Archive for May, 2009

 

Online Jewelry Auction Scams to Watch Out For

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

While shopping for an engagement ring online can help cut costs, there are many online auction scams that can rob you of your hard earned money. The key to avoiding these problems is to learn about the types of scams to watch out for and how to avoid them.

 

Common Online Auction Scams

The convenience and sheer variety of things you can buy using an online auction make shopping for an engagement ring online much less of a hassle, but there are still those unscrupulous sellers who only care about making a quick buck. With that being said, watch out for these common online auction scams:

 

  1. Selling stolen goods
  2. Providing fake documents (like appraisals and certificates) to raise the cost of a ring
  3. Refusing to ship the ring after it has been bought and paid for
  4. Knowingly falsifying information about the ring, such as the condition of the stone, the type of metal, etc.
  5. Intentionally selling a ring as genuine when it is actually an imitation diamond or other gemstone
  6. Shipping an item that in no way matches the description or photographs of the ring you thought you were purchasing

 

While there’s no way to guarantee you will be able to avoid an illegitimate sale 100% of the time, there are warning signs to watch for and ways to protect yourself.

 

What to Watch For

If you take the time to do your research and carefully review information, you can avoid nearly any online auction scam that comes your way. If you notice any of the following warning signs, carefully verify the legitimacy of the ring you are interested in buying and the information the seller presents:

 

  1. Are there photos? If not, or they are unable to be viewed clearly, the seller may have something to hide about the condition of the ring
  2. Does the deal sound too good to be true? In most cases, if a ring is priced far below market value, there’s a good chance it’s not the real thing – or there’s something else fishy going on
  3. Are there a variety of payment options, or does the seller only accept cash? If you are unable to use the payment method you are most comfortable with, this may signal a problem
  4. Does the seller refuse to answer questions about the item? If so, it may not be legit
  5. Does the seller provide detailed information about the ring and gemstone? If not, you may want to consider purchasing the ring elsewhere

 

If any of these warning signs applies to the auction you’re looking at, you need to do your best to verify the legitimacy of the seller. Carefully review the feedback sent by other customers, especially paying attention to any negative remarks.

 

You’ll also need to read the auction carefully, making sure all of your questions about the quality and condition of the ring are met to your satisfaction. Pay attention to seller’s return policy and guarantee, if any. If there are no photographs, ask for them!

If possible, use a payment method that will protect you in the event of fraud. If the seller only accepts cash or money orders, do your business elsewhere. If you purchase a ring, consider having it appraised and make sure you are able to send the ring back if the appraisal doesn’t satisfy you.

While this information may scare you away from buying your engagement ring online, there are actually plenty of deals to be had from online auction sites. If you carefully research the seller and have your purchase appraised, you can save a lot of money on a beautiful engagement ring that’s worth every (honest) penny spent!

How to Budget for an Engagement Ring

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

Weddings are expensive, and when you factor in the cost of living (buying a house, starting a family, etc.), the expenses can start to be overwhelming. That’s why budgeting for an engagement ring is an important step in the wedding planning process. Luckily, you can still have a beautiful engagement ring, even if you don’t have a lot of extra money to spend.

 

Figure Out What You Want

The best way to learn how to budget for an engagement ring is to familiarize yourself with the type of stone you’ll be buying. This task may sound daunting, but with a little research you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need to buy the best engagement ring you can afford. While you complete your research, you should be able to know the following things:

 

  • For diamond engagement rings, you should learn about the 4 C’s of diamonds (cut, color, clarity and carat weight.) Learn how each of these factor into determining the value of a diamond.
  • Know the basic things you should look for in a high quality stone, whether you are purchasing diamonds or another gemstone.
  • Figure out how to tell a real stone from an imitation stone.
  • Learn which treatments are common with the particular stone you’re interested in buying.
  • You should also know how much you will be expected to pay for a particular stone, and review prices for several of the same type of stones for comparison.

 

Choose the Size and Shape You Want

Knowing the different sizes and shapes you can choose from can help when budgeting for an engagement ring. Are you willing to compromise with a smaller stone for slightly better quality or vice versa? What kind of shape do you admire? The size and shape of the stone you choose can have a major effect on the visual impact and brilliance of your ring.

