Question: What is the meaning of Journey Diamond Jewelry?
Answer:
In the journey of life, love between married or committed couples blossoms and grows with time. The Journey Diamond Jewelry is designed specially to celebrate this emotional and intimate bond. The collection features at least four diamonds that graduate in size from smaller to larger to represent how love grows stronger with every step of life.
Question: What is the Meaning of a Promise ring, How do I wear a Promise Ring?
Answer:
An interview with Denise about her experience selling promise rings. Some answers to your questions.
Many people have asked me questions about promise rings over the years. The big question is "What is a Promise Ring?" I can tell you from experience that a promise ring is given as a promise that you will not date or have a personal relationship with another while you are together. I see it more as a "going steady" ring rather than a pre-engagement ring.
"What is the difference between a promise ring and a pre-engagement ring?" This is a very good question since they can look identical. I would have to say that the difference would be in HOW you present the ring. It can be presented as a "going steady" ring (promise ring) or as a ring that would lead to a full engagement and a promise to marry one day in the future. You would have to decide on which way you would like to present the ring and this would totally depend on your relationship.
"What size diamond rings make good promise rings?" Over the years, I have found that rings with a small, quality diamond or two make very good promise rings. Small diamond solitaires in the .10 carat, .20 carat and .25 carat size are also good choices. I personally set most of the diamonds in our promise rings that you see here at www.RaymondJewelers.com. The diamonds that I use are purchased from ethical, conflict free diamond cutters in the USA.
"On which finger will she wear the promise ring?" The traditional finger for the promise ring is the ring finger on the left hand. If for some reason this finger is not available, then the ring finger on the right hand would be used.
"How do I know what color gold I should buy for my promise ring?" The easiest way to decide is to observe what type of jewelry she wears on dates, at school or at work. Make a mental note of this or write it down. If she wears a lot of silver jewelry, then she will probably prefer a promise ring in white gold. White gold looks a lot like sterling silver and will match her silver jewelry. If you see that she wears gold, brass or gold colored jewelry, then she would probably prefer a promise ring in yellow gold.
"I don't know her finger size, but I want to get her a promise ring and I want it to be a surprise. What should I do?" This is a question that I hear often. Here is what you could do: purchase a promise ring in "stock" size. This is the size that the ring was originally made in at the manufacturers. This will be about a finger size 6 or a 7 and will fit most left hand ring fingers. All of the promise rings at RaymondJewelers.com are made of 14K solid gold and can be re sized. This will not ruin your new ring. Any independent jeweler in your area will be able to do this for you for a small fee. If "stock" size is what you would like for your ring, do not select a size for your order. On the check out page type in the "Additional Comments" box at the bottom STOCK SIZE PLEASE.
Question: what are Enhancement Definitions Natural Gemstone
Answer:
N: NATURAL: Those gemstone which are not enhanced.
E: Those gemstones which are normally enhanced. The gemstone has undergone its traditional enhancement process.
B: BLEACHING: The use of heat, light and/or other agents to lighten or remove a gemstone's color.
C: COATING: The use of such surface enhancements as lacquering, enameling, inking, foiling or sputtering of films to improve appearance, provide color or add other special effects.
D: DYEING: The introduction of coloring matter into a gemstone to give it new color, intensify present color or improve color uniformity.
F: FILLING: The filling of surface breaking cavities or fissures with colorless glass, plastic, solidified borax or similar substances, which are visible under properly illuminated 10X magnification. This process will improve durability, appearance and/or add weight.
H: HEATING: The use of heat to affect desired alteration of color, clarity, and/or phenomena.
HP: HEATING AND PRESSURE: The use of heat and pressure combined to affect desired alterations of color and/or clarity.
I: IMPREGNATION: The impregnation of a porous gemstone with a colorless agent (usually plastic) to give it durability and improve appearance.
L: LASERING: The use of a laser and chemicals to reach and alter inclusions in diamonds.
O: OILING/RESIN INFUSION: The filling of surface breaking fissures with colorless oil, wax, resin or other colorless substances, except glass or plastic, to improve the gemstone's appearance.
R: IRRADIATION: The use of neutrons requiring an environmental safety release from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), gamma and/or electron bombardment to alter a gemstone's color. The irradiation may be followed by a heating process.
U: DIFFUSION: The use of chemicals in conjunction with high temperatures to produce color and/or asterism-producing inclusions. If the color of the diffused gemstone does not permeate the entire stone: "Although the color induced in diffusion treated gemstones is permanent, it does not permeate the entire gemstone, therefore, recutting or repolishing is not recommended."
W: WAXING/OILING: The impregnation of a colorless wax, paraffin and oil in porous opaque or translucent gemstones to improve appearance.
