Showing posts with label jewelry. Show all posts

5 Tips For Choosing A Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring




Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

A pear-shaped diamond is a mixture of the marquise and round brilliant cuts. It consists of one pointed and one curved end and is among the oldest diamond cuts around. Often, the pear shape is used as a side stone on the engagement ring, to flank to centre stone. But, when used as the centre stone, this diamond cut offers a striking and classical feel.

Whether you’re looking for Argyle pink diamonds from The Diamond Jewellery Studio, or you would like to find a pear-shaped diamond engagement ring, here are our top tips.

1.     It’s all about symmetry

Symmetry is important in pear shaped diamonds. A slightly wonky pear cut will show, even a tiny difference is noticeable.
Each section of the diamond should be mirror image. The point of the diamond should also be aligned with the tip of its curved end. Aside from that, there shouldn’t be straight edges at all.
What’s more, the rounded point of the diamond should never be too wide because it can make the stone look triangular in shape.
Try to find Very Good or Excellent symmetry with this cut.

2.     Length to Width Ratio

Around 1.50 to 1.75 would be the ideal ratio. Anything less will make the stone look somewhat square whereas anything over will make it look too long and narrow. A more classic pear shape tends to make a beautiful centre stone for the engagement ring.

3.     Look for a bow-tie

The bow-tie is the darker area, that looks just like the shape of a bow-tie. It lies right across the middle of the stone. It happens when the light reflecting from the diamond’s surface is not enough and is created by misaligned facets. So, what happens is that light travels through and then out of the stone rather than reflecting back at you.
Many pear shapes have a bow-tie which can range from almost unnoticeable to severe. If the stone has been expertly cut, the facets will align perfectly, and you won’t notice the bow-tie. But, if it catches your eye the minute that you look at the diamond, rather choose another one.

4.     Choose a protective setting

A pear-shaped diamond necessitates a protective setting so that the pointed end doesn’t get caught or chipped. Ideally, choose a six-prong setting, which has five prongs to hold the diamond in place and a sixth to protect the point of the stone.
A five-prong setting will also work well with smaller pear-shaped stones. Halo and bezel settings provide enough protection, too. Just make sure that the diamond does have a large bottom prong or V-shaped prong to protect its point.

5.     Choose the colour grade

Finally, pick the colour grade for your diamond. A pear-shape usually shows even the slightest bit of colour, so if you’d prefer there not to be a tint, pick something close to the colourless range, close to the D-G GIA scale grades. The colourless grades also offer more fire and sparkle. But, they do come at a hefty price.
Use these 5 tips to find the perfect pear-shaped diamond engagement ring.


Watch Out For These Engagement Ring Buying Mistakes




Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash

There are only a few things more expensive than engagement rings that you will be purchasing in your lifetime, so it’s best to be extra careful when you buy these pieces of jewellery. Since the process of selecting diamonds is also a bit complicated, it is best to know the common mistakes that people succumb to when they buy engagement rings.

Whether you are purchasing from a traditional jeweller or from an online jeweller, it would be best to keep these in mind:

1. Cut Quality

Do not be misled by the cut. Since this grading criterion is more difficult to describe compared to colour or clarity, it is usually misrepresented or some consumers simply neglect it. For example, you may be shown a number of diamonds in different cut qualities but this does not mean that these are well cut diamonds. They may, however, be the best options available at that jeweller.

Make sure you go for deeply cut diamonds. Poorly cut diamonds are common and are less expensive per carat, while well cut diamonds are fewer and more expensive per carat. For example, a 1.00 carat diamond may appear similar to a .90 carat diamond simply because it is deeply cut.

2. Clarity and Colour Grading

Seller-stated colour or clarity grade should be within 1 grade of what was appraised, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines for jewellery retailers. Unfortunately, this means that jewellers can represent a G diamond as an F. This is why it is necessary to find a reputable jeweller that you can trust and who provides reliable products and after sales care services. You can check out https:/www.diamonds.co.nz/ and look at an extensive selection of trustworthy diamond engagement rings.

Once the diamond is set in a jewellery item, the clarity and colour is impossible to accurately judge. The flaws of a diamond are easily concealed under prongs. The colour can also be skewed by the reflections from the ring setting. This is why it is highly recommended that you purchase your diamonds loose since it can be better appraised and the consumer knows exactly what they are getting. In fact, diamond dealers, retailers or wholesalers avoid buying high value diamonds that are already set.

In addition, colour grading should be done in standardized environments by highly trained specialists of internationally accredited gemologists so do not accept a jeweller’s colour grade as a substitute. Only accept diamond colour grades that are issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society (AGS). For example, if you are eyeing a fancy intense pink item, you can check out its GIA colour grade rating to know that you are actually getting a credible fancy colour diamond.

