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Diamond Jewelry - the ultimate classic adornment, which
by Angela Davis
http://www.diamondtrack.com
In buying diamond jewelry it is important to keep some
factors in mind. The diamond history, diamond shape
(Diamonds come in more shapes than any other gem. Diamond
jewelry with spectacular center pieces are available in
round, emerald cut, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess,
radiant, and trillion. Diamonds as accents are usually
found in small round shapes and baguettes. Popular earrings
are usually round or princess cut, though some may come
in fancier shapes),
Diamond settings (such as bar, bezel, channel, chevron,
invisible, pave, and prongs), diamond carats (The unit
used to measure the size and weight of loose diamonds),
diamond clarity (Clarity is the clearness of a diamond.
The most valued diamonds are the clearest. When shopping
for a diamond, look for diamonds with grades from FL to
SI2. Stones from VS1 to S2 are the best value because
they are lower in price without too many inclusions.)
Diamond color (Diamonds that are colorless or near
colorless are the most prized.) And diamond cut (The
diamond cut determines the brilliance of the diamonds.
If a diamond is poorly cut, the light is lost through
the sides and bottom of the diamond and there will be
no radiance)
Diamonds are more commonly found in certain shapes;
baguette, emerald, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess,
radiant, round and trillion. The most popular diamond
shape has been the round brilliant because people believed
it to be an "ideal cut" that displayed the most brilliance
and sparkle in a diamond. The design also allows it to hide
flaws and imperfections. However, new technology has made
other shapes just as brilliant, such as the princess cut
and trilliant cut. Today, there is no such thing as an
"ideal cut" when it comes to diamond jewelry.
In diamond jewelry, the diamonds are set in different
kinds of settings. Some of these kinds of settings commonly
used in diamond jewelry are-
- Bar: Metal bars hold the loose diamonds in a channel-like
setting.
- Bezel: The metal is formed to fit around the diamond,
cupping it into place.
- Channel: A row of small diamond stones are set in a
groove in the diamond rings.
- Chevron: V-shaped prongs that usually hold a marquise or
princess-cut diamond for solitaire style rings.
- Invisible: Diamond set in a groove without visible prongs.
- Pave: Tiny stones are embedded to look like the piece is
paved with loose diamonds.
- Prong: Several prongs hold the diamonds to let light pass
through without interference.
Though diamond jewelry is made of diamonds, which is one of
strongest materials on earth, a hard blow can cause the
diamond to chip. If proper care is taken then the diamond
jewelry can last a lifetime. To clean diamond jewelry, use
water and a little bit of ammonia with a gentle brush while
being careful of the metal. Also keep it away from lotion,
perspiration and other household cleaners. These items can
dull the surface of the stones. Store your diamond jewelry
separated with paper or bags, so they do not scratch or dull
each other. It's also wise to keep the diamond jewelry in
its original velvet box.
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