Journey Jewelry – a Stack of Precious Memories

Getting a little creative with your jewelry pieces is never a bad idea, especially when it comes to journey jewelry! The possibilities are endless when it comes to these very special and unique items. Unlike single-stone pendants or diamond stud earrings, you have a succession of several stones that gradually increase in size from the top of the fine jewelry piece to the bottom. The representations behind the jewelry are as endless as the possibilities in design can be.

For most people, journey jewelry represents the twists and curves along the road of marriage. Many women are given beautiful necklaces on special anniversaries and even particular birthdays. Usually consisting of anywhere from four to even seven stones, diamonds are the most popular choice. However, some creative husbands opt for the birthstone from their wife’s birth month. Others choose birthstones representing all of the different months of when their children were born.

While necklaces are most likely the most popular choice, there are also options available in rings, earrings, and even bracelets. Most bracelets consist of charms. Some other options are simply the clasp being the “journey” piece. This seems to be the new, fashionable form of friendship bracelets amongst young girls. Normally not consisting of any expensive stones, the bracelets come in various colors and shapes. The clasps can be silver, gold, or even plastic. However, the symbolism is carried over, and many young girls solidify their friendships by exchanging and gifting these fun and simple jewelry pieces.

Explain the Benefits of Loose Diamonds

School is officially in session, and we’re handing out homework assignments! First up, researching the benefits of buying loose diamonds online. This should be an easy task for everyone. We all have access to a computer, and we’re quite certain everyone has had their fair share of experience with buying something online. Really when you think about it, most everything is bought online these days. From cars, to clothes, and even food is now available online. So, why not expand that choice into the world of fine jewelry.

The concept of buying loose stones is actually fairly new. The trend hit the market earlier this year, and has soared through the investment world ever since. People began purchasing loose diamonds for investment purposes and started trading on the open market thereafter. Some people didn’t trade, and opted instead to hold onto their assets. Diamonds have always been valuable commodities, as returns on investments typically yield high numbers.

Then the trend hit home with another potential customer: the marrying man. When word quickly spread of the incredibly affordable prices on loose gems, men everywhere began to take notice. Especially those who were looking for options to their engagement ring quests. Online companies and local jewelry shops that specialized in this specific retail market began to be flooded with matrimony-seeking individuals. The option was just to great to pass up, and soon enough loose diamonds were being bought and sold everywhere. Now that’s a benefit deserving of an A plus!

Loose Diamonds are Like the Batman of Precious Stones

They’re not crime fighters, but they are the greatest detectives in the gemstone world. They’re also worth quite a bit. (I thought the title might be about Tony Stark, but I’m not sure of the relative worth of Stark vs. Wayne, but that is a geeky argument for another day.) How are they the greatest detectives? Well, they didn’t train for decades to be crime fighters, but they have undergone immense pressure to be sterling examples. Batman can be (and frequently is) argued to be the pinnacle of human achievement, and certified loose diamonds are often held to be the pinnacle of precious stones.

Certified loose diamonds come with the option of registration in a databank. They can be tracked if you lose them or if they are stolen. Of course, you also get the benefit of a certified number on every metric you judge diamonds by, but that's only part of what makes certification such a sweet deal. LASERS. You can get a serial number LASERED onto your diamonds in a tiny micro-engraving. You can get messages or logos engraved, too. “The game is up, Margaret Pye,” says Batman as he recovers a set of certified engraved diamonds from the notorious villain Magpie. Just think about it. How cool is that story?

Engagement Rings: Bridal No-No's

Whether you have been in a relationship for a few months, years or decades, the thought of engagement rings has most likely crossed your mind. I'm certain this topic has come across the mind of your loved one, as well. The point is that at some time in the relationship, there will be talk of engagement. However, there is a way to continue this conversation in a positive way and then there's the wrong way. Many of these bridal no-no's often start out as a nice thought, but they can be taken the wrong way. Here are just a few for you to stay as far away from as possible.

