accumulation. Rinse the diamond jewelry in warm water. Finally pat it dry with a lint free cloth. A buffing cloth can also be used to give your diamond jewelry a shine. A wooden toothpick may also be used to gently push away dirt from hard to reach areas.

Ammonia wash

A 1:1 ratio of household ammonia and water can also be used to clean diamonds. Mix ammonia and water in equal parts and soak your diamond jewelry in it for approximately twenty minutes. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and rinse in the solution again. Air dry the diamond by leaving it on absorbent tissue paper. However, fracture filled diamonds must not be cleaned using this method. Also if the piece of jewelry has other precious gemstones in it, consult an expert before using ammonia wash.

Ultrasonic cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaners available at jewelry stores are also useful for cleaning diamonds. Here, in the first step, the cleaner uses high frequency waves which vibrate to create many microscopic cleaning bubbles. These bubbles loosen out the dirt in the cracks and crevices of the ring, including prongs. In the second step a high pressure steamer blasts away the particles. However if your diamond jewelry also includes other precious stones like emeralds and rubies, it would be best to first take the advice of a gemologist before ultrasonic cleaning. Also the GIA does not recommend the usage of ultrasonic or steam cleaners for cleaning diamonds.

Off the counter cleaners

Many cleaners are also available at stores. Your diamond dealer may also have given you a cleaner like the Mr. Clean – all purpose cleaner. Follow the instructions carefully while using such products on your diamond. Avoid using cleaners that contain acid as this may affect the surface of the gemstone. Also if you have purchased the solution from a store that does not deal in diamonds, consult your gemologist before using it. Avoid abrasive cleaners while cleaning your diamond. Toothpaste should also not be used for cleaning as it usually has baking soda or other ingredients that can cause scratches.

Cleaning diamonds on a regular basis ensures that they sparkle for a long time to come. You can clean them once a month or even once a week depending upon your usage. It is recommended that as soon as you note a film buildup, caused due to soap or oil, clean your ring at home. Professional cleaning can be opted for once a year, whereby the ring can be repolished and the jeweler will also check and tighten the prongs of the ring.

Caring

A little care goes a long way in keeping your diamond sparkling and shimmering as ever.

Remove your ring before going into the pool as the chlorine may discolor it over a long period of time.

Avoid using harsh chemicals when you are wearing the ring.

Take your diamond to the jeweler once every year so that it can be checked for loose prongs or other settings that need to be restored.

If you feel that the settings have become loose, wrap the jewelry carefully in tissue paper and take it to the jeweler immediately. Let the jewelry be repaired while you watch.

Do not wear your diamond ring with other rings on the same finger as it may chip while in contact with other rings.

Touch it at its edges and not on the stone as it may smudge.

Storing

Here are a few tips on how to store your jewelry carefully.

Store your diamond in a special case so it does not scratch when it rubs against other jewelry.

Use separate compartments for separate pieces of jewelry.

A cloth bag or a jewelry case meant for the purpose may be a good option. Finally you can also wrap them in separate tissue papers.

Here are a few effective tips to maintain your diamond Jewelry:-

Soak your diamond jewelry in some mild soap solution for half an hour avoiding contacts with each other as a diamond can scratch another diamond. Brush off dirt particles stuck in corners and wires with a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth. Your precious pieces will appear as shining as they were before.

1. Never let your diamonds come in contact with chlorine bleach or other chemicals as these can pit or discolor the mountings.
2. Avoid wearing diamond jewelry while doing heavy household work. Though diamond is the hardest gemstone, yet it can be loosened by a certain activity and can also be chipped by a hard blow.
3. Try to store your diamond jewelry in dedicated jewel boxes wrapped in clean cotton or soft fabric clothes.
4. It is a good practice to get your diamond jewelry professionally cleaned and checked for loose prongs for added safety of your precious gemstones.

Just follow these simple tips and restore the brilliant colors and sparkling shine of your diamond jewelry.

Diamonds whether studded in jewelry or handled loose, have a natural tendency to draw oil and greasy dirt towards it and every time the diamond is handled by bare hands, it tends to pick up some grease from the hand. As we all know, grease attracts dust particles from the air and eventually there is a layer of grease and dust that covers the surface of the diamond. And we all know that when that takes place the light that reflects from the diamond is affected negatively.

The property of diamonds to attract grease has not always been seen as a negative property. In the earlier years, this property of diamonds was effectively used by diamond miners to separate diamonds from other minerals in the same ore. This was done by covering a belt in grease and wax and then allowing the crushed ore to run over the belt. As the crushed ore passed over the greasy belt, the uncut diamond rough would stick to the belt as the other minerals remained unaffected.

