June 30, 2011
Diamonds and Deals
CNBC got it right. Follow the link to read these tips for good advice on shopping for a diamond. Note, FIND A VENDOR YOU TRUST. That’s perhaps difficult, but most important to getting the best information and value. Look for professional credentials, such as the Registered Jeweler or Certified Gemologist title from the American Gem Society. http://www.cnbc.com/id/43594269 …Dii
June 29, 2011
It Can Be Tough
Although diamonds are the hardest known substance, they aren’t the toughest. Jade is tougher!! There’s jadeite and there’s nephrite – two different minerals that are sometimes collectively referred to as jade. Of the two, nephrite is tougher. In fact, nephrite is known as the toughest natural mineral on earth.
There are various colors of both nephrite and jadeite. You might be most familiar with green; however, each is a distinctive “shade” of green. Also, jadeite is rarer than nephrite and therefore, more expensive in higher qualities.
Today, you should be aware of the limitations on jadeite from Burma. It is illegal to import any jadeite from Burma into the US. Estate or vintage pieces can be exempt. Consult your gemologist/jeweler to explain the differences in jadeite and nephrite. And, if purchasing jadeite, obtain the proper documentation. It’s not too tough… Dii
June 27, 2011
How Hard is a Diamond?
The typical hardness scale of 1-10, called the Mohs scale, shows diamond as a 10; sapphire as a 9. This might lead you to believe that sapphire is almost as hard as diamond. But it is misleading. Diamond is about four times as hard as sapphire. And talc is closer to the hardness of sapphire than sapphire is to diamond!
Does this mean you should be more careful with your color gemstones? Yes, but many are still appropriate for daily wear. In fact, with the sapphire engagement ring of Princess Kate, sapphires are the most popular color today.
Consult a gemologist for the best advice on all gemstones – their care and their durability. …Dii
June 23, 2011
Dirt on Diamonds
Just because they’re known as “the hardest substance known to man”, diamonds can still chip and break. The durability – or the hardness, toughness, and stability of the diamond, tells the entire story.
Hardness is the resistance to scratching – and this is where diamond really “shines”! In fact, only another diamond can scratch a diamond. So if you’re lucky enough to have more than one, keep them away from each other!
Toughness is the resistance to breaking, chipping and cracking. This can be a surprise to you if your jeweler tells you that your diamond is chipped. But, it’s quite common – especially around the edges. A sharp blow in just the right location can cause a chip or enlarge an existing small chip. Be aware of your surroundings and what you’re doing when you wear a diamond. Sports and manual labor are more of a concern than typing on a computer or watching your favorite reality show!
Stability is the resistance to temperature changes and chemicals. Diamond scores high on this one; not much will phase it. However, the metal in the setting may have a different tolerance. It’s okay for a jeweler to clean the diamond using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner – and it won’t hurt metal. However, the chemicals in a hot tub may affect the nickel in your white gold. …Dii
June 16, 2011
Thursday Blues
The color blue has been associated with being sad – being blue. However, it’s also been associated with the best – blue ribbons and blue chip stocks. In the gem world, the blue sapphire is the most highly regarded sapphire, although sapphire can be found in almost any color of the rainbow. (When it’s red, it’s called a ruby).
Sapphire took the spotlight – again – when Prince William gave his mother’s ring to Catherine for their engagement. All of a sudden, the universal trend is color gemstones for an engagement ring.
Sapphire happens to be my birthstone, so maybe I like it a bit more because of that. Most sapphire is heated to enhance its color – and that’s alright with me. The color won’t change back and the gemstone doesn’t require any special care.
There’s a premium price for sapphire that isn’t heated – you’ll want some type of independent lab document stating that fact – if purchasing it! There are other treatments which enhance the appearance of sapphire. The color can actually be diffused into the stone! Your gemologist/jeweler can tell the difference – and should offer a big difference in the price!
I like the sapphire to be a bit on the light side – when cut well they have a brightness that continues even after it’s set in a mounting. If the color is dark when it’s loose, then expect it to be even darker after setting it in a ring or pendant. Don’t be blue – things are always brighter when you look at your sapphire! And… tomorrow is Friday!! …Dii
June 14, 2011
Ruby Tuesday
Courtesy of AGTA
Since it’s Tuesday, let’s talk about ruby. It’s the birthstone for July, so maybe you want to go shopping now! What should you look for, other than a good red color?
