Four C`s:
The decision to get engaged to “the one” is one of the biggest decisions a couple will face together. It’s an investment into the future, a symbol of the love you share, and an heirloom that will be passed on to generations to come. There are a few important things to keep in mind when you’re considering an engagement ring purchase.
CARAT - The word carat is derived from the South American word “carob,” which is a chocolate seed that is the same weight as a one-carat diamond. The carat weight is determined by the weight of the diamond. Each carat is divided into 1/100 equal parts that are called points.
CUT - Cut is the only human factor. The shape of the diamond can vary, including round brilliant, princess cut, pear shape, oval, and marquise.
The cut is also referred to as the original cutting of the rough diamond into the success of a diamond in reflecting and refracting light. Cuts that are too shallow or to deep cause light to leak through and affect the diamond`s brilliance.
COLOR - Color grade is based on a scale that starts at ‘D’ and ends at ‘Z’. A diamond with a color grade of D would be deemed hyper white and overly transparent and a diamond with a color grade of Z would have a significant yellow tone. Diamonds graded D through F is naturally the most valuable and desirable because of their rarity. Diamonds graded G through I show virtually no color that is visible to the untrained eye. Diamonds graded J through M will have a very faint hint of yellow and can often be minimized by carefully selecting the right frame mount the diamond.
CLARITY - Clarity refers to the amount, size, location, and nature of imperfections in or on the surface of a diamond. Imperfections on the inside of the diamond are called inclusions and those on the surface are called blemishes. Inclusions often include such flaws as air bubbles, cracks, non-diamond minerals. Blemishes pertain to scratches, pits, and chips. Clarity is based on a scale ranging from flawless to imperfect.
Birthstones:
January - Garnet
February - Crystal
March - Amazonite
April - Clear Quartz, A Crystal
May - Emerald
June - Golden Leaf Agate
July: Pearl - A "gem" created oysters.
August - Peridot
September - Lapis Lazuli
October - Rose Quartz (a crystal)
November: Citrine
December - Turquoise
NOTE: Other December Birthstones include Zircon and Lapis Lazuli.
Proper Jewelry Care:
A diamond is an investment that requires maintenance, cleaning, and care to keep its dazzling sparkle. Although it is one of hardest known natural materials, it can be quiet vulnerable to cracking, breaking, or spoiling. If you do not clean your ring properly or maintain it to a correct standard, it can damage the diamond.
- Clean the diamond. Use a soft brush, soap and water to clean your diamond. You do not need a special brush for cleaning if it is not readily available. You can use an eyebrow brush or even a lipstick brush because they are small, soft, and acceptable.
- Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Use a bowl to mix a mild detergent like Windex with hot water. Use this mixture to clean the diamond and around the setting. The warm water will loosen up any oils in the stone.
- Soak the jewelry piece for a few minutes. Soak the ring for a few minutes in the mixture before scrubbing it with a brush.
- Rinse. Use a strainer to rinse your ring of any residual detergents.
Looking for more ways to keep your jewelry as shiny as the first day you receive it? Contact our Jacksonville, Florida, jewelry store today. We will not only provide you with effective home remedies, but we can also clean and maintain your diamond jewelry for you as well.
Jewelry Certification:
Whether you’re purchasing a colored gemstone or a diamond, you want to select a piece that is certified by a reputable gemological laboratory. The foremost gemological organizations in the U.S. are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL). These laboratories issue certificates on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. The purpose of a gemological certificate is to aver that the gem possesses the attributes that the seller claims. The certificate is proof of the gem’s quality and authenticity. Monahan Jewelers can offer you the widest selection of professionally certified jewelry in Atlantic Beach.
Bridal Guide:
Engagement Rings
To help you begin that journey for the ideal engagement ring, below is a list of the most popular diamond shapes as well as a description of each that might assist you in your decision process.
Round Brilliant – The round shaped diamond is by far the most popular shape selected for engagement ring settings. This diamond shape has the maximum number of facets as compared to other diamond shapes creating an unbeatable shine and brilliance. Due to its timeless, traditional nature women who are drawn to this shaped diamond jewelry tend to have more romantic personalities and pride themselves on being honest and down-to-earth.
