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How to Tell if a Pearl is Genuine
Pearls come in many shapes and sizes whether they are real or not, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference between the genuine article or a fake. Even amongst genuine pearls there are many different classes of both natural and cultured varieties, all with their own different properties and all valued very differently as pearl jewellery. You don’t want to be fooled when buying pearls, so here are a few ways to help differentiate between real pearls, whether they are natural or cultured, and fakes
The Tooth Test
Many people say that by rubbing a pearl against your teeth the texture of the surface will tell you whether or not it is genuine. Real pearls normally have a more rough, irregular texture whereas fakes are glassy and perfectly smooth. This isn’t really the most reliable method of testing, as fakes are often made to appear completely genuine and some real pearls can sometimes be smooth, particularly if the surface has been dyed.
The Sun Test
A slightly more reliable method is to take the pearls out in the sun and look closely at the lustre, or iridescence, on their surface. Apart from extremely unusual and rare specimens, real pearls hardly ever appear perfectly matched in full daylight and have clear differences in shine, iridescence and colour.
Surface Magnification
Don’t underestimate the power of a magnifying glass – a closeup look at the pearl earrings, necklace or brooch can tell you a lot, and is one of the most effective ways of distinguishing between genuine and fake pearls. Genuine pearls are covered in tiny, almost indistinguishable lines, making it look almost scaly under magnification. It also helps to look closely at the drill holes in the pearl, which are normally as small as possible in a real pearl as the gems are valued by their weight. The holes are usually drilled from both ends and meet in the middle, so the hole is much smaller in the middle of the pearl.
Shape
One of the most obvious ways to identify real pearl sets is to look closely at the shape of each pearl and whether or not they are close to being identical – real pearls are hardly ever perfectly round, and it is almost unheard of to find a whole string of pearls of exactly the same size, shape and weight. Real pearls that are regular in this way are extremely expensive, and if not they are probably fake.
X-Ray
The best way to be absolutely positive of a pearl’s authenticiety is to have it verified and certified by a qualified gemologist. For a fee they will be able to x-ray the pearls, allowing you to see inside to any imperfections or variations in density and identifying the nucleus to determine how the pearl was originally formed. You need to be pretty certain that the pearl is real before paying the price for a validation, but many imitation pearls look very real and it’s the only way to really be 100% sure without damaging the pearl.
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Engagement Rings And Unique Diamond Shapes
There are almost as many different styles and types of engagement rings as there are couples planning to get married. Finding the right types of engagement rings is an important step along the path to marriage. Looking beyond the common, traditional types of diamond engagement rings may be just the opportunity you have been searching for to find a really unique style.
A popular twist on the traditional engagement rings and wedding band sets is to use unique types of metals and gems. Engagement rings can now be made of the standard gold and silver, but platinum, titanium and palladium are also becoming more popular. There is also the option to use pink gold or combine different colors of gold and silver or other types of metals . Flatter, traditional simple bands are always elegant, however there are other styles available. Curved bands or bands that interlock or fit into each other are wonderful options for something out of the ordinary .
The shape of the diamond as well as the cut will make a big difference in the overall appearance. Some of the most traditional types of diamonds in engagement rings include the round solitaire, the hear shape or even the oval shaped diamonds. Selecting a more unusual shape or cut can really add a distinctive flair to the ring with very little additional cost .
Princess cut engagement rings have always been popular but continue to seen as a great option for any style of ring. The princess cut diamond is square in shape rather than round, but they are also tapered to a point on the underside. The cut increases the amount of light reflected through the ring. This gives a lot of fire and sparkle to a diamond, adding to the overall appearance of the ring .
Marquise cut diamonds are not new but are rapidly overtaking some of the more traditional cuts in solitaire styles. The longer, oval shape ending in tapered points can make a smaller diamond look much longer. It is a perfect shape for those with longer, delicate fingers since it conforms to the shape of the hand .
Ascher, princess cut diamonds and Marquise cut diamonds can be stand-alone stones in solitaire engagement rings but they can also be used in three stone engagement rings. The natural shape of both these cuts lends to being bordered on either side with smaller baguette style gems or diamonds. Other shapes that do well in three stone bands and rings include round cut, oval and princess cut diamonds.
