Whether you and he have discussed marriage or you just have a hunch that he may pop the question in the near future, you've probably given some thought to a diamond ring. If you and your intended shop for your diamond ring together, become familiar with the elements of diamond quality before you get to the mall. Invented by the Gemological Institute of America, the diamond grading system is commonly known as the "4 Cs" - carat, clarity, color and cut.

Carat

Carat weight measures a diamond's size. Each carat is equal to 100 points. Thus, a .75-carat diamond is the same as a 75-point stone or a 3/4-carat diamond. According to the Diamond Information Center, the larger a diamond, the more rare it is. Not only are larger diamonds found infrequently in nature, but they also show off the stone's color and cut to the best advantage.

Clarity

According to the Diamond Information Center, the purer a diamond, the more brilliant it is. A diamond's clarity is judged by the number, color, type, size and position of inclusions - "nature's birthmarks" - it contains. The fewer inclusions the stone has - as determined by a grading system - the more valuable it is.

Color

The purer the color of a diamond, the more rare it is. Truly colorless diamonds are the most valuable, while those with subtle yellow or brown tones - as determined by a grading system - are less so. Comparing stones side by side is the best way to see the color of each stone.

Cut

The Diamond Information Center maintains that, while nature is responsible for the other three Cs, it is the cut of a stone that releases its sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of its brilliance.

There are several different shapes of cut diamonds; the one you choose depends upon your personal taste. Marquis cuts are out of style, but Princess, Round, Oval, and Emerald diamond rings are chosen by many couples.

While diamond rings have traditionally been comprised of a single diamond or solitaire, the current trend is a ring with a center stone and side diamonds. As for settings, there are over half-dozen categories to choose from. The prong setting is still the first choice for most buyers, but that the bezel setting is also popular. And, while yellow gold may make a comeback in the future, the hot metal for diamond rings is still platinum. While it's pricier, it's also heavier, hypoallergenic, and will never taish.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon Inteational, one of the worlds MOST popular inteet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Jewelry Website and Majon's Jewelry directory.

When we think of precious gems, we usually spare little thought to the hard work that it takes to bring them to us in the beautiful jewelry that we love to wear, but diamond mining is, in fact, an expensive and dangerous procedure, reflected to the consumer in the price that must be paid to own one. Wouldn�t it be wonderful if there were some way to recreate that same brilliance and beauty in a less dangerous, and hence less expensive way? Today�s technological innovations mean that this does not have to be a pipe dream any longer � with lab created diamonds, we can wear beautiful gemstones produced by the intelligence of mankind, rather than the trials and tribulations of nature, and without the expense that mining brings. Lab created diamonds are now very good and becoming as popular as the real thing.

The popularity of diamonds have urged experts to try to find more cost effective ways of providing the brilliance of the stone in our jewelry, and over the years there have been many alteatives to diamonds put forward, including cut glass, rhinestones and cubic zirconium. While these have proved satisfactory for some purposes, these lab created diamonds have consistently lacked the brilliance and beauty of a genuine diamond. This was until the discovery of moissanite in meteor fragments, and the realisation that moissanite could be reproduced in controlled circumstances, leading to the dawn of lab made diamonds.

It was discovered in 1995 that moissanite could be reproduced under laboratory conditions, and the unique beauty of the stone made scientists realize that there would be a huge market for these lab created diamonds. While the difficulty involved in growing these lab made diamonds remains quite high, the price for moissanite jewelry is higher than you might expect in a diamond substitute, but today, many gemmologists consider the moissanite stone to be a gem in and of its own right. Unlike previous substitutes, moissanite is in many ways superior to diamonds, with more sparkle and brightness that the mined gem.

Previously, choosing a gem that looked like a diamond but wasn�t one was seen as a step down, a compromise, but with the quality of today�s lab created diamonds, this is no longer the case. So take advantage of today�s great moissanite prices while they last, because someday soon, the brilliant sparkle of this stone will make lab made diamonds even more sought after than the �real thing�.