 

How Much Money Can You Spend?

No one likes to talk about finances, and the last thing most couples want to do is determine how much they can afford to spend on an engagement ring, but it is important. These are the questions you should ask yourself before making such an important purchase:

 

  • How much can you honestly afford to spend on an engagement ring? Do you or your bride to be have your heart set on an expensive ring, or can you (and should you) make do with a less expensive alternative?
  • Can you set up a payment schedule? If so, how long will it take to pay off the ring?
  • Do you have any other large purchases planned? What bills will you and your bride-to-be start out with, and can they afford to take the back burner while you pay off the ring?
  • Are your finances secure? Are you reasonably secure in your job and won’t face an unexpected loss soon?

 

These questions are difficult for many couples to face, but they are absolutely essential in determining how you can budget for an engagement ring. With the proper planning and research, you can afford a beautiful engagement ring that will last throughout the years.

Purchasing a Treated Diamond

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Treated diamonds are surprisingly more common than you might think. While treated gems were often looked down upon in the beginning, it has become more acceptable over the years because of their ability to make purchasing a diamond engagement ring more economical for couples.

 

What are Treated Diamonds?

A treated diamond is one that has undergone a process to enhance the appearance of the stone. Treatments can be used to alter or enhance the color of a diamond or minimize the appearance of flaws, thereby enhancing the overall look.

 

Synthetic or imitation diamonds (stones that have been created in a lab) are made to look very close to the real thing. For most people, a synthetic diamond can substitute for a natural diamond with no one the wiser unless they have a trained eye.

 

Natural diamonds that have been treated usually undergo a treatment process to enhance the overall appearance of the stone, thereby (hopefully) increasing its value.

 

What Types of Treatments are There?

To enhance the quality of a diamond, there are several types of treatments that can be used. Certain processes are more popular than others, and specific treatments can be used to create “fancy” colored diamonds.

  • High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT)

This process means exactly what it says – a treatment of high pressure combined with high temperature can be used to create a variety of colors. It can make a diamond less colorful or create pink, yellow, brown or blue diamonds.

  • Irradiation

It sounds scary, but using radiation to alter the color of a diamond is actually quite common. Irradiation treatments can create black, green or blue diamonds.

  • Heat

A different and less potentially dangerous method of creating black diamonds, heat treatment can produce black diamonds by exposing a lower-quality diamond to intense temperatures over a period of time.

  • Irradiation and Heat Treatment

When used together, diamonds can be altered to a variety of colors. First, a diamond is exposed to radiation followed by a period of intense heat treatment to form purple, blue, yellow, pink and brown diamonds.

 

Other treatment methods involve correcting inclusions and other flaws in a diamond to enhance the overall appearance of the stone.

 

Other Things to Consider

All jewelers are required to disclose whether the diamond you purchase has been treated or not. If you are knowingly purchasing a treated diamond, make sure you ask the jeweler for information regarding the treatment; i.e., when it was done, what special care instructions there are, if any, and what type of guarantee the company offers if a treated stone ever needs repairs.

 

Purchasing a treated diamond can be a lot more economical for couples who are on a tight budget. Don’t let the fact that the stones have been treated scare you away – treated diamonds can still be used to make beautiful engagement rings.

Diamond Solitaires

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

While there are numerous designs, styles and stones to choose from, many women enjoy the timeless elegance of a simple diamond solitaire engagement ring. Despite the relative simplicity of a diamond solitaire, the ring can still be quite lovely and made to suit anyone’s taste or budget.

 

The Timeless Beauty of a Diamond Solitaire Ring

Women who prefer classic, elegant jewelry over elaborate designs will love a diamond solitaire engagement ring. Solitaire means “one,” and that’s exactly what the ring is comprised of – one center stone with no accent stones or embellishments surrounding it. While many people believe the diamond should be larger than what you would normally pick (as it will not have other embellishments to complement it,) that is simply not the case. In fact, the type of setting and band design you choose can help the entire ring take center stage rather than just the diamond.