Engagement rings are a symbol of love and unity, so choosing the right one is important. It is always best to learn as much as you can about diamonds and engagement rings before shopping so you are sure you are getting the quality she deserves .
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Engagement Rings And Unique Diamond Shapes
There are almost as many different styles and types of engagement rings as there are couples planning to get married. Finding the right types of engagement rings is an important step along the path to marriage. Looking beyond the common, traditional types of diamond engagement rings may be just the opportunity you have been searching for to find a really unique style.
One option for making engagement rings look unique and original is to change the traditional yellow gold or white gold type of band to something new and different. New metals popular for wedding bands include silver, platinum, palladium and titanium. Even very unique metals such as rose or pink gold are more common either as the full band metal or as accent metals on the band. Bands can also be different shapes, although many engagement rings feature a relatively simple flat or round band. Other options can include curved bands, bands that interlock with the wedding ring or bands that are uniquely shaped as a combination engagement and wedding style set .
Heart, oval or round shaped diamonds can be used on an original type of band to make engagement rings less traditional, however changing the shape of the diamond can really make an impact.
One shape of diamond that is becoming very much in demand is found with princess cut diamonds. This cut provides a square shaped cut that is very tapered on the underside. The diamond has many facets on all sides that reflect light back into the center. The detail gives this particular cut a vibrant sparkle that makes even a smaller stone look impressive.
For a stunning and striking solitaire ring the elongated marquis cut is a great match. Engagement rings featuring a marquis cut diamond are ideal for women with longer fingers or those with longer, thinner hands. The tapered ends of the marquis shape make even a small diamond look larger.
Ascher, princess cut diamonds and Marquise cut diamonds can be stand-alone stones in solitaire engagement rings but they can also be used in three stone engagement rings. The natural shape of both these cuts lends to being bordered on either side with smaller baguette style gems or diamonds. Other shapes that do well in three stone bands and rings include round cut, oval and princess cut diamonds.
Engagement rings are a symbol of love and unity, so choosing the right one is important. It is always best to learn as much as you can about diamonds and engagement rings before shopping so you are sure you are getting the quality she deserves .
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Custom Jewelry Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank
| Custom wedding rings are a great choice for people who love custom jewelry and personalized rings. We live in an era where people love to express their individuality. People love to design their own clothes, their own hairstyles, so why not express themselves through their custom jewelry? Custom wedding rings are a perfect way to express the individuality of a particular couple, to try and express the spirit of their partnership through the beauty of custom jewelry.
Some jewelers have sophisticated computer-aided technology to mock up possible custom wedding rings for interested couples. This technique allows, of course, for the ability to make minor tweaks and changes without going to the trouble of making wax mock ups. The traditional way of mocking up a piece of custom jewelry is to form the ring in wax, so that any imperfections or changes can be made before using a precious metal. Whether your trusted jeweler is on the cutting edge or committed to the traditional methods, you’re sure to get a piece you love. There are a variety of ways to design your personalized rings. Personalization can be as simple as adding your custom engraved message on the inside of a wedding band. Many couples choose to inscribe the wedding date along with a short phrase indicative of their love. Such words might be, “beloved” or “eternal love”, or perhaps a short phrase with personal meaning for the couple that only they truly understand. If you have your own ring design in mind, you can create the entire ring with the aid of a skilled jeweler. Some designs that seem as though they’d be easy to execute actually are much more difficult than at may first appear. It is a good idea to be flexible, and welcome the input of a jewelry professional as you attempt to create the perfect ring. Couples rings have an attractive unity when they share some aspect of similarity. The rings do not necessarily have to match, and unless it is a personal preference, there is no need to restrict your search to only matching couples sets. The common element can be as simple as both couples rings being made of the same precious metal. Doing some research on precious metals beforehand is a good idea. Though white gold and platinum may have the same look under the accent lights at your local jeweler, it’s important to note that they age differently when worn. White gold also should be occasionally re-plated to maintain a beautiful sheen. Check with your jeweler to determine the charge, if any, for this service. |
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{ Tips on Choosing Cultured Pearls | Best Tips on Selecting Cultured Pearls | Great Tips to Consider When Buying Cultured Pearls }
Is looking for ways to accessorize your items and adorn your body your present preoccupation? If you are, you may resort to the trend nowadays. That does not require you to go against the pressure of the deep sea just to get Akoya pearls. The market area for pearls is wide enough for you to explore and find the best cultured pearls for you. Before you go shopping, read on and find out the helpful tips that will guide you in choosing cultured pearls of high quality.
