A Deeper Look At Diamond Color

Aside from carat weight, the second thing consumers notice is diamond color. Typically, the least amount of color is most desirable. The GIA scale ranges from D-Z, with D being completely colorless. Further, these grades are divided into categories.

Grades from D-F are known as being in the colorless category. These diamonds are much more rare and show no color face up or face down.

The second category is near colorless, which includes grades G-J. Stones in this range are much more common in the jewelry industry. However, there is quite a difference in appearance between a G and a J color grade. According to the GIA, stones with these grades are colorless face up and near colorless face down. However, from being exposed to stones from a variety of color grades in this range, you will begin to notice color with grades I and J when place on a white background. When the diamonds are placed in a mounting, the untrained eye will not notice any color. The wonderful thing about the near colorless category is that you can get an excellent diamond for great value. For example, if carat weight and clarity are more important to you, color is one area that you can sacrifice without a noticeable difference.

The next three categories are considered undesirable by many consumers. Grade K-M are considered the faint yellow category, grades N-R are included in the very light yellow category, and grades S-Z are considered a part of the light yellow category. Anything beyond the z color grade is technically considered to be fancy yellow; however, with a trained eye and trade experience many jewelers consider diamonds in the very light yellow and light yellow categories to be a form of fancy yellow. To learn about fancy yellow diamonds, visit http://instylediamondsblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/lets-get-fancy-fancy-yellow-that-is.html.

When choosing color, the biggest price differences generally occur between D and E grades and F and G grades. The first difference occurs because of a matter of rarity. D, being completely colorless and the highest on the color scale is extremely rare. With rarity comes value and with value comes an increase in price. If you would like the absence of color but do not want to pay the D color price, it is usually recommended to purchase a diamond with an E or F color. The second difference in price is because of a shift in category. Most diamonds on the market are in the near colorless range making them less rare than the colorless diamonds. While there is not a significant difference in appearance between F and G color grades, the category difference will affect the price of a diamond.

When deciding which color is best for you, first consider the type of metal of the setting. If you intend to set the diamond in white gold, platinum, or palladium, we suggest you choose a diamond in the colorless and near colorless category. If you intend to set your diamond in yellow or rose gold, we suggest you purchase a stone in the near colorless or faint yellow category.

This is because the setting will mask a lot of the color in the diamond and will make it appear much whiter than it is.

Because most consumers place diamonds in platinum or white gold settings, we recommend purchasing in colorless or near colorless categories. If you are a little pickier, we recommend G color grades and above. However, because at InStyle diamonds we offer wholesale prices to the public, color is one area you do not have to sacrifice to get a great price. To view our selection of diamond inventory at wholesale prices, visit http://www.instylediamonds.com/rt/sform.pl?cfg=adi.

Setting and Metal Types

When choosing a setting, there are two things to consider: metal type and style.

The two most common types of metal used in settings are platinum and gold. Neither is better than the other, there are just different benefits unique to each type.

Platinum is considered a fine metal for jewelry use. It is more rare than gold and is 90-95% pure. Because of this, its color will never fade. In addition, it is extremely durable and can be made into smaller structures. It is considered very tough, which means there is no concern for breaking, cracking, or chipping. It also has an extremely low metal memory. In other words, once platinum is molded into its new shape, it has very little to no tendency to form back into its original state.

While platinum is not considered heavy, its weight is almost twice that of 14k white gold. Unfortunately, platinum does not have a high level of hardness. Unlike toughness, hardness is the measure of resistance to scratching.

Platinum, because of its purity, can be easily scratched, which causes its luster, or shine, to fade over time; however, simple polishing maintenance can make it look like new.

White gold, unlike platinum is not actually white. It is a mixture of gold, copper, nickel or palladium, and zinc.

This alloy creates a metal that has a yellowish tint. In order for white gold to look a brilliant platinum in color, it needs to be plated with rhodium.

Over time, the rhodium will fade and the metal shows its natural color. Because of this, maintenance is needed once every year or two, depending on the condition and wear of the jewelry. Unlike platinum, white gold does not scratch easily. This is because of the other metals present in the mixture. Ultimately, it depends on the type of maintenance preferred and the lifestyle of the wearer.

When choosing a setting, the second decision is the type of style.

Typically, there are four types of styles: solitaire, three stone, modern, and vintage.

Solitaire is exactly how it sounds. The ring features a single stone in the center with no other stones on the ring. This type of setting is classic and will never go out of style.

A three-stone ring carries a special meaning. Featuring three stones, each stone represents the past, present, and future of the relationship. Typically, the center stone is larger than the two side stones. This is also a timeless style.

The third style of settings is modern. This type often features bezel set or channel set diamonds with a high polish.

An antique setting often features pave set diamonds, millgrain, and filagrae. A halo of diamonds around the center stone is also quite common.

