You Won't Break The Bank With These Affordable Gifts And Collectables by Abby Mckinsley
Where has the year gone? It seems like just yesterday you were sipping frosty drinks poolside. Now the gift-giving season will be here before you know it. And that's when the panic develops.
How are you going to afford all of those gifts? It seems like everybody and their dog is on your list this year and you don't have the slightest clue where to start or how to set a budget.
Don't worry! You can buy all of your gifts and still have enough for a trip to the spa. You can find affordable gifts and collectibles for everyone this year. You just need to know where to look.
Moonstone Jewelry is the answer to all of your gift-gifting woes. Moonstone jewelry can be affordable gifts and collectables for males and females, young and old.
What is Moonstone?
Moonstone, named for similarity to the moon's color, is a semi-translucent stone with a colorful sheen, usually blue or white in color that reflects light.
It's considered a good-luck charm and is known to bring peace, harmony and passion to those who wear it, especially women and babies. Ancient Romans were known to wear moonstone jewelry as far back as 100 AD. The people of India also consider it to be sacred.
Moonstones are found throughout the world. Brazil, India, Mexico and the U.S. states of Pennsylvania and Virginia all boast various types of moonstones. The best quality moonstones come from Sri Lanka.
What are the Different Types of Moonstone Jewelry?
Moonstone Jewelry can easily be given as affordable gifts and collectables. In fact, moonstone is the proper stone to give for the thirteenth wedding anniversary.
Moonstone jewelry comes in a wide variety of styles: from rings to earrings to pendants and moonstone necklaces. There is sure to be one that fits your recipient's style.
Moonstone necklaces are one of the most eye-catching pieces of jewelry. The sheen of the different colored stones is attractive and can fit with many different pieces in a person's wardrobe.
The moonstones can be cut to different styles for a moonstone necklace and will match with any kind of metal chain, like sterling silver, gold or platinum. Moonstone rings are good for males who don't otherwise wear necklaces or earrings.
Gift Giving the Right Way
It's easy to see that moonstone jewelry is a good choice for every person on your list this year. They will keep thanking you for years to come!
About the Author
Find the best birthday gifts for mom this year. Visit our site now and discover our selection of freshwater pearl jewelry like freshwater pearl necklaces for her.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Finding Special Christmas Gifts For Mom Doesn't Have To Be Difficult by Abby Mckinsley
Finding Special Christmas Gifts For Mom Doesn't Have To Be Difficult by Abby Mckinsley
You've been good this year. You've made your gift list and checked it twice. Oh boy! You're asking for some good stuff this year!
But then you remember.
You haven't bought anything for the people on your list! Quick, who do you have to buy for this year?
Sister Susan, Brother Barry, Uncle Roy and Aunt Annie should receive a gift from you. Fido and Fluffy should get gifts too. Oh yeah, and your Dad.
You're forgetting the most important person on your list, your Mom! And she's the hardest to buy gifts for year after year. You never know what she likes. Should you get her that ritzy bottle of designer perfume? Or a sweater? Or some kitchen utensils? The decision never gets easier!
The good news is, finding special Christmas gifts for Mom doesn't have to be a chore. Just think about giving her one of these gift ideas and she'll be touched at how thoughtful of a child you are. And who doesn't like to win brownie points with Mom?
Special Christmas gifts for Mom can be anything that makes her feel beautiful. For example, beaded chokers can be a gift of jewelry that runs a little bit outside of the ordinary.
Beaded chokers are well-known for bringing attention upward, to the face and eyes. And you know your Mom has beautiful eyes, why not let her showcase them? Beaded chokers also create a slender neckline because they hug the curves of the neck, unlike regular necklaces that pull on the neck.
Beaded chokers can come in any number of styles. Beaded chokers can showcase different types of stone beads, colors, and shapes. The best thing about beaded chokers is that they are different and will be one of the most special Christmas gifts for Mom because it's something she wouldn't buy herself.
More examples of special Christmas gifts for Mom are agates necklaces. Agates necklaces are made from a special type of mineral rock called, you guess it, agates. Agates are a form of quartz and are known for their bright color and differing designs. Agates can be found in many different forms of rocks. However, they are most commonly found in volcanic or metamorphic rock.