3. GIA Certification

Before you purchase a diamond engagement ring, always ask for a copy of the Grading Report provided by the GIA or similar independent institutes. Avoid purchasing from anyone who cannot provide such certification. Plus, make sure that you are shown a GIA report and not just a certification prepared by a GIA-trained gemologist. A GIA certification means the diamond has been graded at the GIA, while the latter only means it has been graded by an employee of the jewellery store who has received GIA training. 



Another important details to be careful with when buying engagement rings is the GIA laser inscription, warranties and guarantees.  Ensure that the transactions are in writing.

It is always good to learn from other people’s mistakes so you would not repeat them. It will also help you in making a decision in picking the right ring for your woman.




Why Invest In Antique Watches Over Smartwatches




Image by Craig McLachlan via Unsplash

While there’s no stopping technology, it doesn’t have to rule our lives, and with smartphone technology moving forward at an astronomical rate, it is difficult to keep abreast with the innovations that we are constantly experiencing. The smartwatch, for example, might look on the surface to be a winner. But when you consider how much your smartphone cost, it seems a little excessive to have yet another mobile device that cannot compete with an iPhone or the latest Samsung. Some experts heralded the smartwatch as the natural replacement for the smartphone, yet in all honesty, the phone wins hands down as there’s only so much you can do with a tiny digital screen. If you were thinking of adding a smartwatch to your device collection, here are just a few of the reasons why it pays to stick with an antique watch

Timeless Style and Elegance

Most of us wear a watch today as more of a fashion accessory than to actually tell the time, and with your smartphone screen always showing the right time, there is no longer the need for a wristwatch. Fortunately, watch wearing is ingrained into our culture, and if you are a person who likes to dress stylishly, you would be hard pushed to find a better fashion accessory than an antique watch. If you would like to browse online, there are a selection of unique antique watches available at Kalmar Antiques, Australia’s leading online jeweller, and this classic type of timepiece will complement any outfit.

The Investment Opportunity

The rise in digital technology has made the classic timepiece something to be treasured, and as the years go by, a quality antique watch would steadily increase in value. Some antique items have to be kept at home, while an antique watch can be worn on a regular basis as it is also functional, and if you made a wise purchase with long term profits in mind, it is likely you can have a decade of trouble free use then make a tidy profit if you decide to sell.

Know your Watches

If you are thinking of making an investment and purchasing an antique watch, you really should do some research, and the Internet is the ideal platform to learn about this fascinating niche. A few hours of browsing will educate you as to what determines an antique watch, as opposed to a vintage timepiece, which would not be as old as a genuine antique model. For any item to be labelled antique, it must be at least 100 years old, and by purchasing from a reputable online jeweller, you can be certain that the watch is as described. Refer to an excellent article that points out the difference between an antique and vintage watch, and it will certainly help you when you begin your search for the ideal timepiece.

Purchasing an antique watch should never be something you blindly rush into, and by searching for a reputable online jeweller, you can be sure the watch is genuine, and with their expert advice, you can shop with confidence, knowing the jeweller has your best interests at heart.


Flawless necklace by Onecklace


Hello my lovelies and welcome to my new post! I am happy to share with you a new addition to my jewelry collection that I recently received.





The lovely necklace you see above came from an online store called Onecklace where you can check out a wide choice of personalized jewelry. Personalized means that you can order a necklace, earnings, bracelets or rings that can have a writing of your choice on them. There are different styles and fonts you can choose from to make a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love.




I picked out something I always wanted to have - Flawless necklace. You can find this style and other name necklaces here. I really enjoy its elegance and simplicity. All of their products come with a Certificate of Authenticity where you can read all about high quality metals such as gold and silver that they use to make their products.

What do you think about this kind of personalized jewelry? Feel free to let me know!

Lots of love,
Venoma

6 Tips For Buying An Engagement Ring That Fits




Okay, you’ve decided she is the one and the time is right to ask her to marry you. You may even have picked out the ring already and have an ace proposal planned. But, how do you make sure you surprise her with the perfect diamond engagement ring that fits like, well, the perfect diamond engagement ring? Here are some tips to help you find her size.

1.    Talk to a Friend

Talk to her best friend or someone in her family she’s close to. They might have already bought her a ring as a gift in the past or been ring shopping with her. If they don’t know, you can always get them on board to help you to find out so that you can choose from the handmade engagement rings in Sydney that she’ll love.

2.    Borrow Her Ring

If you can, try to get hold of a ring she wears often and quickly head off to a jeweller to get it measured. Remember, it needs to be a ring that fits her properly on her ring finger.