Lab created diamonds, and Moissanite in particular, are now as good as the real thing.

For a website totally devoted to Moissanite rings visit Peter's Website The Magic of Moissanite, and find out about Moissanite Rings as well as Loose Moissanite Stones and more, including Mens Moissanite Rings, Moissanite Earrings, Moissanite Bridal Rings and Moissanite Engagement Rings

Wearing birthstone jewelry is very popular today. Not only is it fashionable; somehow, it also makes the item feel more personal and part of the wearer's personality. Almost all gems are believed to be imbued with some special sort of power and this is one of the reasons why it is considered lucky to wear birthstone jewelry. Let's look at some of the mystical properties and beliefs about these special gems and some famous people who would wear them.

January's birthstone, the gaet, is believed to have blood purification properties and to protect against poisoning. Actress Faye Dunaway and supermodel Kate Moss are two celebrities who were bo in January.

The amethyst, the gem of the month for February, is a symbol of serenity and peace. In addition, it's reputed to protect the wearer from intoxication. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, singer Roberta Flack and actress Drew Barrymore have amethysts in their birthstone jewelry.

March's birthstone is the clear blue aquamarine. Perhaps because of its color, it is sacred among sailors, who believe that it will protect them from the perils of the sea. NBA player Shaquille O'Neal, heartthrob Freddie Prinze Jr. and singing legend Liza Minnelli are among the celebrities who are under the protection of the aquamarine.

The eteally stylish and elegant diamond is April's birthstone. Believed to symbolize true love, it is the most popular gem used in wedding rings. Among the notables having diamond birthstone jewelry are England's Queen Elizabeth II, actress Jessica Alba and tennis player Andre Agassi.

May's birthstone is the enigmatic emerald. Some people believe that emeralds are magic and had the ability to make the wearer psychic. Famous people having the emerald as their birthstone include British Prime Minister Tony Blair, socialite Bianca Jagger and singer Janet Jackson.

The simple and classic pearl is the birthstone for June. It is viewed by various cultures as a symbol of power, love, purity and chastity. Pearl birthstone jewelry celebrities count sex symbols Marilyn Monroe and Angelina Jolie among their numbers.

The red ruby is July's birthstone. It is believed to help in matters of love and to enhance sexual prowess. Hollywood actor Tom Cruise and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, are among the celebrities bo in July.

Birthstone jewelry for August includes the lime green peridot, is traditionally believed to give good sleep and protect the wearer from nightmares. Oscar winner Halle Berry and Grammy winner Whitney Houston are two of the women who count the peridot as their birthstone.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September. It is believed the give the power of precognition and is also linked to joy and peace. Two glamorous figures who can be poster babies for sapphire birthstone jewelry are actresses Brigitte Bardot and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The delicate opal is October's birthstone. Some cultures believe the opal brings bad luck, while others associate it with innocence and purity. Tony-winning actress Julie Andrews and U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton were bo in October.

The topaz is central in November's birthstone jewelry. Medicine men and women in some cultures used ground topaz in their concoctions to heal asthma, and the birthstone was also reputed to have a calming effect on the quick-tempered. The late Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco and Hollywood actress Demi Moore are two examples of famous November babies.

Finally, we have turquoise as December's birthstone. The Indians of North America revered this gem because of its power to wa the wearer of danger and because of the luck it brought. Pop princess Britney Spears and film director Steven Spielberg celebrate their birthdays in December.

Wearing birthstone jewelry is a popular tradition that continues to this day. Necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches and many other dress accessories adoed with these gems are not only fashionable but also more meaningful for the wearer or for the recipients of such gifts. Also, having birthstone jewelry is a reminder that you have at least one thing in common with celebrities!

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Inteet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.moinglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.moinglightjewelry.com.