Agates necklaces are incredibly beautiful and the attention paid to their design is noticeable to even an untrained eye. Agates necklaces can boast a simple stone set at the end of a chain, or can even be beaded into necklaces like beaded chokers. The options are almost endless. The bonus is that you will be able to find a design that fits the unique character of your Mom, because no two agates necklaces are exactly the same.
So think about finding special Christmas gifts for Mom this year. She deserves it, and hey, it never hurts to find a way to be the favorite child!
About the Author
Don't wait to find special Christmas gifts for Mom. Visit our site now and shop our selection of beaded chokers and agates necklaces today!
You've been good this year. You've made your gift list and checked it twice. Oh boy! You're asking for some good stuff this year!
But then you remember.
You haven't bought anything for the people on your list! Quick, who do you have to buy for this year?
Sister Susan, Brother Barry, Uncle Roy and Aunt Annie should receive a gift from you. Fido and Fluffy should get gifts too. Oh yeah, and your Dad.
You're forgetting the most important person on your list, your Mom! And she's the hardest to buy gifts for year after year. You never know what she likes. Should you get her that ritzy bottle of designer perfume? Or a sweater? Or some kitchen utensils? The decision never gets easier!
The good news is, finding special Christmas gifts for Mom doesn't have to be a chore. Just think about giving her one of these gift ideas and she'll be touched at how thoughtful of a child you are. And who doesn't like to win brownie points with Mom?
Special Christmas gifts for Mom can be anything that makes her feel beautiful. For example, beaded chokers can be a gift of jewelry that runs a little bit outside of the ordinary.
Beaded chokers are well-known for bringing attention upward, to the face and eyes. And you know your Mom has beautiful eyes, why not let her showcase them? Beaded chokers also create a slender neckline because they hug the curves of the neck, unlike regular necklaces that pull on the neck.
Beaded chokers can come in any number of styles. Beaded chokers can showcase different types of stone beads, colors, and shapes. The best thing about beaded chokers is that they are different and will be one of the most special Christmas gifts for Mom because it's something she wouldn't buy herself.
More examples of special Christmas gifts for Mom are agates necklaces. Agates necklaces are made from a special type of mineral rock called, you guess it, agates. Agates are a form of quartz and are known for their bright color and differing designs. Agates can be found in many different forms of rocks. However, they are most commonly found in volcanic or metamorphic rock.
Agates necklaces are incredibly beautiful and the attention paid to their design is noticeable to even an untrained eye. Agates necklaces can boast a simple stone set at the end of a chain, or can even be beaded into necklaces like beaded chokers. The options are almost endless. The bonus is that you will be able to find a design that fits the unique character of your Mom, because no two agates necklaces are exactly the same.
So think about finding special Christmas gifts for Mom this year. She deserves it, and hey, it never hurts to find a way to be the favorite child!
About the Author
Don't wait to find special Christmas gifts for Mom. Visit our site now and shop our selection of beaded chokers and agates necklaces today!
How To Take Care Of A Pearl by David Fishman
How To Take Care Of A Pearl by David Fishman
Fresh water pearls are normally grown in lakes, ponds or rivers, on the other hand sea water pearls are grown in the seas. Natural pearls are found in the pearl oysters, which are found in tropical seas, mostly in Asia. Pearls come in two main categories: freshwater cultured pearls and saltwater cultured pearls. You need to take care of pearls even though they are very durable proper care is required to keep the stone beautiful. Even though it takes several years to raise the oyster and produce a fine cultured pearl. The reason for greater uniformity in cultured pearls is that, given the larger quantity of cultured pearls available, it is easier to find and carefully match pearls.
When wearing pearls be sure not to wear them in the water especially chlorinated water, the chlorine will damage the pearls, and if you are wearing pearls in the ocean or in salt water make sure you remove them because of possible damage to the pearls. The residues from these products will ruin your pearls.
Freshwater pearls may also be dyed. Be sure to ask if the color is natural. Color is usually considered the most important factor affecting value and cost. If a pearl is of natural color it will sell in the market place for much higher amount than a pearl that has been dyed a certain color. If purchasing a pearl that is of natural color be sure it is and that it is stated on the bill of sale. The South Sea Specimens are often less perfectly round and have a less intense luster than their smaller Japanese counterpart, but they are very beautiful and very expensive.
A Tahitian black pearl color normally does not run through the entire pearl. When looking at the stone it could be lighter on one side and when you turn it over it could be black on the opposite end. With practice and experience (and further education if you're really serious), a loupe can tell even the amateur a great deal. Using a gemologist can help to determine if the pearl stone is synthetic, natural made of glass or has many imperfections like blemishes or cracks in the stone. In other words, the loupe can provide the necessary information to help you know whether the stone is in fact what it is supposed to be.