Question: Gemstone Folklore Gemstone Descriptions
Answer:
MOZAMBIQUE GARNET -January's Birthstone
Mozambique Garnet, glowing deep red with hints of orange and brown, reminds us of an autumn harvest or Indian summer. Wrapped in its warmth, we feel protected against the storms ahead. It's no wonder that Garnet was once believed to have healing properties, particularly in diseases related to the blood.
AMETHYST - February's Birthstone
Purple passion. From refreshing lilac to ripe plum, the drama and excitement of purple are fully reflected in Amethyst. Perhaps because of its depth and richness, Amethyst has always been associated with intense emotion. It is fitting then, that the legend of its origin is a tale of revenge, devotion, and immoral remorse. It is said that Amethyst protects the wearer from the effects of wine.
AQUAMARINE - March's Birthstone
Imagine a dip in a crystal blue mountain lake, the morning air crisp and expectant, the sky soaring high and cloudless overhead. This is the unique experience of Aquamarine. The name means "ocean water," and tales of Aquamarine date back to ancient seafaring days. Sailors believed that these glittering, watery gems came from the treasure chests of mermaids. It is no wonder that Aquamarine is said to bring luck to all who sail the seas.
DIAMOND - April's Birthstone
The fire of passion. The perfection of hope. All these are part of a couple's love for one another - a love that finds its ideal expression in a diamond. No other gem stone offers the clarity, brilliance, and breathtaking depth of a diamond. Fabulous tales abound of luck and success, fearlessness and invincibility. Diamonds are also the most classic of all jewels.
EMERALD - May's Birthstone
Lush. Exotic. Untamed. This is no polite, garden-variety green: Emerald pulses with life and vitality. In its depths beats the heart of the rain forest, its shadows alive with promise. More valuable than even diamonds, fine-quality Emeralds of significant size are among the world's most bewitching jewels. The color is produced only under extremely rare conditions. Because these conditions also result in tiny cracks and cavities in the gemstone, inclusions are allowed in top-quality Emeralds. It was believed the gem brought luck and restored health.
TAHITIAN PEARLS - June's Birthstone
Tahitian pearls, cultivated in the warm waters of the South Seas, are among the most exotic wonders of nature. Born of the Pinctada margaritifera or "black lipped" oyster, the black Tahitian Cultured Pearl is farmed throughout French Polynesia, Northern Australia, and the Solomon Islands. They can grow up to 20 millimeters in size.
RUBY - July's Birthstone
The "king of gems," Ruby is one of the world's oldest and most revered gemstones. It is also one of the rarest. The mineral Chromium is responsible for the gem's startling color. Rubies with hardly any inclusions are so rare that large gemstones of good color fetch higher prices at auction than even diamonds. They are said to convey strength and honor.
PERIDOT - August's Birthstone
Peridot is treasured by the Hawaiian people who believed the gem to be the tears of the Goddess Pele. Peridot was known in the ancient world as well; the Romans named the gem "Evening Emerald" as its brilliant color did not fade in lamplight, but instead seemed to glow in the evening hours. Partly for this reason, Peridot was believed to help dreams become reality and to drive away the evil spirits of night.
BLUE SAPPHIRE - September's Birthstone
Ranging from the deepest midnight to brilliant cornflower blue, Sapphires have long been prized for their intense, velvety color. The ancients believed that Blue Sapphire held reputed powers to make peace between warring parties. the calming influence of blue has also made it an enduring symbol for loyalty and trust.
OPAL - October's Birthstone
With its pulsating display of fire and color, Opal was long thought to hold magical powers. For this reason, rare Opals were often reserved for royalty. The changeable color and flashing fire seen in Opal are symbolic of love, life, hope and truth.
PRECIOUS TOPAZ - November's Birthstone
Topaz was revered by the Egyptians and Romans, who associated it with the setting sun. In modern times, rich stores of Precious Topaz were discovered in Russia; placed in the jewels of Russian Czarinas's, the gem earned the name of "Imperial Topaz". The hue of Precious Topaz is symbolic of love and affection.
TANZANITE - December's Birthstone
Tanzanite's dual color - brilliant blue with hints of purple - makes it both warm and cool. Bold yet meltingly beautiful. This modern gemstone was unknown until 1967 when Massai herdsmen in eastern Africa noticed blue crystals sparkling in the sun. Tanzanite's dramatic discovery, coupled with its scintillating beauty, caused a worldwide sensation. The hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro are this gemstones only source.
Question: What is Diamond Quality Explained: the Diamond 4 C's
Answer:
The Diamond 4 C's are four variables that are used to calculate the value of a diamond. They are:
- Clarity
- Color
- Cut
- Carat Weight
Clarity
describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. This is determined by the number, size, nature, and location of the internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections.