Whether you are looking for fine, custom, or fashion jewelry it is always fun to shop for the decorative accessories. You might be looking for that perfect anniversary gift or a thoughtful birthday surprise. With fashion or fine jewelry you can always find something that can fit that special someone�s personality.

Fashion jewelry comes in a variety of styles these days and you can find just about anything you desire. These fashion jewelry designs range from Indian delights to fashionable custom crystals from the sixties. You can find bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, watches, accessory pins and even a vast amount of gentlemen�s accent pieces. If you are looking for something a little bit more delicate and for all occasions you can also find rhinestone handbags, bridal tiaras, pageant jewelry, and pageant crowns. Many of these are found at reasonable prices and conveniently located around the coer in your local area stores.

If elegance is more your style, then know that there is a lot to choose from and more importantly, at affordable costs. Here are some practical tips when looking for that fine jewelry whether you are shopping in a local boutique or an online store.

� Investigate the fashion and fine jewelry auctions; you could save a ton of money cutting out the hidden costs at a regular retail store.

� Look for a reputable company with years of experience

� If you are buying a diamond, get a certificate stating the quality of the stone and any gems in the setting

� Check for color and information about the setting

� Decide how many flaws you can bear

� Check the details of their retu policy

� Shop around and compare pricing

� Be weary of extremely expensive fashion or fine jewelry pricing

If you do your homework and check out the competition you could find just what you are looking for at a great price. Hopefully with these tips you will know what to look for and inform yourself in advance to get the best deal. There�s no need to be shy when it comes to searching for that perfect gift or accentuating your favorite outfit, because now you know what to look for and can find it without breaking your budget! So take your girlfriend, wife or mom and make her day a special one with just the right fashion or fine jewelry. You can make a lunch date to remember!

Need help locating a jewelry store in your area? We are the fine jewelry store directory. http://www.jewelrystorenearyou.com/

Anne Klein began her company in 1968. Originally Anne Klein only sold clothes in matching pieces and bits to make it easier to put outfits together. She was able to offer women products that fit their needs and well before anyone was serving this market. It could be called an oveight success -in the least a smashing success as the result of Klein's hard work, confidence, and brilliance. Anne saw herself rise to the top and was one of the world's top designers when she died, unexpectedly, in 1974. The company has succeeded in her absence with labels such as Donna Karan, an assistant on Ann's.

Of course clothing pieces was not enough when women wanted accessories, along with handbags, purses, hats and gloves came the Anne Klein watch line. Today there are actually two lines: Anne Klein and Anne Klein II. These watches come in hundreds of models and are almost all priced below $200. There are a few exceptions that include diamond faces and can be found in stores such as Bloomingdales, Macy's, and Nordstrom.

The range of price is exceeded by Anne Klein's range of styles. Fittingly, there are Anne Klein watches to match any outfit and any style or trend. The one thing that seems to emanate from all Anne Klein watches; however; is an unassuming elegance. The are never pretentious and even the advanced and detailed models somehow maintain the pure simplicity captured by only the world's finest designers.

Adam has featured more watches at All-Watches.com and if you need to get a new watchstrap, search Midwest Watches' selection of watch bands.

I think that one of my favorite crafts is jewelry making. Beads should be part of any well-equipped jewelry making kit. I love the choice of styles that jewelry making allows you to try. The range of materials that you can use for jewelry making also means that their possible uses are limited only by my imagination. Even though I was not a particularly experienced craftsperson I soon found that I enjoyed jewelry making and created wonderfully original jewelry. Of course, I now wish that I was capable of far more intricate jewelry making but at least I am always improving on the ones I made before!

I enjoy jewelry making using a variety of different materials. It is fun to look at what I have handy that I can convert into pretty jewelry. One of my favorites is using strips of colored paper for paper mache jewelry. My kids love tearing pictures out of glossy magazines and we try jewelry making together, well, almost! They prefer to move straight to the decorating stage and I have found that dried macaroni makes an ideal bead. The tubes of pasta have a ready made hole for threading and can be painted easily. We also use clay quite a lot when jewelry making, probably because kids enjoy molding the shapes. I have to take over the baking part but once
that is done they can decorate and vaish their creations and continue with their jewelry making.