There are numerous other examples of the use of pearls to enhance sex appeal or sexual experience or both. Pearls can make many different types of jewelry, a belly chain of freshwater pearls is one type of jewelry and a toe ring made out of mother of pearl is another. Quality pearls are not cheap but they will last a lifetime. The best way to store your pearls is in a soft cloth bag in your jewelry box.
The multi-strand necklace is ever so preppy. Besides a diamond, the only other gem that is of great interest to man is the pearl. The oldest recorded natural pearl necklace dates back to more than 4,000 years ago.
Pearl jewelry is suitable for day and nighttime use, to send a statement of class and elegance.
About the Author
David Marc Fishman is the owner of the jewelry chains site. Find the finest cheap jewelry pieces. Get a nice opal jewelry.
Fresh water pearls are normally grown in lakes, ponds or rivers, on the other hand sea water pearls are grown in the seas. Natural pearls are found in the pearl oysters, which are found in tropical seas, mostly in Asia. Pearls come in two main categories: freshwater cultured pearls and saltwater cultured pearls. You need to take care of pearls even though they are very durable proper care is required to keep the stone beautiful. Even though it takes several years to raise the oyster and produce a fine cultured pearl. The reason for greater uniformity in cultured pearls is that, given the larger quantity of cultured pearls available, it is easier to find and carefully match pearls.
When wearing pearls be sure not to wear them in the water especially chlorinated water, the chlorine will damage the pearls, and if you are wearing pearls in the ocean or in salt water make sure you remove them because of possible damage to the pearls. The residues from these products will ruin your pearls.
Freshwater pearls may also be dyed. Be sure to ask if the color is natural. Color is usually considered the most important factor affecting value and cost. If a pearl is of natural color it will sell in the market place for much higher amount than a pearl that has been dyed a certain color. If purchasing a pearl that is of natural color be sure it is and that it is stated on the bill of sale. The South Sea Specimens are often less perfectly round and have a less intense luster than their smaller Japanese counterpart, but they are very beautiful and very expensive.
A Tahitian black pearl color normally does not run through the entire pearl. When looking at the stone it could be lighter on one side and when you turn it over it could be black on the opposite end. With practice and experience (and further education if you're really serious), a loupe can tell even the amateur a great deal. Using a gemologist can help to determine if the pearl stone is synthetic, natural made of glass or has many imperfections like blemishes or cracks in the stone. In other words, the loupe can provide the necessary information to help you know whether the stone is in fact what it is supposed to be.
There are numerous other examples of the use of pearls to enhance sex appeal or sexual experience or both. Pearls can make many different types of jewelry, a belly chain of freshwater pearls is one type of jewelry and a toe ring made out of mother of pearl is another. Quality pearls are not cheap but they will last a lifetime. The best way to store your pearls is in a soft cloth bag in your jewelry box.
The multi-strand necklace is ever so preppy. Besides a diamond, the only other gem that is of great interest to man is the pearl. The oldest recorded natural pearl necklace dates back to more than 4,000 years ago.
Pearl jewelry is suitable for day and nighttime use, to send a statement of class and elegance.
About the Author
David Marc Fishman is the owner of the jewelry chains site. Find the finest cheap jewelry pieces. Get a nice opal jewelry.
Sapphire Jewelry by Peter Boston
Sapphire Jewelry by Peter Boston
The blue brilliance of the rarest of gemstones, the sapphire, has been revered for thousands of years, its color thought to represent seraphic or celestial qualities. The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and that the reflection of the sun gave the sky its blue color. Jewish tradition holds that Moses was given the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred of all gemstones. Is it just coincidence that more than half the people on earth identify blue as their favorite color?
The purest of sapphires would be white or transparent. The blue color comes from small amounts of other elements, primarily iron and chrome, which are fused into the stone within the deep bowels of the earth. Sapphires come in many colors. The aspects at which a raw stone is cut can affect the color. A ruby is a red sapphire of such beauty that it developed its own mythology. Passion and faithfulness in the same gemstone. The most highly prized blue sapphire is mined more than three miles high on the Roof of The World - the Hindu Kush mountain range in Kashmir.