3.    Detective Work

If you can’t get a ring out the house for sizing, you need to play detective to the greatest degree. Either try a ring of hers on your own finger and mark where it falls on your finger and then head off to the jeweller for a size (don’t wash the mark off yet!). Or, make an impression of the ring by pressing it into a bar of soap. It’s all very sneak and very clever.

4.    While She’s Sleeping

While your bride-to-be sleeps, very gently and inconspicuously wrap a piece of string or paper around her ring finger and mark the size on it. You can then take the string or piece of paper with you to the jeweller. This one’s not going to work if she’s a light sleeper, though.

5.    Size Up

Really don’t have a clue about the right size? Fortunately, rings are a lot easier to resize if they’re too big. Most jewellers also offer a free re-sizing service. Just remember that bands with intricate gems or thin bands might not be able to be resized.

6.    Little White Lie

If you’re okay with a little white lie, you could always tell her you want to buy a ring for a family member and get her to try a few on or simply tell you her ring size. Tell her you want an estimate for someone else, and then high-tail it to the jeweller with the size.

These six tips should help you to get a relatively accurate measurement of her ring size and be well on your way to planning the perfect proposal with a perfect fitting diamond engagement ring. Just remember, when in doubt, play it safe and size up, but make sure the ring you choose can be resized later on. Good luck with your ring hunt!


Jeulia Best Selling Engagement Rings Online

Hello my lovelies and welcome to my new post! I recently found out that it has been a while since we talked about some fine jewelry. With September coming up, the wedding season is still in full swing, so why not check out some great online places such as Jeulia online jewelry store where you can find everything you need for a special occasion such as weddings, engagements or even casual gifts for yourself or your significant other.



When it comes to Jeulia jewelry online shop, I had so much fun browsing their product recently. They offer everything from engagement rings for women, wedding rings, personalized jewelry, charms and similar. I enjoyed their Jeulia exclusive section with some very interesting designs as well.



What I picked out for you today are just some of their halo engagement rings that I wanted to share with you. You can see them on the photos in this post. I picked out some of the design ideas that I found the most appealing. Great thing about this store is that you can do the search by the stone you would like in your jewelry, the material or the price point, which makes the shopping so much easier.



What do you think about this store my lovelies? Do you have personal favorites when it comes to jewelry such as solitaire engagement ring? Please share your thoughts!

Lots of love,

Venoma

Your Complete Guide to Metals for Engagement Rings


Image by slgckgc via Flickr

Are you getting ready to propose to your girlfriend? When selecting an engagement ring, picking a precious metal is often a personal decision.  As you begin, consider her taste and style. Does she prefer classic gold or does she prefer a white-silver colour, more like white gold or platinum? Does she have any metal allergies because if she does, you’ll need to consider metal purity when selecting one.  This guide will help you to compare the most popular precious metals used in engagement rings so see which one best fits her lifestyle.

·         Platinum- Platinum is a rare, precious white metal that is 95 % pure. This makes platinum a popular choice for brides-to-be with skin allergies since this metal is hypoallergenic.  In addition, platinum is known for its durability which means your centre diamond will be protected.   Even if your ring gets scratched, platinum bands don’t use much metal and often develop a satin finish over the years.
·         Palladium- Palladium is also a rare, silvery, white metal, created with 95% purity. It’s resistant to damage and scratches like platinum, and it is actually 12 % harder than platinum.   While you can purchase a palladium band, more jewellery designers are using palladium as one of their natural alloys in white gold.
·         Yellow Gold- Gold is still a traditional option. However, you can’t use 24 carat gold because when it’s 100 % pure, it’s too soft to work with for jewellery.  Typically, most rings are made out of 18K gold, which is 75% pure gold and 25 % alloys.  Gold is more affordable than platinum, and it doesn’t tarnish.
·         White Gold-While some brides-to-be still prefer traditional gold, others prefer white gold, which is gold dipped in rhodium for a silvery finish. However, if you choose white gold, you will have to get your ring re-dipped at least once a year.
·         Rose Gold- Rose gold is pink-tinted gold, which has been combined with copper alloys. The more copper that is in it, the rosier the gold looks. This means it doesn’t work for those with sensitive skin. However, for many others, rose gold has become very trendy, especially in combining metals as the warmer tone looks flattering on most skin tones.

Other Tips for Selecting the Right Precious Metal

Think long-term. She’ll hopefully be wearing this ring for many years to come. While you certainly want to keep trends in mind, sometimes choosing a timeless and elegant look is best. Check the Ringleaders engagement rings in Brisbane to see a variety of elegant rings.
Consider mixing metals.  Pairing yellow good and white gold together gives an extra stunning elegance to an engagement ring.