 

Choosing a Diamond Solitaire Ring

You have several choices when purchasing a diamond solitaire ring, and you can make the ring wholly your own with the types of customization you choose. For example, a bride-to-be with slender fingers can request a thin band with a small diamond to create a delicate ring that still looks stunning. For added uniqueness, couples can design the band in a curve or wave shape to draw attention to the entire ring.

 

The type of metal you choose can also have an impact on how the ring looks, as well. Yellow gold is a popular choice for diamond solitaires, but using white gold or platinum offers a distinct elegance and serves as a fine background for a white diamond. Two-toned gold bands can also be used for an eclectic mix of colors that are sure to please.

 

For couples who choose a smaller diamond, consider a shape other than a round diamond to highlight your ring. Emeralds, marquise, pear and other shapes are unique choices. Their unique shape can also elongate a diamond, making it appear larger than it actually is!

 

While most diamond solitaires are traditionally set with prongs, bezel settings and tension settings can also be used. You can also personalize your solitaire engagement ring by engraving a sweet sentiment on the band for a truly unique piece.

 

How to Choose the Perfect Diamond for a Solitaire Ring

Because a solitaire ring only uses one stone, you should familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s of diamonds so you can thoroughly examine the quality of the diamonds you view. Solitaire engagement rings must use as quality a diamond as you can afford because there will not be other accent stones to detract from the overall quality of the center stone.

 

Diamond solitaires can be very expensive or quite affordable depending on the quality of the diamond and other customizations you choose for the ring. Luckily, you can still have a gorgeous diamond solitaire engagement ring no matter what type of budget you are working with.

 

A diamond solitaire engagement ring offers a classic look whose beauty has endured throughout the years. Despite the limitations inherent with a single stone design, you can still create a unique, timeless piece to symbolize your love for each other.

Considering Appraisals and Insurance for your Engagement Ring

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

An engagement ring should be a lifelong investment. As such, you should definitely have your ring appraised and insured the moment you purchase it.

 

The Benefits of an Appraisal

Many couples fail to have the engagement ring appraised because they do not understand the value of an appraisal. If you spend $500 or less on an engagement ring, you probably don’t need to do so. If, however, you’ve spent considerably more or your ring is quite unique, an appraisal can definitely be useful. For example, if you create a custom engagement ring or use an antique or vintage ring (or aren’t sure of the worth in general,) getting the ring appraised can tell you the true value of the piece. If you end up needing to sell the ring at a later date, having an appraisal certificate can help prove to potential buyers the true worth of the ring without them having to shell out of the cost of an appraisal themselves.

 

Additionally, insurance carriers will typically require an appraisal in order to insure your ring for the correct amount. When having your ring appraised, take it to an independent, certified professional who isn’t affiliated with the store you purchased the ring from. Avoid giving any information to the appraiser regarding the ring’s background, how much it cost or which store you bought it from. Revealing as little information as possible and using an independent appraiser will allow for an unbiased look at the true worth of the ring. Reputable jewelers will typically allow you to return a ring if the appraisal didn’t go the way you anticipated, so do not be afraid you’ll end up stuck with the ring if the appraisal didn’t go your way.

 

Insurance

There are several types of insurance policies you can purchase for your ring, but the availability of certain policies will vary based on which carrier you use and your state of residence.

 

An Actual Cash Value Policy, the most common type of engagement ring insurance, will the replace the ring in the event of loss or theft at the current value of the ring, minus depreciation. This type of policy is cheaper than any other.

 

A Replacement Policy will cover the entire cost of your ring and allow you to purchase an identical ring in the case of theft, loss or damage that cannot be repaired.

 

A Valued At Policy coverage offers the most benefit and is truly the most comprehensive policy you can buy to insure your engagement ring, but not many companies offer this type of coverage. With this policy, you will be awarded the total amount of insurance you take out, even if that amount is more than the actual value of your ring.

 

While couples do not plan for something bad to happen to an engagement ring, it is possible that your ring will be lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair at some point. In this case, having your ring appraised and taking out an insurance policy will allow you to replace the engagement ring and save your investment.

Pave Setting

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Choosing a pave setting engagement ring is a sophisticated choice for the bride-to-be with elegant taste. Even with a simple design, a pave setting offers a glamorous alternative to wear alone or designed as part of a bridal set.