When examining the jewelry the wearer has already, notice how simple, intricate, or eclectic the style is. Does she like big and flashy things or simple and elegant? In addition, her personality should also reflect the type of jewelry that will be right for her.

To find a setting that is right for you at the right wholesale price, visit

http://www.instylediamonds.com/rt/settings.pl?cat=3&cfg=adi.

Picking A Diamond Ring Made Easy

Shopping for an engagement ring can be a daunting task, especially if you know absolutely nothing about diamonds. Before you even begin looking at the stones themselves, you need to decide a few key items.

The first order of business is to decide on a budget. This is extremely important because it limits what you can or cannot purchase.

Typically, the budget is about two months salary.

Second, you need to decide on the type of metal. There are many different types of metal; however, the two most common are now white gold and platinum. Many people ask "Which one is better?" I'm here to tell you that the correct answer is that there is no correct answer. Both metals have positives and negatives and it is ultimately up to the customer to decipher what he or she values more. The most obvious differences between white gold and platinum are the weight and price.

Platinum is a much heavier metal and typically costs about twice as much. In addition, it is hypo-allergenic and, because of its strength, can be made into smaller, durable structures, which is great for extremely thin bands. While platinum is strong, it is not hard. This means that it scratches very easily, which causes it to look dull over time. The reason platinum scratches more easily is because the platinum settings are usually comprised of 90-95% pure platinum. Pure platinum tends to be softer than 14k white gold that has bonded with other metals. Polishing is required to maintain its shine, which can cost from $50-75 per ring.

Unlike platinum, whose color never fades, white gold fades in color overtime to its natural yellowish color. In order to keep white gold looking the silver color that is loved by many, it requires rhodium plating every year or two. This typically costs about $50 per ring. White gold is often preferred not only because of its price but because of its stronger resistance to scratching. It does not scratch as easily as platinum; therefore, it keeps its shine for a prolonged period of time. This is because white gold is composed of an alloy of gold and white metal, which is usually silver, nickel, or palladium making it more durable. Rhodium plating white gold makes supplies a surface that resists scratching and tarnish as well as give a white appearance (www.essortment.com/lifestyle/rhodiumplating_skvm.htm).

Pure gold (24 karat) and platinum do not possess the same strength on their own.

The primary difference between 14k and 18k white gold is the amount of gold in the mixture. There are 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals for 18k and 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals in 14k. While 18k is more hypo-allergenic, it is slightly softer (because of more gold content) and more expensive than 14k. If you do not have the budget for platinum, a nice alternative is palladium. The cost is only slightly higher than white gold, and its color does not fade. Unfortunately, it is uncommon for jewelers to keep palladium in stock; hence, customization is often required.

After deciding on a metal, the next step is the style of the ring setting. Most significantly, the style should reflect the personality and lifestyle of the receiver. This determines the number and size of diamonds, the thickness of the band, as well as the simplicity or complexity of detail. In addition, make sure to consider the number of prongs. Four or six prong settings are both traditional, safe styles but have different effects on a diamond's appearance. While a four prong setting can make a diamond look bigger, it tends to give a round diamond a more square appearance. With a six prong setting, it is slightly safer and enhances the round shape.

The most common setting is the solitaire (http://www.instylediamonds.com/rt/settings.pl?cat=10&cfg=adi). Proceeding the solitaire in popularity is the classic three-stone ring. In this ring, the three stones represent the past, present, and future. Two styles with rising popularity are the vintage and modern style rings. It is common for vintage style rings to have pave set diamonds, filagrie, and engravings. Modern style settings often have bezel or channel set diamonds and a high polish.

To learn more about setting and metal types, visit http://instylediamondsblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/setting-and-metal-types.html

After you have made your decisions of budget, metal, and setting, the next and final step is choosing the diamond itself.

First, you want to consider the shape of the diamond. Do you want a Round? Princess? Cushion? Radiant? Emerald? Asscher? Marquise? The list goes on and on. The greatest difference aside from the basic outline of a diamond’s shape in the type of cut. Diamonds are generally separated into two categories: brilliant and step cut. Diamonds with a brilliant cut extend from a central point on the bottom of the stone to meet the facets, or flat surfaces, of the shapes outline. The facets are triangular or kite-shaped. Brilliant cut diamonds include round, princess, radiant, cushion, pear, and marquise. The second type, step-cuts, resemble a stair case when looked at from directly above. These facets are rectangular and include diamonds shapes such as emerald, asscher, and sometimes cushion.

Next, consider the four C's: Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut.

Carat is the weight of the stone. Do you want 0.50 ct.? 1.00ct? 2.5. ct? In other words, how big do you want the stone to be?

Color is the depth of color the stone possesses. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale ranges from D-Z, with D being colorless. Throughout the scale, the color grades are divided into different categories. If you are pickier, we suggest you choose a G color and above; however, if you would like a higher carat weight or clarity and need to sacrifice color, we usually suggest not to go below J color.. The two greatest price differences are between D and E color and between F and G color. To learn more about fancy yellow diamonds, visit (insert link).