However, these processes have changed over time and there are more sophisticated methods that are now used to separate diamonds. But one thing is for sure, this unique property of diamonds continues to be the bane for those who handle and trade diamonds daily.

The scientific reason for why a diamond that is covered with a layer of grease and dust looses its sheen is due to the refractive index. The shine of the diamond is dependant on the light that enters the diamond and the manner in which it moves out of the diamond. When the light passes through a clean diamond the interface is between diamond and air. The refractive index of air is 1.0 but the refractive index of grease is 1.5.

In more practical terms what this means is that the diamond’s critical angle increases and the amount of light that reflects from the pavilion reduces significantly. The light does not go through the crown but falls inside and then some of it escapes out of the pavilion. And since the entire light that enters does not move in a focused manner but diffuses in the diamond, the shine, brilliance and glint of the diamond is far lesser than it could be.

Now, the customers who buy diamond jewelry do so because of its shine and luster and way it attracts attention too. Therefore, it is very important for one to keep the diamond jewelry shining.

Make sure that the diamonds are not handled unnecessarily except when they need to be. Keep the area where the diamond jewelry are displayed completelty clean and tidy. When you are handling the diamonds make sure that you hold it with tweezers, or wear gloves or use any lint/dust free cloth. After your customers handle the diamonds make sure that you wipe them with a soft, clean cloth before you replace them in their safe haven. As your diamonds dazzle your customers, you will realize that the cash registers ring more often and keep you smiling.

The elegance of gold and the gravity and valor of diamond makes gold and diamond jewelry to be the best choice for the people. Diamond rings are preferred by people as a symbol of status and has always been a special gift for women over time. White gold is very common in earrings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces. They are usually made from yellow gold by using zinc, nickel and palladium in the alloy. The white palladium alloys are soft in nature and are best for setting gemstones. The white gold is available up to 21 carat.

Such white gold when unified with diamond, it makes a special effect. It is a unique combination to design the best gold diamond jewelry for your most loved one. Usually gold is of three types; yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. The diamond price and quality is determined by the cut clarity, color and carat of a piece of diamond.

Check out some basic information while purchasing gold diamond jewelry:

If you have to purchase a wedding ring, opt for a gold ring. It is the most popular choice. People prefer gold diamond rings as the best form of engagement ring. However the gold ring may be with or without a diamond.

Gold and diamond is categorized according to carat. In case of gold, the standard form is 9K, 14K, 18K or 24K.

Gold diamond rings are in great demand. Diamond itself is a very precious stone and a rare gem. Gold is durable.

If you use a gold diamond jewelry for long and very frequently, it can remove the polish. However, gold can gain back its original luster as it is polished in the jewelry stores. Both diamond and gold have high quality properties. So their luster and radiance can be retained for a long time.

There is a wide variety of jewelry available today. But the use of gold diamond jewelry has been the most preferable usage of jewelry over time.

MBLife recommends the importance of knowing what you want first before going to the mall or your favorite jewelry shop to purchase your colored diamond jewelry. Knowing what exactly you want will limit the scope by which you will start your search. What color, carat, and cut do you basically want? Of course, you should take into account your lifestyle and personality to be able to answer this criteria. You may want to check out the Internet for the types of colors that will fit you and are available in the market. You wouldn’t want to spend the whole day and find nothing or you’ll turn frustrated at your quest.

MBLife wants you to know that in purchasing colored diamond jewelry you should also be aware that these elegant pieces of jewelry—diamond earrings, rings, bracelets, diamond pendants—are definitely more costly than the regular ones. Because colored diamond jewelry is more unique and more specially developed, they are normally sold at higher price tags than your regular noncolored diamond pendants, earrings, bracelets, and the like.

As with any gift-buying escapades, MBLife suggests determining what the recipient likes is also important. His or her preferences when it comes to color, cut, and the type of jewelry should be given utmost attention. This shouldn’t be much of a problem if you’re trying to find diamond jewelry for your spouse or for your best friend or for your parents. You should be able to pinpoint which colored diamond jewelry they would most appreciate.

Although colored diamonds are now sold, don’t feel frustrated when you find out that the color you want is nowhere available. Narrow down your options by searching the Net which colors are mostly found and which are rare. Red diamonds, for example, are not only very expensive, they are quite hard to find. At MBLife, they give you their colored diamond jewelry collections upon inquiry so you won’t have to go too far.

Personalized diamond gifts and diamond jewelry sets from MBLife are products of careful considerations of a lot of elements and factors. You need not worry about getting fake jewelry or unsatisfying quality with their products. AT MBLife, your personalized diamond gifts will be much appreciated by their recipients and you will definitely be back for more.