Choosing Pearl and Diamond Earrings

A pearl diamond earring is a classy gift that contains two different elements: the flash of the diamond and the quiet beauty of the pearl. This contrasting combination has been a very popular choice for jewelry and while it has been used for many years, each time, it is still a knockout.

If you’re planning to buy pearl and diamond earrings either as a gift or as part of your jewelry collection, then you’ve made a great choice. This combination is not only valuable, it also has lasting beauty and elegance.

Know your pearls
If the pearl is the more dominant gem in your earrings, then be sure to pick a good quality one. Even if the diamond/s in your earrings is high quality, a bad pearl can ruin the whole look of your jewelry. Here are a few tips and info on pearls:

The pearl is the only gem that is produced by a live organism, namely mollusks and oysters. They are formed each time a foreign particle, like a grain of sand, enters the shell. The mollusk or oyster then reacts by treating it as an irritation and proceeds to coat it with nacre, a crystalline substance. It is the same substance that we find in the interior of the shell when we open it.

The foreign particle is continuously coated with layers upon layers of nacre until it grows in size. In the end, this foreign particle with the layers of nacre becomes a pearl. Natural pearls are formed this way and are more often shaped irregularly.

Cultured pearls are in no way inferior to natural pearls. They are still real pearls, except that their production involved a deliberate implanting of a foreign substance to stimulate a mollusk.

The value of a pearl depends on its quality: the size, shape, color, thickness of the nacre, luster and texture. Since pearls are naturally occurring gems and no two are alike, these factors can vary greatly.

Choosing your diamonds
There are four Cs to note when choosing a diamond. These are good to note especially if it is the more dominant or focal gem in your earring.

Cut – involves two things: the shape of the diamond and the quality of the cut. Three of the most common are the brilliant cut, the princess cut and the emerald cut. The cut of the diamond will determine how brilliant its shine is and the more the cut brings out this quality, the higher the price. Of the three, the emerald cut is the most affordable.

Color – since diamonds are a natural substance, they are not always crystal clear. They come in different colors – yellow, pink and red, with the last two the more expensive.

Clarity – refers to the number of imperfections found in your diamond. Imperfections or inclusions affect the way light is reflected by the stone, so the clearer the gem, the more expensive it is.

Carat – refers to the size of the diamond with one carat equal to about 200 mgs. An honest diamond seller will have jewelry marked with ‘ct’ for carat or ‘ctw/tcw’ for total carat weight. When buying earrings with diamonds, look for the tcw. Earrings are bought in pairs and so they should have two diamonds of equal size.

How to care for your pearl and diamond earrings
Pearls and diamonds may look good together as components of an earring, but their contrasting characteristics can actually affect their care. Pearls are softer gems because they are organic while diamonds are the hardest gemstones in the world. Pearls can get easily scratched or damaged if you are not careful about their storage so the best thing to do is, tailor your care on the weaker gem which is the pearl.

It’s not a good idea to store pearls with other hard jewelry. To keep your jewelry in good shape, try to store them in the box they were bought in. Each earring will have a separate hole where it can safely stay. This way, there is no danger of one of the diamonds scratching the pearl of the other earring.

Pearls can also get affected by hair spray, sweat, body oils, colognes and perfumes. If you’re planning to put on your earrings, best apply cosmetics first. This way, you will minimize chemical contact with your pearls.

For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com http://www.bestpearlnecklaces.com or http://www.bestpearlearrings.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

Finding the Perfect Diamond Earring Set

For many, a diamond earring set is fondly remembered as the first real piece of jewelry ever owned. Though it is a rather simple accessory, it is something that can give a lifetime of significance to the wearer. As it has been found, diamonds are not only jewelry but also an investment, an heirloom and treasured keepsake.

Because there are now so many venues in which to purchase these earrings, choosing a quality set means focusing on four basic elements. The basic scale used to rate the quality of a diamond is referred to as the Four C's. When examining using the Four C's, one is looking at the color, clarity, cut and carat.

When referring to color in a diamond, the aim is to get one with as little color as possible. A scale that ranks from A to Z helps determine color, with A being truly colorless. A stone that is ranked towards A, or colorless, will cost a great deal more than those ranked on the other end of the scale.

In general, a color ranking of G or H is considered to be very fitting for earrings. This is especially true if one opts for a typical carat size. However, if one is opting for a larger than average carat size, the color ranking should be as close to colorless as possible.

The element of clarity in a diamond refers to flaws such as cloudiness or microscopic cracks deep within the stone that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The scale of clarity goes from F for flawless to I3. Stones on the lowest end of the scale are considered to be seriously flawed.

Though most diamonds for earrings are ranked SI1, clarity is not always the most important element to consider unless and until considering a larger carat. It is also not as important because earrings generally do not see the same kind of wear and tear as other accessories. Not having to put a focus on clarity is what makes earrings one of the most affordable jewelry purchases there is.

Cut is another element to consider when purchasing diamond earrings and perhaps one of the most significant. Cut has much to do with how much light reflects off of the diamond. Common cuts such as round or princess are just some of a few popular options to choose from.

When cut is an issue, it is recommended that one choose a high grade in order to get the best sparkling qualities. With a good cut, there will be more facets or polished surfaces on the precious stone to reflect light. However, there are some that have fewer facets than others that are still attractive and desirable.

