Archive for October, 2009

Gold is very traditional and although platinum is also very popular; it is still gold that is the metal of choice for the majority of wedding rings. However, gold is an expensive metal and platinum even more so. So what choice is there for cash strapped couples looking to tie the knot? Well, quite a lot actually.

For example, there are a number of new generation metals available for use in jewelry. Like gold, and platinum, these metals are hypo-allergenic, which means that they are perfect for people prone to allergies. Men in particular are selecting wedding rings made from titanium or palladium. Tungsten wedding rings are also becoming very popular.

These metals are all very hard, so they can be directly set with gemstones and they will not fall out. And wedding rings made from titanium, palladium or tungsten can be hold engravings which will not wear off over time. Anyone who has ever had a gold ring engraved will know that gold engraving disappear over time! All this means that a titanium, tungsten or palladium wedding ring will keep its beauty for a lifetime.

Titanium wedding bands can range in color from mid gray to black and are often iridescent with an attractive blue-green tint. Palladium wedding rings are naturally white and shiny, have the appearance of glamorous white gold and can be set directly with gemstones. Palladium is much cheaper than either gold or platinum, and is a cost effective choice for cash-strapped couples.

Tungsten is exceptionally hard, so it is perfect for . It cannot easily be set with gemstones and must be made to order as it cannot be re-sized. However, tungsten wedding rings can be lasered with a wide range of patterns and styles, making it an eye catching wedding ring for men.

If you are looking for something a little different for your wedding ring, why not consider a ring made from palladium, tungsten or titanium?

As any man who has ever bought a diamond engagement ring knows, buying fine jewelry is expensive but can be a bit scary too.  You want the best you can afford but where do you go for advice?  How can you make sure you don’t waste your hard-earned cash on poor quality jewelry? 

First, find out what the purity of the metal is.  All gold is not the same.  Absolutely pure gold is called 24 karat (24K, 24ct).  But because gold is a soft metal, it can only be used in jewelry if it is alloyed with another metal for strength.  The more alloy is added the less pure the gold is.  18K gold is 75% pure. 14K, 10K and 9K gold respectively contain lower amounts of pure gold.  The higher the number of karats, the better (more pure) the gold is.

When buying diamond jewelry, remember, biggest is NOT necessarily best.  Diamonds are graded according to cut (round, princess, marquise, pear etc), clarity (the nature and extent of internal flaws, if any), color (white, fancy colored etc), and carat weight. All reputable jewellers can advise you about these qualities of your particular diamond.  Remember to ask though as the more knowledgeable you sound, the more seriously you will be taken and the better deal you will get.  If two diamonds are identical in clarity, color and both have a good cut, then the bigger diamond will be the more expensive.

Precious gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds can now be created in a laboratory.  Whilst these “created” crystals might be chemically similar to the real, mined crystals, they are considerably less desirable, and very much cheaper than the real thing.  Nomatter how good a created crystal is, NEVER buy a diamond engagement ring with created stones just because you are looking for affordable engagement rings. No woman wants her engagement ring to consist of “fake” diamonds.  Always buy real diamonds. 

Set yourself a realistic budget bearing in mind you are buying a future heirloom.  As a rule I always set a budget I know I can afford – and then double it. Fine diamond jewelry should last several lifetimes. If you cannot afford to buy something you can see yourself wearing for a lifetime, wait until you can.

Diamonds last for centuries so why not make the most of them? When you consider that a diamond worn as a symbol of love for a lifetime can be passed on to the next generation to treasure, then the diamond you’re buying today is literally the heirloom of the future.

Do you know how to choose an heirloom? Buying diamond jewelry can be intimidating enough without thinking of it as a multi-generational commitment. So you have to choose fine jewelry that suits your style and pleasure right now.

Once you own and wear fine jewelry, you’ll want to wear these pieces over and over again. Suddenly the cheap costume jewelry isn’t as satisfying. That’s why you come back to the jeweler to find the next, affordably elegant fine jewelry item to add to your wardrobe.

Before you shop for fine jewelry, decide what your personal style is and how you’re going to wear those pieces. If you stay within your style, you can clearly communicate to the jeweler what you want to see.

For example, asking to see a “gold and diamond bracelet” might be diamonds on a braided chain for a classic style person compared with jagged line gold cuff with diamond swirls for a person with bold style. When the fine jewelry piece complements your style, then it’s right for you!