One quality that you should look into is the sizes of cultured pearls. All pearls are measured in millimeters. If you find large pearls fascinating, you have relatively small chance in finding them because they take long time to form compared with small ones. Aside from quality, size also affects the prices of pearls. Hence, pearls below 7.5 mm below have considerably low prices while those that exceed the said size have big prices.
Aside from size, you should also look into the luster and surface of pearls. Pearls that reflect light well have high luster and are therefore of high quality. As to the surface, do not purchase pearls with blemished surfaces because they are certainly of low quality.
The roundness of pearls also matters. If you want to pick those that are perfectly rounded, try to roll a strand in table. Pearls that roll smoothly indicate that they are smoothly rounded.
Thickness does count too. This quality is not easy to determine so it will be wise if you ask an expert about how to determine it. Compared with natural pearls, cultured pearls were formed by implanting natural pearl beads on oyster and mussels that were immersed in deep water for several years. The long span of time lets solid nacre to form around the beads and enables to determine the thickness of pearls. Do not invest in cultured pearls implanted with plastic or glass beads because they easily peel off.
Moreover, look into the uniformity of pearls, that is, the pearls in a piece of jewelry must be of the same size, color and luster. Of course, you won’t want to see yourself wearing a piece of jewel with pearls of different sizes, color and luster.
Take extra caution in choosing pearls because some wise manufacturers hide imperfect pearls near the clasp. When you pick pearls with best color, choose those that match your skin tone.
These great tips will be valuable for you to end up having the best cultured pearls of your taste. Bearing in mind all these pieces of advice and facts will definitely guide you to the best pearls currently available. Best place to shop is the World Wide Web where there are a lot of online stores offering pearls.
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Unique Looks In Engagement Rings
Traditionally engagement rings tended to be similar in appearance rather than very unique and individual. If, however, you want to look for engagement rings that are different than the ordinary it is now possible to completely customize engagement rings to create that one of a kind piece .
Diamond engagement rings offer a wide range of customization options. Most high quality jewelry stores and diamond merchants now offer the possibility of matching particular diamonds with settings, rather than buying the diamond already set in the band.
Another way to move engagement rings away from the traditional and into the more original is to add colored or fancy diamonds. Although the majority of diamonds are considered white or colorless, there are also colored diamonds including rare blue or green colors the slightly more common yellow to brown colored natural diamonds. Even clear diamonds can be color enhanced through specific processes resulting in amazing, lasting colors .
Cut, one of the four c’s of diamond grading, can be used to enhance the color and natural reflectivity of the diamond. Engagement rings that feature diamonds with multi-faceted cuts will have more sparkle and inner fire than those with fewer facets.
One cut that really enhances the color of a diamond and is a timeless classic on engagement rings is emerald cut. Engagement rings with this type of cut are ideal for larger stones as both center diamonds and accent diamonds. The cut is rectangular in shape with blunted corners and many layers or planes along the stone. These steps provide a depth to the stone and lots of color and light reflection .
Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are both traditional as well as very modern. Since the stone has the unique stepped faceting it tends to reflect light deep within the center, really bringing attention to the ring itself. A simple band often enhances the beauty of this cut.
Engagement rings aren’t all about the size of the diamond, the overall design is just as important. Bands that curve, interlock or fit into each other are perfect as engagement rings and later as matching wedding rings. Some rings allow for bands over and under the engagement rings, adding a whole new dimension to the wedding set.