 

What are They?

Pave settings are simply stunning, and take there name from the fact the band is literally paved with tiny diamonds. At first glance, the band actually looks like it’s made of diamonds. Unlike other traditional settings, a pave setting uses very small stones and tiny prongs or beads to hold the diamonds in place. Traditionally made with white gold or platinum to minimize the appearance of the metal band, yellow gold can also be used in a pave setting for a touch of classic elegance.

With a pave setting engagement ring, a larger central stone typically rests above the tiny diamonds that encircle the rest of the band. Since a pave setting already incorporates a lot of elegance, simpler central stones such as a round or princess cut are the most popular choices. For a fancier look, many couples choose a colored diamond or brilliant gemstone as the center stone to complement the brilliance of the surrounding diamonds.

 

What Kind of Designs Can I Choose From?

A pave setting offers a unique alternative to a traditional diamond wedding ring, and there are a few styles you can choose from. For an elegant yet simple design, a bride-to-be may opt for a simple band with one row of encrusted diamonds and the center stone mounted above the smaller stones. For a more elaborate look, bride-to-be’s can choose a single band without a center stone for a brilliant, shimmery look. This type of pave setting seems to be growing in popularity and make for a stunning engagement ring. Brides who opt for this type of pave setting often choose to design the band in a swirling curve or wave shape for a unique touch.

 

Cost and Care

Pave engagement rings can be expensive, but this will vary depending on the type of stones you choose as well as their quality. You can lessen the cost by using a gemstone as the center stone instead of a diamond or omitting a center stone altogether. Couples can further decrease the cost of a pave setting by using cubic zirconia for the smaller diamonds. Even if you choose real diamonds over CZ’s, since the stones are so small you can feel free to use lower-quality stones because flaws will not be as visible.

 

Pave setting engagement rings will require frequent cleaning because of their intricacy. As with all fine jewelry, you should never wear the ring during household chores or around harsh chemicals. Have a professional jeweler regularly examine your ring to ensure no stones have fallen out. Fortunately, pave settings are relatively inexpensive to repair.

 

A pave setting engagement ring can be a beautiful choice for couples who desire something a little more elegant than a traditional diamond ring. With the proper care and regular cleaning, your ring will be as stunning as when you first put it on.

Cubic Zirconia — An Affordable Alternative to a Diamond Engagement Ring

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Cubic zirconia, or CZ, offers the traditional look of a real diamond but is much more affordable than the real thing. While it may be hard to get over cubic zirconia’s reputation as a cheap, poor-quality imitation diamond, CZ actually offers a beautiful alternative to real diamonds and can look just as stunning.

 

What is Cubic Zirconia?

In technical terms, cubic zirconia is created in a lab from zirconium oxide, mixed with other minerals to stabilize it. While it is possible for CZ to occur naturally in the earth, that is very rare – the temperatures needed for CZ form in the earth are simply too high. During the 1970′s, Russian scientists were able to discover how to create cubic zirconia in a lab, but it wasn’t until the 1980′s that mass production of the gemstone began and it quickly became popular among consumers who simply couldn’t afford real diamonds.

 

Cubic Zirconia vs. True Diamonds

While CZ has always had a reputation for being low-quality, today’s cubic zirconia gems are made much more convincingly. In fact, some CZ’s look nearly identical to an actual diamond, and only a trained eye would be able to tell the difference. Cubic zirconia does have a few differences from real diamonds, of course. For one thing, CZ weighs more than a true diamond, and has less sparkle. On the other hand, cubic zirconia usually has more color. Just as diamonds come in a variety of colors, cubic zirconia can range in hue from red, yellow, dark brown, green, pink and even violet. Because cubic zirconia is created in a lab under tight controls, a CZ will often be nearly flawless, whereas real diamonds that are naturally flawless are extremely rare and very expensive.