Only diamond is harder than sapphire. When cut into a cabochon (a convex, unfaceted form), some sapphires exhibit asterism; that is, a six-rayed star can be seen in the interior of the stone. Such stones are called star sapphires and are highly valued by gemstone collectors.
The sapphire has long symbolized truth, sincerity, loyalty, and faithfulness. In many countries sapphire is the most desirable engagement gem because of its symbolism, and perhaps because the giver hopes to endow his betrothed with those very same qualities. The ancients esteemed star sapphires as an almighty amulet, a guiding and protecting star for travelers and seekers of all kinds. These gems were considered so plenipotent, they were said to continue to protect the wearer from evil even after being passed on to someone else.
The birthstone tradition is from the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible (Exodus 28, 15-30). The breastplate was a ritual garment set with twelve gemstones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve signs of the zodiac, and the twelve months of the year. Sapphire is the birthstone for September, the month when the most babies are born. The zodiac sign is Virgo.
About the Author
neverenufjewelry.com is an online jewelry store with fine crafted sapphire jewelry, diamonds, watches, and other metals and gemstones.
The blue brilliance of the rarest of gemstones, the sapphire, has been revered for thousands of years, its color thought to represent seraphic or celestial qualities. The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and that the reflection of the sun gave the sky its blue color. Jewish tradition holds that Moses was given the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred of all gemstones. Is it just coincidence that more than half the people on earth identify blue as their favorite color?
The purest of sapphires would be white or transparent. The blue color comes from small amounts of other elements, primarily iron and chrome, which are fused into the stone within the deep bowels of the earth. Sapphires come in many colors. The aspects at which a raw stone is cut can affect the color. A ruby is a red sapphire of such beauty that it developed its own mythology. Passion and faithfulness in the same gemstone. The most highly prized blue sapphire is mined more than three miles high on the Roof of The World - the Hindu Kush mountain range in Kashmir.
Only diamond is harder than sapphire. When cut into a cabochon (a convex, unfaceted form), some sapphires exhibit asterism; that is, a six-rayed star can be seen in the interior of the stone. Such stones are called star sapphires and are highly valued by gemstone collectors.
The sapphire has long symbolized truth, sincerity, loyalty, and faithfulness. In many countries sapphire is the most desirable engagement gem because of its symbolism, and perhaps because the giver hopes to endow his betrothed with those very same qualities. The ancients esteemed star sapphires as an almighty amulet, a guiding and protecting star for travelers and seekers of all kinds. These gems were considered so plenipotent, they were said to continue to protect the wearer from evil even after being passed on to someone else.
The birthstone tradition is from the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible (Exodus 28, 15-30). The breastplate was a ritual garment set with twelve gemstones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve signs of the zodiac, and the twelve months of the year. Sapphire is the birthstone for September, the month when the most babies are born. The zodiac sign is Virgo.
About the Author
neverenufjewelry.com is an online jewelry store with fine crafted sapphire jewelry, diamonds, watches, and other metals and gemstones.
Find Crystal Animal Figurines That Will Dazzle You. by Kevinzhang
Find Crystal Animal Figurines That Will Dazzle You. by Kevinzhang
Find Crystal Animal Figurines That Will Dazzle You.
Only Crystal animal figurines allow you to experience the pleasure of seeing the sun's rays shining through, splashing prismatic rainbows of colour around your favourite room. China Qianqi crystal created the lead crystal glass that is familiar to us today in 1986. They found that adding lead oxide to his glass mixture he could produce a glass that was softer and easier to grind and cut without shattering. The final piece is also more reflective and crystal clear. Qianqi patented a jewelry stone cutting machine that allowed him to produce perfect lead crystal chandelier pieces. His Qianqi Company continues to make highly reflective silver crystal, some of the finest traditional lead crystalware available in the world today.
Other famous manufacturers include Lalique who create crystal animal figurines of Lions, Cats, Kittens, Swans, Horses, Rabbits and Birds. Irelands Waterford Crystal have a range of animal figurines including a limited edition Eagle by Fred Curtis, an owl, dolphin, seahorse, starfish and other animals.
A novel way to display your figurine is on a light box. Just imagine highlighting your crystal animal figurine on a light box that gives it a magical glow, making a striking evening display. These units allow you to admire the light shifting properties of your prized possession all day long.
Find that bird figurine you're looking for.