Knowing exactly what you want in a ring is perfectly fine. Harassing your significant other with the lengthy list of requirements is not. Do not drag your boyfriend or girlfriend into every fine jewelry store that comes across your path. This can be seen as pushy and it may send them running rather than shopping. Unless you have been specifically asked to send your beloved a link to your favorite selection of rings, do not send them to his email. This one will be deleted faster than you can catch a bouquet at a friend's wedding! The last common mistake that I have seen over and over again is making him overly aware of your pre-planning. Alerting him to the “Someday...” board that you have compiled on Pinterest, full of your ideal wedding decor, colors, jewelry and venue ideas can be seen as crazy as keeping a few heads in the freezer. Also, remember that many of these social media sites work in tandem and that your secret idea board might not be as secret as you think. 

What to Look for when Buying Loose Diamonds

Buying loose diamonds is a great way to save money or create a truly unique jewelry piece. However, it can also be a little intimidating for the uninitiated. Not to worry for buying loose diamonds is becoming quite popular and is not risky when you know what to look for.

Remember the 4 C’s, carat, cut, clarity and color, of diamond quality. These are the markers used to determine the value of any diamond, so make sure you understand their value and how to recognize them. Otherwise, you could end up with a poor quality diamond or even a cubic zirconium.

If you are going to purchase loose diamonds, you should only be looking at certified loose diamonds. These stones have been authenticated to be real diamonds. Don’t get fooled by purchasing diamonds from unproven sources. Be sure to buy from a reputable source.

If you are buying stones for multiple pieces or a piece with just one stone you won’t need to worry about this. However, if you are buying several stones to make a band then you will need to make sure they match in size and in color.

Buying loose diamonds is becoming more common as more people seek to create beautiful and unique jewelry. It doesn’t need to be a scary undertaking and don’t assume that you can’t find good diamonds this way. You can, but just make sure you know what you are buying.

The Journey of Certified Loose Diamonds

Certified loose diamonds start their life in the bowels of the Earth about ninety miles beneath the surface. Millions of years ago a volcanic eruption forced a large chunk of the Earth's mantle to the surface of what is now South Africa and awaited discovery.

When diamonds are pulled from the ground, they are very rough with many imperfections. The rough stones are sent to a diamond cutting facility where trained and certified individuals analyze the stones from every angle. They decide what size and shape to cut the diamonds to eliminate the most imperfections while maintaining the largest possible volume.

The first cut, that can take upwards of four hours, is generally to slice the stone in half to create two finished diamonds. All the cutting and polishing tools are metal coated in diamond dust and oil. Diamond can only be cut by itself. The table facet is the first cut, followed by the bottom facets, and finally the side facets. This process can take hours if not days depending on the size and value of the diamond.

Once all the cutting and polishing is finished, the best stones are then sent to one of several gemologist labs that certify diamonds. The labs follow a strict set of objective guidelines to grade the stone by the 4 Cs and several other criteria. The now certified loose diamonds can be sold as is or sent to jewelers to be set in an array of fine jewelry.

I Have Been and Always Shall Be Your Life Partner: Fandom Engagement Rings

All over the world, pop culture fans are finding new and exciting ways to bring their passions into conventional life. Mugs, t-shirts and pins have always been dominated by fans as a primary means of expression, but they’re taking it to the next level. 

The fine jewelry market has begun to cater to this long ignored demographic after a recent surge in affordable custom design jewelry led to the production of many sciencefiction and fantasy themed engagement rings.  This new trend has professional jewelers bringing their expertise in the craft to complex designs from fandom culture. Matching Starfleet engagement rings are just one example of how couples are sharing their love of pop culture with one another. Besides just ordering them through custom design, some small businesses sustain an income based on the mass production of fandom jewelry.

The Legend of Zelda triforce, which incorporates three triangles as focal point for a more complicated whole including highly stylized wings and claws, is among the most popular fandom jewelry designs. These engagement rings are also coded as “geek rings” or “nerd jewelry”, targeting their demographic specifically. I have to admit, I would have a tough time saying no to a partner whose marriage proposal included the One Ring in all of Middle Earth.