If you like how the ruby looks, you’re almost there. Keeping in mind the quality of the jewelry (last post), let me outline a few other considerations.
Is the ruby natural? Did man create it in a laboratory? Is it merely a red stone that looks like a ruby? This is the first piece of information you should ask for. Then, if the ruby is natural, ask if it has been treated in any way. If the sales associate gets a lost look in his or her eye, thank them and move on. Virtually all rubies are heat treated to enhance the red color. It’s an accepted treatment and frankly, we wouldn’t have very many pretty rubies to choose from if they weren’t.
But the technology doesn’t stop there. While heating a ruby, other elements can be added to further enhance not only the color, but the apparent clarity of the stone too. I don’t consider this to be a bad thing – unless the sales associate cannot or does not explain this to you.
When you go to a hair salon, you expect that your technician has been educated on how to cut hair and how to safely color it. In fact, my hairdresser has her certificate in clear sight! If I choose to have my sister color my hair – and she has no training to do so – we might not speak again if I lose my hair or it turns into a shade of orange that I don’t like!
Choose your jeweler wisely. Look for their certificate of gemological education. Knowledge is power – and a professional jewelry sales associate wants to share!! …Dii
June 8, 2011
Show It To Me!
In the jewelry industry, one of the largest shows is held in Las Vegas – where I happen to reside. The American Gem Society has a booth to meet and greet our members and to also promote membership in the society.
It was good to see the optimism this year; it was interesting to see the number of vendors! I can’t help but wonder how they all “make a living” selling jewelry. How does the retailer choose the jewelry that ultimately, you, the consumer, will want to purchase? Where’s the crystal ball that tells them what price points, what design elements, and what quality features you will be excited about?
When you go shopping in a mall, you might see 6 or more jewelry stores, depending on the size of the mall. In your town, how many independent jewelers can be found? How do you know which store to choose? Is it the style of the jewelry? Is it the quality of the sales staff? Is it the overall experience?
Each time I visit the Apple Store, I wonder how we might make a jewelry store more interactive. Wouldn’t it be fun to go in and try on the jewelry without having to ask the associate to unlock the case? I haven’t figured it out yet – that is, how to configure the cables that keep the jewelry from “walking” out the door!! Any ideas?? …Dii
June 6, 2011
Switched?
Are you afraid to leave your diamond with a jeweler? Is it still your diamond when you retrieve it? How fast can someone switch stones? Does it happen very often? How can you be confident when you leave your ring for a repair or cleaning?
If you already have a trusted jeweler, you already have peace of mind that your diamond is safe in their care. If you don’t, read on…
Let’s say you take your diamond ring in to a store to have it cleaned. The cleaner is in the back of the store and you won’t be able to watch it for about 5 minutes. In fact, you’re probably distracted by a sales associate showing you other beautiful pieces of jewelry in the store.
The ring is handed back to you and it doesn’t look like your diamond before you had it cleaned. You wonder – is it mine? You think – I can see a spot that wasn’t there before.
Was your diamond switched? A jeweler would have to be very fast – and have a multitude of sizes and shapes of substitute stones in order to switch a stone that fast. Can it happen? I won’t say it can’t. Does it happen very often? Not at reputable jewelry stores with a history of satisfied customers. You can’t stay in the jewelry business if you’re in the monkey business.
But there are steps you can take to avoid that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The first thing is to know your diamond. Do you need a course in diamond grading? No, but next post will include some easy tips. …Dii
June 2, 2011
You’ve Got Style
You want to purchase a diamond engagement ring. What style is best for you? Today, white metal is the Hot metal of choice and round diamonds are still holding the top spot followed by princess cuts.
Keep these lifestyle tips in mind:
Into sports and exercise? Take off the ring. Even a firm grip on a bicycle can reshape the shank of your ring.
On a computer all day? Not a concern. However, frequent hand washing not only leaves your hands dry; it can leave a soapy residue on your diamond. Have a jar of jewelry cleaner at home and soak your ring at the end of the day.
Love the hot tub? This and swimming pools are not good for white gold. Chemicals can react with the nickel alloy and leave the metal brittle. You might consider platinum or palladium.
The more active you are, the more you should consider a setting where the diamond is set low. Or, consider six prongs instead of four. If you like modern designs, look at a bezel setting.
If you prefer white metal, consider spending a bit more for platinum. If you like yellow gold, choose 14 or 18 karat. 22 or 24 karat is too soft to safely hold a diamond. …Dii