The clarity scale is broken down into the following grades:
F Flawless Free from all inclusions or blemishes at 10x magnification.
IF Internally Flawless No inclusions visible at 10x magnification.
VVS1 Very Very Small Inclusion #1 Inclusions that are extremely difficult to locate at 10x.
VVS2 Very Very Small Inclusion #2 Inclusions that are very difficult to locate at 10x.
VS1 Very Small Inclusion #1 Minor inclusions that are difficult to locate at 10x.
VS2 Very Small Inclusion #2 Minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult to locate at 10x.
SI1 Small Inclusion #1 Noticeable inclusions that are easy to locate at 10x.
SI2 Small Inclusion #2 Noticeable inclusions that are very easy to locate at 10x.
SI3 Small Inclusion #3 Noticeable inclusions that are very easy to locate at 10x. Some inclusions may be seen with the unaided trained eye.
I1 Included #1 Obvious inclusions. Somewhat easy to locate with the unaided trained eye.
I2 Included #2 Obvious inclusions. Easy to locate with the unaided trained eye.
I3 Included #3 Obvious inclusions. Very easy to locate with the unaided trained eye.
Two methods used to affect the clarity grade given to a diamond are lasering and clarity enhancing. Lasering of diamonds is the process in which a laser is used to drill a tiny hole into a diamond and the black of the imperfection is then removed. This is a legitimate and widely accepted treatment. The second treatment is called clarity enhancing. This method is widely disputed because a foreign element is injected into the diamond. This method is not permanent and therefore not recommended. All clarity treated diamonds must be disclosed as such prior to sale. We do not sell clarity enhanced diamonds.
Color describes the amount of color the diamond contains. This can range from colorless to yellow with slight tints of yellow, gray or brown. Colors can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These fancy colors are rare and therefore more valuable.
It is possible to influence the color by an irradiation treatment followed by a heat treatment. We do not sell color treated diamonds.
Cut
refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Well cut diamonds sell at a premium and poorly cut diamonds sell at discounted prices. We pride ourself in selling finely cut diamonds.
Carat
is the unit of weight for the diamond. A carat is further subdivided into 100 points (0.01 carat = 1 point). One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. The greater the carat size of the diamond, the greater its worth.
(Images are larger than actual size.)
Definition of Terms
Facets
: The flat polished surfaces of a diamond.
Table
: The top facet.
Girdle
: The rim around the diamond. The girdle is parallel to the table and is the largest diameter of the diamond. It divides the diamond into its two main sections, the crown and pavilion.
Crown
The upper part of the diamond, or anything above the girdle.
Crown Angle
: Angle of the crown facets.
Pavilion
: The lower part of the diamond, or anything that is below the girdle.
Culet
: The point or facet on the bottom of the pavilion.
Depth
: The measurement of the diamond from the table to the culet, expressed in millimeters.
Pavilion Angle
: Angle of the pavilion facets.
Question: What Size is Your Ring Finger?
Answer:
Use a thin piece of paper, no more than 1/8th of an inch wide, to tightly wrap around your finger. This method is helpful but not very accurate. For better accuracy, please visit your local independent jeweler to have your finger professionally sized.
Question: What is The Story and History of the Claddagh Ring and How to Wear
Answer:
The Irish have a unique, distinct, and special love symbol. It is called the Claddagh Ring and it has been in use for more than 400 years. It comes from Claddagh, a small fishing village, just outside the city walls of Galway.
By their own laws, every woman who married was obliged to wear the Claddagh Ring. The ring itself was an ordinary circular band, and the band was of two hands holding a crowned heart. Usually accompanied by a motif "Let love and friendship reign," it also signified the marriage vow, "I give you my heart in my hands and crown it with my love."
There are three ways to wear the Claddagh Ring. If worn on the right hand, with the crown turned inwards, it means that the wearer still has an unoccupied heart. Worn on the right hand with the crown pointing out, towards the knuckle, is an indication that there is a suitor under consideration. And, with an air of pride and finality, if worn on the left hand with the crown toward the knuckle, the wearer is already wed.
The Claddagh Ring is old, not as old as love itself, nor yet as new: but old and in affairs of the heart, as in Irish love, infinitely precious.
Question: What is Converting Pierced Earrings to Non Pierced Earrings
Answer:
Raymond Jewelers converts pierced, stud style 14K white or yellow gold earrings to non pierced. We use a French Screw Back part in solid 14K yellow gold or 14K white gold. We will be happy to quote you a price. The photos below are enlarged to show you the details.
 14K Yellow Gold French Back Finding |
 14K White Gold French Back Finding |