Princess Cut – Princess Cut diamond jewelry is basically square in shape with a smaller square on topic giving it the illusion of an inverted pyramid. This configuration was designed to allow for the maximum brilliance extracted from a square shaped diamond because of the shine it illuminates from all angles. Women attracted to this diamond shape tend to be bolder in nature and find themselves in leadership type roles frequently.
Radiant – Radiant shaped diamonds are more rectangular shaped and resemble the Emerald shaped diamond. However, a Radiant diamond has 70 facets that maximize its brilliance more similarly to the Round shaped diamond. Trend-setting women who have playful personalities tend to appreciate this type of diamond jewelry.
Marquise – The Marquise diamond is an elongated shape with points on each end, similar to a Round diamond and is designed to maximize its own number of facets through optical dimension tricks. Because of its shape, it appears much larger than other diamonds. This shape is ideal for the women who explicitly prefer the finer things in life.
Oval – Just as the Round diamond tends to be the most popular, the Oval is often a favorite because its perfectly symmetrical design lends itself to fit most all settings. The brilliance of the Oval diamond is very similar to that of the Round diamond; however, it tends to strike a positive chord because it beautifully deviates slightly from the ordinary. Women who have a flair for creativity as well as strong family values tend to gravitate towards this shape.
Asscher Cut – The Asscher diamond is square in shape with high crown step facets. A classic, the Asscher diamond resembles the Emerald Cut diamond only the Emerald tends to be more rectangular. Any classic woman with an appreciation for all things vintage will enjoy the beauty of this diamond’s shape.
Pear Shape – Resembling a sparkling raindrop, the Pear Shape diamond has a rounded bottom with the top tapering to form a point. This cut combines the best features of both the Oval diamond and the Marquise diamond. Women with a more sensitive side who are not afraid to show their emotions are often fond of this shape.
Emerald Cut – The Emerald Cut diamond can be either rectangular or square with rounded corners. This diamond shape resembles stair steps because of the way it is cut with fewer facets and looks much like a brilliant clear sheet of glass. Given the clarity of this diamond shape, the Emerald Cut diamond is very appealing to those women who have an elegant flair coupled with a warm, open heart.
Heart Shaped – The Heart Shape diamond is exactly as the name implies and is a very brilliant cut. This diamond shape however can be difficult to master and its beauty requires a highly skilled cutter. The ultimate symbol of love, this shaped diamond will certainly captivate any woman who prides herself on being a hopeless romantic.
The options for selecting the ideal diamond for your special someone can be exciting yet overwhelming all at the same time. After taking some careful mental notes of your significant other’s preferences, style, etc. your best bet is to speak with a professional jeweler so that he/she can help show you all of the options available and help you determine which one will turn this cherished piece into a unique symbol of your love.
Wedding Bands
There are many choices when it comes to picking men’s wedding bands. It is important that the wedding band chosen for the groom fits his lifestyle and personality. Whether it is comfort, and style that is most important there are many options to choose from. Remember, there are also options for design and adding diamonds or gemstones to the men’s wedding band.
Men` s Wedding Bands Metal Choices:
Metal Guide
- Gold: There are three different shades of gold: white gold, yellow gold and rose gold.
- Silver: Sterling silver is a white-grey colored metal which is more affordable than gold, platinum and titanium
- Platinum: : Platinum is a white metal, that is approximately 95% pure. Making it extremely long wearing, and more expensive than gold and silver.
- Alternative Metals:
- Titanium is a natural element which has a silver-greyish-white color. Titanium is the hardest natural metal in the world.
- Tungsten is a grey-white color and is less expensive than gold and platinum. Tungsten` s price and color are comparable to titanium. This product is very strong and scratch resistant.
- Stainless Steel is a white-grey color, and is not only affordable but known to be comfortable as well.
Anniversary Ring:
An anniversary ring symbolizes the continuing love of a married couple. Anniversary rings can come in many different styles, such as the popular 3stone ring or a diamond band with colored stones. When searching for an anniversary ring, you want to make it as unique and special. Looking for a ring that has the colored stone of the month you were married, or custom designing your own piece anniversary rings allow the buyer to be creative such as:
- Diamond for every 10 years of marriage
- Colored Stone Ring representing the month of anniversary date (link to birthstones)
- Diamond Band symbolizing eternity