Thinking modern for engagement rings may also include looking back over ring designs of the past. Many of the art deco or estate types of engagement rings make terrific examples of how an old classic can become a modern fashion trend in wedding jewelry.
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Out Of The Ordinary Engagement Rings
Traditionally engagement rings tended to be similar in appearance rather than very unique and individual. Often just a small twist on an old classic can take engagement rings in a completely new direction, making them unique and original without straying too far from the traditional. Brides that want a slightly different look for engagement rings that match their personal taste and style have lots of options to consider.
Diamond engagement rings offer a wide range of customization options. Most high quality jewelry stores and diamond merchants now offer the possibility of matching particular diamonds with settings, rather than buying the diamond already set in the band.
Out of the ordinary engagement rings may not use traditional clear or colorless diamonds, rather they may include fancy diamonds. Colored diamonds can be green or blue or brown through to yellows. Most of these colors occur naturally however labs can enhance the color giving a much deeper, distinctive color.
The cut of a diamond will definitely influence and affect the beauty of the diamond in engagement rings. The cut is not the same as the shape, rather it is the facets or sides that are cut into the diamond to provide light reflection. The more facets in the diamond the greater the fire or flash within the diamond itself .
One cut that really enhances the color of a diamond and is a timeless classic on engagement rings is emerald cut. Engagement rings with this type of cut are ideal for larger stones as both center diamonds and accent diamonds. The cut is rectangular in shape with blunted corners and many layers or planes along the stone. These steps provide a depth to the stone and lots of color and light reflection .
Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are both traditional as well as very modern. Since the stone has the unique stepped faceting it tends to reflect light deep within the center, really bringing attention to the ring itself. A simple band often enhances the beauty of this cut.
Engagement rings aren’t all about the size of the diamond, the overall design is just as important. Bands that curve, interlock or fit into each other are perfect as engagement rings and later as matching wedding rings. Some rings allow for bands over and under the engagement rings, adding a whole new dimension to the wedding set.
Thinking modern for engagement rings may also include looking back over ring designs of the past. Many of the art deco or estate types of engagement rings make terrific examples of how an old classic can become a modern fashion trend in wedding jewelry.
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Tiffany Inspired Jewelries - Girl’s Bestfriend Forever
Sounds familiar? Traditionally, diamonds are the girl’s bestfriend but with the financial crisis enveloping us these days diamonds are out of reach of ordinary people. Does that mean we stop being fashionable? Of course not! We adjust, adapt and live within our capabilities. Don’t fret if you can’t buy that diamond, inexpensive tiffany inspired jewelries are just within your easy reach. These jewelries cost less than a dinner in a fancy restaurant and probably less than a session in the salon.
If you are thinking tiffany inspired jewelries are similar to the costume jewelries you get used to finding in the mall, you are in for a surprise. These jewelries are crafted from authentic .925 sterling silver which in itself means quality and excellence. They don’t fade, turn into a reddish brass tint or lose its luster in a few days. Properly handled, sterling silver jewelries are long-lasting. Aside from that it uses cubic zirconia in place of a diamond. It radiates and glitters like a real diamond but only costs a fraction of a diamond’s price tag. This is because the cubic zirconia looks very much like a diamond even if you place them side by side, no one can really tell which is which.
Anyone, and I say anyone can afford to own stunning and stylish looking jewelry with tiffany inspired jewelries. The cost is surprisingly inexpensive that buying an entire set with decent sized stones will not be too much of a financial burden. And matching it with the right dress it will hardly look cheap and you will look as elegant as the celebrities wearing them during some formal events. Show off and flash it around like you can afford it and no one will be wiser.
Women naturally crave for high-class jewelries. It always makes them lovely and glamorous. Giving in to the whim will now be easier on the pocket Spoil yourself with tiffany inspired jewelries and let your beauty and fashion sense dazzle the people around you. Now you can look like a celebrity, or strutt around like a fashion diva and even grace a formal occasion accompanied by jewelries that look like they stay inside a safe deposit box most of the time. With the splendor and affordability of sterling silver it’s no wonder that these tiffany inspired jewelries have become a girl’s bestfriend.