Of course jewelry making is made more fun if you can give the jewelry to other people to wear. I like creating necklaces and earrings to give as gifts. People often appreciate handmade goods more than shop-bought ones, but more importantly I save a fortune with my crafty offerings! My kids like making friendship bracelets for their mates and have recently got into using lettered jewelry to make up people's names on necklaces. A lot of kids wear them round here and also have become interested in jewelry making too!

I use a lot of different materials as a base for my jewelry making. It would probably be impossible for me to remember all of them but I like using leather cord and jewelry metal the most. I have tried almost anything that I could thread a bead onto probably! Nowadays I do not have the time to dedicate to jewelry making that I once did, in fact I probably haven't made anything for over a year due to our latest addition but when she is older I may well teach her the basics too.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Steve Gargin is the administrator of fine-fashion-jewelry.helper-guru.com a website dedicated to bringing you the latest jewelry news and information.

Do you have a better way to accessorize yourself than with a nice piece of jewelry? The problem is that sometimes costume jewelry can also be extremely expensive. Nevertheless, you have another alteative to buying them you can make them. It is easy to lea how to create your own jewelry. And sometimes it is even better than buying them because you can make them to match your outfits and your personality. This way you are not only going to save money, you are also going to have fun.

Are you interested in making necklaces? The simplest way to do this is using beads. You will see that you can create a variety of beautiful necklaces just using some heavy string and a various beads of different colors. In the case you are going to cover the whole circumference with beads you may even substitute the heavy string by a dental floss. You should always bear in mind what are you going to wear the necklace with. This way you can compliment the color of the necklace with the color of the dress you are wearing. Once you know the colors, you should start thinking about the patte, which can be achieved by alteating colors or shapes, or making all of the beads the same size and color.

The most important thing at the moment of making your necklace is to be creative. But you should not forget to keep the theme in mind when you start making it. When you go to buy beads you can buy the ones you always use plus some focal point beads that are bigger that the rest. These bigger beads can be use when you choose to employ wire instead of string for your necklace, just one or two beads for the whole piece are enough and the wire show through. Usually you can choose from a great variety of attractive beads, such as wooden, ceramic and glass pieces.

If you are thinking of making beads, you have a lot to do. You only need beads and wire to make a great variety of rings. What you have to do is to twist various strands of wire together making a circle that fits your finger. You have to remember to maintain the ends long in order to string beads on the edges. Just make a ball of wire to maintain the final bead on each strand in its place and then keep the beaded strands as individuals strands or twist them into a ball. And use it with whatever you want!

Another option is to make earrings. It is not difficult because the majority of craft stores sell earring components that can be used right away; the only thing you have to do is add the decorations that you choose. You can buy almost twenty pairs of earrings for no more than three dollars. You can also include some ribbons or a strand of beads. Just be creative and you will be able to attend any party.

Similar techniques can be used to create bracelets and anklets. You have just to twist together bare wire and beaded wire to make a nice combination or create attractive wire shapes with just a pair of needle-nosed pliers. You only need to include a nice object that fits and make some loops in the wire and create your own charm bracelet.

It does not matter whether you are a teenager or an adult, you can have a lot of fun making jewelry. It is also a great activity for whole families and a creative way to entertain girls at a birthday party. It is a nice way to create the pieces of jewelry that go with the things you wear. What is more important in creating your own jewelry is that it is a real expression of your creative side.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sintilia Miecevole's resourceful and most interesting site, www.fejewelry.com provides you with all kinds of jewelry information such as diamonds, gifts, designer, precious stones, etc... anything to do with gorgeous jewelry. Click on www.fejewelry.com for all of your jewelry information and more! You'll be glad you did.