Clarity rates the absence of inclusions and blemishes. The GIA scale of clarity ranges from flawless to included. Here at InStyle Diamonds, we typically sell diamonds with clarity ranging from VVS1 to SI2. Just like color, clarity is divided into categories. In addition, the greatest price differences occur between these categories. If a clean stone is not as important to you, we usually recommend an SI1 or SI2 clarity. This is because the inclusions are only visible under the loop and not to the naked eye. Because diamonds come from the earth, no diamond is completely flawless under 10x magnification; therefore, no two diamonds are alike. To learn more about clarity, visit http://instylediamondsblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/deeper-look-at-clarity.html.

Cut is the last of the four C's to consider but not of the least importance. A diamond's cut has the greatest affect on its allure and brilliance. A poorly cut diamond does not possess the same draw as an excellent cut diamond. The GIA scale ranges from Excellent to Poor. Here at In Style Diamonds, we only sell Excellent to Good Cut diamonds. The difference between them is slight but ultimately depends on the sensitivity of your eye and preference. To learn more about cut, visit http://instylediamondsblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/deeper-look-at-diamond-cut-grades.html.

Overall, it depends which C's you value more than the others, especially with a budget. After you've chosen a diamond, its off to the setter.

Just when you thought you were done, there are a couple post purchase things to consider. Just like diamonds, humans are perfect and a stone can be chipped, or worse, lost. Insurance is always the best way to safe-gaurd your investment. This will require an appraisal, which can be done with almost any jeweler.

The last step in the entire process is to congratulate yourself! Shopping for an engagement ring can be an extremely stressful process and you have made it through. The fret is over and you can begin to think about that special way you are going to pop the big question.

To get a few proposal ideas, visit http://instylediamondsblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/proposal-ideas.html.

Proposal Ideas

Whether you want the special occasion to be intimate or in front of a huge crowd, there are plenty of ways you can pop the big question to that special someone.

1. For something simple, when she is sleeping, replace her everyday ring with the engagement ring. She will be completely surprised when she puts on her ring in the morning.

2. If you are both into theatrics, arrange with the local theatre to propose on-stage just after the curtain call.

3. Send your girlfriend on a scavenger hunt around the time. Each clue will lead her to the next location, with the final location being you on one knee. Each location can be a place that has a special memory between you two.

4. Have a friend set up a picnic with and take your girlfriend on hike. When you end up at the surprise picnic, you can surprise her with a proposal too.

5. If you are the artistic type, hire a caricaturist to draw a picture of you two, when he turns the picture around, have your character asking “Will you marry me?” and hers saying “Yes!”

6. Go out dancing! At one point, ask the DJ to pass the microphone to you so that you can dedicate a song. After your dedication, get down on one knee and propose on the dance floor.

7. Hire a skywriter to spell your proposal in the sky.

8. Traveling somewhere. Get the permission of the flight- attendants to use the planeʼs loud-speaker system and propose at 35,000 feet.

9. Like going to the movies, ask your local theater to run an ad to feature your proposal. Just make sure you get there in time to see the previews!

10. Take her out to a nice dinner and ask the waiter to put her ring box as a selection on the dessert tray.

11. Ask a pastry chef to write, “Will you marry me?” in sauce around the rim of her dessert plate.

12. Create a crossword puzzle made just for her and help her work it out over breakfast.

13. If sheʼs a teacher, sneak into her classroom before school and write your proposal on the white board. Hide in a closet or outside the room for when she arrives.

14. Like going to the beach, head down before her and write your proposal in the sand.

15. Does she have a favorite pet? Loosely tie the ring around its neck and call it into the room.

16. Send her one rose for 11 consecutive days, on the 12th day, show up with a dozen roses, an engagement ring, and ask her to marry you.

17. Arrange for a meet in a beautiful park near riding stables. Rent a horse and a knightʼs armor and ride up to her at the park. Offer to be her knight in shining armor and propose on one knee.

18. Cook an elaborate candlelight dinner for two. Serve her a glass a champagne with the diamond ring in the bottom.

19. Hire a magician to entertain you. Have him make the box with the ring magically

appear as his ending trick.

20. At a professional sporting event, arrange for the scoreboard to display “(Her Name), will you marry me?”

21. Invite her to play some board games. In the middle of Scrabble, spell out “Marry me?” with the letters.

Havenʼt found the perfect ring yet, visit http://www.instylediamonds.com/rt/sform.pl?cfg=adi to view our selection of loose diamonds or http://www.instylediamonds.com/rt/settings.pl?cat=3&cfg=adi to see the different settings we offer.

We can fulfill all of your diamond needs at wholesale prices!