 

Cost and Other Factors

Before you consider buying a cubic zirconia engagement ring, it’s important to learn all you can about the exact type of ring you want. CZ’s can be placed in a variety of settings, cut in numerous shapes and are just as versatile as true diamonds. Just because you are choosing CZ over real diamonds does not mean you should skimp on the quality of your setting, however. A high-quality CZ paired with a quality setting will make the ring look just as brilliant as the real thing. If you get a poor-quality setting, however, your ring will lack beauty and cheapen the overall effect.

Many couples choose to purchase a CZ ring because it’s obviously a lot less expensive than a real diamond. Of course, you can always use the CZ ring as a placeholder for a real diamond when you are able to afford to do so.

 

Cubic zirconia has come a long way, and with today’s technology there are many CZ’s that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Whether you choose to use a CZ as the center stone or as accent stones, you can have a beautiful, affordable engagement ring for a fraction of the cost a true diamond would set you back.

Natural vs. “Genuine” Gemstones

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

When shopping for a gemstone engagement ring, it might be very confusing at first. Prices very widely, even among similar-looking stones. What’s more, if you aren’t familiar with gemstones, you may be unaware of what you are buying. Certain words used to describe a stone that’s for sale may only lead to the confusion. Take the time to read this article for a breakdown of what natural and genuine gemstones are, and what that means for you as a buyer.

 

Natural Gemstones

Natural gemstones come directly from nature, and as such are left untreated by humans. While a stone will be cut and polished prior to sale, the gem is untouched by any other alterations like heat or clarity treatments.

 

Naturally “flawless” stones are exceedingly rare, thereby increasing the value of the stone and costing the consumer more.

 

Genuine Gemstones

Those who are unfamiliar with gemstone terminology may be unclear as to exactly what “genuine” means. Rest assured, genuine gemstones are the real thing, but they have undergone some kind of treatment to alter or enhance the appearance of the stone. Once a gemstone has been treated, it can no longer be considered natural. However, treatments can be very useful to alter a stone that wouldn’t be suitable for purchase otherwise.

 

Synthetic Gemstones

While most couples may prefer real gemstones for their engagement rings, synthetic gemstones offer an affordable alternative to the real thing. Synthetic gemstones are created in a lab, but share the same properties as their natural counterparts. Lab-created stones can be just as beautiful as natural or genuine stones, and technology enables synthetic reproductions to look very close to the real thing. If you buy a synthetic stone, you can always use that ring as a placeholder until you can afford to upgrade to a genuine gemstone.

 

Some deceptive jewelers may label a synthetic stone as genuine, so it’s important to verify the origin of the stone and get as much information about it as you can. If a jeweler doesn’t seem receptive to talking about the stone in question, find a reputable jeweler who will.

 

Whether natural or genuine, prices will vary widely depending on the quality of the stone, its relative rarity and other factors. For example, if one gemstone is particularly scarce, that gemstone will be worth much more (and cost more) than an equally beautiful stone that’s quite common.

Familiarize yourself with the type of gemstone you’re interested in and learn how much you should expect to pay for it. Compare prices of several stones and only buy from a reputable jeweler you know you can trust. Examine any paperwork that comes with your gemstone to verify its origins and whether it’s exactly what you thought.

 

Natural and genuine gemstones will vary widely in price, and that’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with as much knowledge about gemstones and their typical value as possible.

 

Whether you choose a natural gemstone or a genuine stone, if you’ve done your research you will have a gorgeous gemstone engagement ring that will look stunning on the hand of your bride-to-be.


How to Avoid Skin Discoloration from your Engagement Ring

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

Buying an engagement ring is a wonderful investment, but what can you do if the ring causes problems? Skin discoloration can be quite annoying, especially when you want to wear your jewelry on a regular basis (such as with an engagement ring). Luckily, there are ways to combat this pesky problem. However, you should first familiarize yourself with why certain metals cause such a reaction with your skin.

 

Sterling Silver

When sterling silver tarnishes, the result can be dark black stains on your finger that are unsightly to say the least. While some sterling silver pieces are coated to avoid this problem, the coating will eventually wear off.

 

Copper

While the engagement ring you’re wearing isn’t likely made from pure copper, many metals are mixed with copper which can result in that familiar green stain around your finger. Some people seem to be more prone to this kind of reaction than others.