Bestfriends let you radiate and make you feel good about yourself, which is exactly what tiffany inspired jewelries do. Visit http://www.overstocksilver.com/ and satisfy and indulge yourself.
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Create Unique and Personal Couples Jewelry
| Couples jewelry is a popular type of jewelry, in particular couples rings. Naturally, the engagement ring is the first thing that most people think of when considering couples jewelry. Custom jewelry has wide appeal to certain couples, because of the versatility of being able to tailor-make a piece.
Couples rings include, of course, engagement rings. The most common types of engagement rings are those made from gold, platinum, and silver. Simple solitaires are always an elegant choice, but if you prefer more elaborate styles with side stones, there is a vast array of options. If you’re planning to select a precious stone for your engagement ring – the diamond is the most popular, but by no means only choice – it is good to educate yourself beforehand about how diamonds are classified by experts. The world of diamonds is complex and takes some education to truly understand how it all works; it is a good idea to read a book or conduct some online research before contemplating a purchase. The classic wedding ring standard is the plain gold band. However, so many additional options exist, making the decision as hard as it has ever been for ring shoppers. There are literally thousands of couples rings designs to tempt you. Women often choose a wedding band that compliments their engagement ring. Many engagement ring designs come with a matching band, making the choice of a wedding band quite simple. If you don’t want to be locked into someone else’s vision of an engagement/band combination, then explore one of the many other styles. Eternity rings are a popular new band choice for women. Eternity rings are a band of stones that go all the way around the ring, which is symbolic of an eternal bond unbroken. This style of ring allows the wearer to make a statement about the way they view their relationship with their partner. New designs in couples rings Custom jewelry include lots of new choices for men. There are styles that include precious stones. A diamond/onyx design is masculine and attractive, a look that many men tend to gravitate toward. If you’re not a huge fan of “extras” on a ring, but aren’t willing to commit to a completely plain style, consider engraved styles. Simplicity and sophistication in design will always look appealing to those of various tastes. For the most discerning, consider having a jeweler design custom jewelry to meet special needs. |
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Choosing Engagement Rings
Narrowing down choices for engagement rings is always important especially since this ring is more than just a piece of jewelry. These engagement rings symbolize love and a lifetime together, so they will need to be in keeping with the styles and preferences of both the groom and bride. Knowing what is out there with regards to types of engagement rings is an important first step
Solitaire rings are very popular since they are striking and elegant but also match well with most wedding band styles. Typically these styles of engagement rings have larger sized diamonds, however with the right cut and type of diamond it is not the size but rather the brilliance and cut of the diamond that adds to the beauty of these elegant rings .
Princess cut engagement rings are a good match with solitaire rings if you want to try something different than the more traditional round cut. This cut is square in shape and has many different facets or angles within the cut that make light reflect, giving a dazzling appearance to the stone.
Matching the size of the diamond to the size of the band on engagement rings can make smaller diamonds look larger and larger diamonds look huge. Generally the smaller the band the larger the diamond will look, however it is important to keep this in balance. Adding a few diamond chips or gemstones around the diamond or grouping diamonds can also make the main diamond appear larger and more brilliant .
Other options for making smaller stones look bigger include considering one of the more distinctive cuts. Pear shaped diamonds, marquis cut and emerald cuts are ideal for many types of engagement rings and look larger than the same carat of diamond in a round stone.
Choosing engagement rings goes beyond just selecting a style, it also includes selecting the type of ring design as well as the metal that the ring is made out of. While silver and gold simple band styles are classic and popular there are also interlocking styles that are unique and very striking in appearance. The bands can be made out of many different types of metals including platinum, palladium and titanium .
Matching the band and the diamond will make the perfection combination for any style of engagement rings. To get a hint on what the bride-to-be likes, consider asking her about ring styles or checking the types of rings she currently wears to get an idea .
Looking around at all the various types of engagement rings is really the best possible option. This will provide you with ideas of traditional and non-traditional engagement rings, plus you can also determine what wedding band may work best with the engagement ring you select .
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