Contemplate the maintenance of each precious metal. White gold needs to be re-dipped and re-plated at least a few times each year. Yellow gold and platinum rings are easier to care for, however, platinum rings need to be professionally cleaned at least annually.



Know Before You Buy Online: The 411 on Silver Rings


There aren’t many pieces of jewellery you can wear, comfortably, on a daily basis. But one such item, one classic, traditional and timeless is a sterling silver ring. In general, silver is considered as the world’s most versatile and complementary jewellery metal. Silver jewellery is wonderful when found in earrings, necklaces, brooches, bracelets, and, of course, rings. A silver band or silver ring will go with everything you wear (or don’t wear). It’s comfortable, comforting and given as a gift is considered a token of affection, admiration, thanks, celebration, love, friendship, family and congratulations. A silver ring is also a most excellent gift for yourself. After all, you know yourself best and know what you like, what you’ll wear (or not ever take off). You know what you find easy-to-wear, flattering to your skin tone.

Some of the best deals on silver jewellery can be found online and it’s a great resource when you’re looking to buy quality items at reasonable rates. But, like any product, it’s critical you know what to look for, and what you should consider when buying a silver ring online. Check out the substantial collection of silver rings from Silver by Mail and you’ll find so many rings to choose from, you’re likely to want more than one.



The 411 on Silver


When buying silver, you should know some basic facts. Sterling silver is generally marked or stamped either “sterling” or “sterling silver” or even, “solid silver,” or, most often, “925” or 92.5 or .925 (meaning 92.5% -- the amount of pure silver in the metal; silver is very soft and to make it malleable and durable and feasible as a jewellery metal, 7.5% of a metal alloy – usually copper -- is added). Always check for the designation that you’re buying actual silver. Next, you want to be sure you choose a reputable dealer (such as the one mentioned in the previous paragraph). Examine the craftsmanship and be sure that not only is everything finely made, but any “moving parts” work well and have the distinction of a mark of durability.

Safety Tips for Online Shopping


·         Reputation: Know the website on which you are considering a purchase. Make sure it is a valid, trusted source. Do web research. Make sure you are on the shop’s or company’s actual site and not some similarly named site which will trick you into giving up your information.

·         Super Security: When you’re buying online, you have to, at some point, enter your payment method and provide all kinds of information proving you are who you are and that the card (common payment method) is yours. This protects the company. Now, to protect yourself, you must be sure that you never enter your credit card or personal information on a site that is not using an SSL, which stands for secure sockets layer. Look at the URL and you should see “https:” instead of only “http:”

·         Giving it Up: Only fill in online forms with information in the “boxes” that are noted as mandatory and essential. Putting in unnecessary information will only give ammunition to potential hackers.

·         Well Stated: Become familiar with your bank’s online presence and website. Register and use it to monitor your statements. Check your checking, savings, credit card and debit card accounts and make sure that any noted payments are your own. If you see something unfamiliar, get in touch with your bank as soon as possible.

·         Use Protection: Consult with a techie to be sure you have software that will protect you from hackers. When coming up with passwords, don’t use the same one repeatedly, and be sure you use strong passwords. Use your own devices – laptop, notebook, smart phone, iPad, etc. Avoid using public computers.

With the points and tips discussed, you can surely purchase silver rings online without any worries.



New In: Soufeel Leather Bracelet and Silver Charms




Hello lovelies! If you read my blog in the last few months you might have noticed that I have a few new favorite pieces of jewelry all coming from one store - SoufeelThis time I am reviewing another one of their great products - new bracelet with 5 brand new charms from their latest offer! I hope you lovelies will love it and find this review useful!







Here's a little something what you should know about Soufeel: Their jewelry is made out of 925 sterling silver and colored gems. They offer many bracelet designs and over 500 charms designs as well. It was so hard for me (again!) to pick my favorite five out of so many cute little charms! You can pick also your own bracelet size to make sure it fits. They offer free shipping on orders over 50$ and 365 days return.











 The whole package is sent in a big Soufeel cardboard box, while inside you can find a cute little bag with your items together with a small piece of fabric for special care. Inside the bag all of your items are individually packed. Soufeel thinks of everything when it comes to packaging.

The bracelet I chose this time is this beautiful black leather classsic piece that makes everything easer to mix and match! The five charms I choose this time are super special as always.







Bracelet: Soufeel 

P.S. aSoufeel they provide free shipping and 365-day return service, so that you can enjoy a risk-free shopping experience there! Here is an extra 5% off coupon code: BLOG5, with which you can 
save extra 5% on any orders.

What do you think about bracelets with charms lovelies? Did you know about Soufeel before? Do you like my choice of charms? Please share your thoughts!

Lots of love,
Venoma