 

Nickel

Many people are sensitive to nickel, but skin discoloration isn’t the only thing people with nickel sensitivity should be worried about. Red, itchy and irritated skin is a common problem, as well.

 

Gold

Gold will not stain your skin, but the metals mixed with gold can sometimes cause problems. Nickel, silver and copper are commonly mixed with cold – the lower the karat, the more of these metals are present in your ring, which can potentially lead to skin discoloration. Gold plated jewelry can wear away, allowing the brass underneath to stain your skin.

 

How to Avoid Potential Problems

Skin discoloration can definitely be a nuisance, but there are a few things you can to combat the issue or eliminate the problem completely. If you can afford to, upgrade your gold ring to an 18k model, which contains more pure gold and less of the metals which can potentially stain your skin. If you have a nickel allergy, it’s especially vital you switch to a higher carat gold or even platinum. Yes, it’s more expensive – but irritated, red skin isn’t worth it.

 

You can even switch to a titanium ring, which doesn’t stain. This option works especially well for people who are allergic to certain metals.

 

If you can’t afford to upgrade you ring, ask a jeweler if they can coat your ring with a new layer of metal or a protective film that will protect your finger and prevent the metals from reacting to your skin. You can do this yourself by painting a thin coat of clear nail polish against the base of the band that touches your finger, but this will have to be done several times a week once the polish wears off.

 

Regularly cleaning your ring and keeping it dry can help prevent the metal from reacting with harsh chemicals and other common household cleaners, which can cause your ring to become damaged and wear away.

 

While it’s not always possible to completely change your ring to avoid skin discoloration, there are other things you can do to help combat the annoying problem. Find a method that works for you, and you can wear your engagement ring proudly!

Ruby Engagement Rings

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

If you want to break away from a traditional diamond ring, a beautiful ruby engagement ring may be the perfect choice. Their gorgeous red hue offer the symbolism of love and commitment while offering a unique twist on the traditional engagement ring. Before shopping for a ruby engagement ring, take the time to familiarize yourself with what makes rubies so valuable, and learn how to choose the perfect ruby for your bride-to-be’s ring.

 

How to Judge the Value of a Ruby

Rubies are gorgeous, classic and are a great alternative as the center stone for an engagement ring. Gemologists will look at the color and size of a ruby to help determine its value.

 

  • Color

 

Rubies are revered for their beautiful red hue, but the color can be neither too light nor too dark. Look for a ruby that has a rich, intense red, but not so dark that it will be confused with a garnet. Similarly, a ruby shouldn’t be so light as to look like it has hints of pink.

 

  • Size

 

Carat weight is an important way to determine the value of a ruby. Large rubies are quite rare; as such, naturally large, high-quality rubies will cost a small fortune – perhaps even more so than most diamonds!

 

Choosing a Ruby

When choosing a ruby for an engagement ring, it will be quite difficult to locate a stone free of flaws or imperfections. With that being said, it’s important to keep in mind that a ruby’s clarity is not always as good as other gemstones. With that in mind, look for a ruby that does not have any large cracks that could signal future problems down the road, and make sure the color is consistent throughout the entire stone. Avoid gems that have visible fractures or cracks, because you will inevitably need to take your ring in for repairs sooner than anticipated.

 

Shapes and Treatments

While the shape you choose for your ruby is a highly personal choice, ovals are arguably one of the most popular cuts for an engagement ring. Some shapes are harder to cut than others, and you should always choose a shape based on your budget and your bride-to-be’s personal preference. The majority of rubies also happen to be heat treated, which helps to enhance the color of the stone. Rubies that have not been treated with heat are exceptionally rare, and thus cost more. However, treated rubies have a more intense color and can often look even more beauty than rubies that have not undergone treatment.

 

Things to Check For

If you notice words such as “synthetic,” “created,” or similar terms describing a ruby, the stones have been created in a lab and are not technically natural. While lab-created rubies are grown to resemble a natural ruby in every visible way, they are not real and this should be disclosed prior to the sale.

 

Rubies are beautiful gemstone, and are a classic symbol of passionate love and commitment. If your bride-to-be desires a gemstone engagement ring, consider a ruby for a beautiful look.