Last but not least, carat is yet another element to consider when purchasing. It is said that carat ranks as high in importance as cut during the selection process. When it comes to earrings, carat refers to the combined weight of the diamonds used.

Choosing a set of earrings that is smaller may be more affordable; however it is important that the setting does not overshadow the diamonds. Earrings of a large carat can simply be too overwhelming to offer any type of aesthetic value.

Other things to consider when buying diamond earrings are the setting, the shaft, the clasp and the metal used to create them. Whether choosing gold or silver, flaws in these aspects can seriously affect the overall quality of the earring. Many jewelers will offer to cover any unforeseen defects and its workmanship by offering some type of warranty.

Andy West is a freelance writer for http://www.Itshot.com - wholesale jewelry, which offers quality diamond earring sets and other jewelry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_West

Round Diamond Engagement Rings

By Richard Romando

Diamond engagement rings are regarded as a universal symbol of love. Diamonds are known to be a woman's best friends and they make ideal gifts. The sparkle of a diamond has the ability to win a woman's heart and gifting a diamond engagement ring is the best way to start a new life. Diamond engagement rings are available in a variety, which include different stone setting, shapes, cuts, colors and prices. The cut of the diamond is an important factor that is responsible for the finish and appeal. Amongst the various cuts, the round cut diamond rings are popular.

Some distributors and jewelers display a fabulous collection of round diamond engagement rings, with some of the most unique creations. These rings comprise of 57 facets, with a culet and a fiery and scintillating touch. Round diamond engagement rings are available in white gold, yellow gold as well as platinum. Most of these rings are designed with a single solitaire and the simplicity and grace of a single round diamond can never be compared to the other varieties. The most modern and attractive designs and cuts are unable to match the beauty of a simple, round solitaire. The solitaires on these rings are marvelously balanced and offer extraordinary elegance.

Round diamond rings are the best options available in engagement rings. They are timeless pieces of class and grace and undoubtedly withstand the test of fashion and time. These rings sport popular cuts and are known for their exquisite details. They add sparkle to any attire and have timeless appeal. The round diamond engagement rings are gaining popularity even with the youth of the present day. They evoke the sentiments of the person gifted and bring about an effortless display of genuine trust and love. Their simplicity and grace are truly timeless.

Diamond Engagement Rings provides detailed information on Diamond Engagement Rings, Platinum Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings, Antique Diamond Engagement Rings and more. Diamond Engagement Rings is affiliated with Diamond Wedding Rings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Romando

Gold Diamond Engagement Rings

By Nand Kishore

Jewelry is unique; a consumer product one may say but is an engagement ring, or a wedding band, or a vivid color gemstone jewelry gift presented by the beloved, really a consumer product. People would argue that nobody really needs jewelry or for that matter any subset of jewelry such as rings, pendants, bracelets, bands, gemstones, diamonds but find me a soul who would not like jewelry; you would not find one such individual who does not appreciate jewelry.

A diamond reflects true expression of love. Angara engagement rings are fabricated with high level of precision studded with superior quality diamonds, which have their own beauty. Angara has an array of designer engagement rings to select from and serves as one of the prime online source of diamond engagement rings, diamond rings, gold engagement rings, platinum engagement rings, yellow gold engagement rings, white gold engagement rings, ruby engagement rings, emerald engagement rings, sapphire engagement rings, diamond wedding rings, gold wedding rings, gold diamond rings and engagement diamond rings. Engagement rings are ideal for your special moment in life. Elegance is reflected in every design on display. Our Designs vary from contemporary to modern and unique engagement rings, which are as per the trend. The Diamonds, we stud in our Jewelry, are Certified.

The exquisite Diamond Jewelry collection is for online shoppers, those who buy diamond jewelry for all time wear as well as for different occasions. Our jewelry range comprises of gold engagement rings, diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamond necklaces, diamond pendants, diamond engagement rings, diamond wedding bands, diamond bracelets, gold diamond charms, baby jewelry, journey jewelry, and more.

Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, and Platinum Diamond Rings, 18K Gold Engagement Rings and Diamond Jewelry by Angara

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nand_Kishore

Wedding Rings - Your Choice of the Right Diamond Rings

You always hear the saying goes "diamonds are forever", but are all diamonds created equal? The answer to that is an emphatic, 'no'! When shopping for your diamond engagement ring or diamond rings as your ultimate wedding rings, there are four characteristics to notice. These four characteristics will help you determine the quality of each stone, allowing you to make a more discerning decision than, 'Mmm… Pretty…'

First of all, there's the color of the diamond. Diamonds pick up different tones when elements such as nitrogen or boron mix with the carbon when they are formed. The outcome are diamonds with a yellow or blue caste to them. Colorless diamonds are rare, and most expensive.

Next in line is the carat. This is the stone's weight and refers to its size as well. One carat is one-fifth of a gram or 1/142 of an ounce. A carat is divided into 100 points, so a 1/2 carat diamond is 0.5 carats. well, women are good at this, the bigger the better and they will call it the best wedding rings.

Third, check out the cut of the rock. This term refers to the diamond's proportions, symmetry and finish. This is referred to as the polish.

To read on, visit Wedding Ring Resources