I've been looking all over the web to find you the finest quality bird figurines. I've found a variety of products from the leading manufacturers. Also I've found some great examples of bronze and silver artistry available from sculptors and specialist craft workshops. The Armani range of bird figurines are incredibly detailed and realistically painted to the highest standard. If you like something exotic, the Macaw 'Idyll', 'Frolic' or 'Gliding' sculptures by Giuseppe Armani could be for you. Lladro porcelain has some really nice pastel-shaded swans and geese figurines.
Boehm porcelain has a exquisite figurine of a Hummingbird hovering to collect nectar from a flower.
If you're looking for large-scale bronzes then maybe it's worth looking at the work of Mike Curtis. His Limited Edition Bald Eagle sculpture 'The Waves of Success' vividly brings to life the moment a Bald Eagle swoops down catching its prey. The sculpture has a dark patina highlighted with silver and gold that beautifully compliments the quality of the sculpting.
Lalique have their famous 'Swan Head Up' and 'Swan Head Down' swan crystal figurines.Swarovski crystal ware makes exotic parrots in colored crystal. They also make a white crystal Hummingbird figurine.
The Qianqi appointed jeweler Harold Cox has expertly crafted fine pieces of Objet d'art. These are hand finished enameled silver models available as individual, pairs or sets of birds including Toucans, Pigeons, Owls, Pheasants, Doves, Ducks, Swans, Peacocks Lovebirds and Penguins.
If you're thinking of commissioning an Artist to create a bird figurine there's a few things to consider. If you want to know more about finding an crystal animal figurine then have a look at this short guide to commissioning a bird figurine sculptor.
About the Author
Provide by Qianqi Crystal, kevin Kevin Zhang: The CEO of China Qianqi Crystal Gift Co.,ltd, www.cn-crystal.com, He specializes in Crystal Animal Figurine design and manufacturer, have 10 years in Crystal Crafts research.
Find Crystal Animal Figurines That Will Dazzle You.
Only Crystal animal figurines allow you to experience the pleasure of seeing the sun's rays shining through, splashing prismatic rainbows of colour around your favourite room. China Qianqi crystal created the lead crystal glass that is familiar to us today in 1986. They found that adding lead oxide to his glass mixture he could produce a glass that was softer and easier to grind and cut without shattering. The final piece is also more reflective and crystal clear. Qianqi patented a jewelry stone cutting machine that allowed him to produce perfect lead crystal chandelier pieces. His Qianqi Company continues to make highly reflective silver crystal, some of the finest traditional lead crystalware available in the world today.
Other famous manufacturers include Lalique who create crystal animal figurines of Lions, Cats, Kittens, Swans, Horses, Rabbits and Birds. Irelands Waterford Crystal have a range of animal figurines including a limited edition Eagle by Fred Curtis, an owl, dolphin, seahorse, starfish and other animals.
A novel way to display your figurine is on a light box. Just imagine highlighting your crystal animal figurine on a light box that gives it a magical glow, making a striking evening display. These units allow you to admire the light shifting properties of your prized possession all day long.
Find that bird figurine you're looking for.
I've been looking all over the web to find you the finest quality bird figurines. I've found a variety of products from the leading manufacturers. Also I've found some great examples of bronze and silver artistry available from sculptors and specialist craft workshops. The Armani range of bird figurines are incredibly detailed and realistically painted to the highest standard. If you like something exotic, the Macaw 'Idyll', 'Frolic' or 'Gliding' sculptures by Giuseppe Armani could be for you. Lladro porcelain has some really nice pastel-shaded swans and geese figurines.
Boehm porcelain has a exquisite figurine of a Hummingbird hovering to collect nectar from a flower.
If you're looking for large-scale bronzes then maybe it's worth looking at the work of Mike Curtis. His Limited Edition Bald Eagle sculpture 'The Waves of Success' vividly brings to life the moment a Bald Eagle swoops down catching its prey. The sculpture has a dark patina highlighted with silver and gold that beautifully compliments the quality of the sculpting.
Lalique have their famous 'Swan Head Up' and 'Swan Head Down' swan crystal figurines.Swarovski crystal ware makes exotic parrots in colored crystal. They also make a white crystal Hummingbird figurine.
The Qianqi appointed jeweler Harold Cox has expertly crafted fine pieces of Objet d'art. These are hand finished enameled silver models available as individual, pairs or sets of birds including Toucans, Pigeons, Owls, Pheasants, Doves, Ducks, Swans, Peacocks Lovebirds and Penguins.
If you're thinking of commissioning an Artist to create a bird figurine there's a few things to consider. If you want to know more about finding an crystal animal figurine then have a look at this short guide to commissioning a bird figurine sculptor.
About the Author
Provide by Qianqi Crystal, kevin Kevin Zhang: The CEO of China Qianqi Crystal Gift Co.,ltd, www.cn-crystal.com, He specializes in Crystal Animal Figurine design and manufacturer, have 10 years in Crystal Crafts research.
Diamond Scams and Sales Tricks by Sunil Tanna
Diamond Scams and Sales Tricks by Sunil Tanna
With diamonds, there are many scams to be on your guard for. Although most scams are minor, there are some major ones that come up from time to time concerning the buying and selling of diamonds.
Scammers are able to operate in the diamond field because most people who buy diamonds - for whatever reason - are not always particularly knowledgeable about diamonds, and are therefore easily fooled. Consequently, one of the best ways to protect yourself from being scammed is to educate yourself about diamonds and the diamond industry, including reading books about the subject.
A common trick that many jewelry stores participate in is the Carat Total Weight scam. The tag on the piece of jewelry, usually a ring, only states the combined total carat weight of all diamonds in the piece, instead of listing the individual weights separately for each diamond. This leads consumers to believe that the main diamond in the piece is actually bigger than it is. Once you are wise to this trick, you can avoid it by asking what the total carat weight of the center stone is.
You should also beware of fractions. Jewelry stores are allowed to round off diamond weights. This means that if the jeweler tells you that it is a ¾ carat diamond, it is probably between ½ and ¾ carat - but closer to ½.
Many Jewelry stores often run "fluorescence" tricks to varying degrees. Referring to a diamond as a blue-white diamond is one such a trick. A blue-white diamond sounds very unique and special, and the jeweler will try to make you think you are getting something special, but in fact, this type of diamond is of lesser quality.
Jewelry stores also like to show their diamonds in bright lights. Lights make diamonds shine. So get a fairer picture, ask to see the diamond in a different, darker type of lighting as well.
Some particularly unscrupulous jewelers target those who want appraisals on diamonds that were given to them as gifts or that were purchased elsewhere. They will try to tell you that the diamond is worth less than its true value - and offer to take it off your hands or trade it for a much better diamond, along with the cash to make up the difference. This is called low balling. If presented with an offer like this, be sure to get a second, third, and even a fourth opinion before taking any action.
Another common dirty trick is to switch the diamond you have chosen and paid for with one of lesser quality and value when you leave it to be set in a piece of jewelry, or leave a diamond ring to be sized. The only way to avoid this is to do business with one trustworthy jeweler. Avoid jewelers that you have not done business with in the past.
There are many more scams that less trustworthy jewelry stores commonly pull on unsuspecting consumers. Just use your best judgment, and purchase your diamonds with the utmost care and consideration.
About the Author
First published at http://www.guide2diamonds.com/p1_articles_diamond_scams.php
More diamond articles and information at Guide 2 Diamonds.com
With diamonds, there are many scams to be on your guard for. Although most scams are minor, there are some major ones that come up from time to time concerning the buying and selling of diamonds.
Scammers are able to operate in the diamond field because most people who buy diamonds - for whatever reason - are not always particularly knowledgeable about diamonds, and are therefore easily fooled. Consequently, one of the best ways to protect yourself from being scammed is to educate yourself about diamonds and the diamond industry, including reading books about the subject.
A common trick that many jewelry stores participate in is the Carat Total Weight scam. The tag on the piece of jewelry, usually a ring, only states the combined total carat weight of all diamonds in the piece, instead of listing the individual weights separately for each diamond. This leads consumers to believe that the main diamond in the piece is actually bigger than it is. Once you are wise to this trick, you can avoid it by asking what the total carat weight of the center stone is.
You should also beware of fractions. Jewelry stores are allowed to round off diamond weights. This means that if the jeweler tells you that it is a ¾ carat diamond, it is probably between ½ and ¾ carat - but closer to ½.
Many Jewelry stores often run "fluorescence" tricks to varying degrees. Referring to a diamond as a blue-white diamond is one such a trick. A blue-white diamond sounds very unique and special, and the jeweler will try to make you think you are getting something special, but in fact, this type of diamond is of lesser quality.
Jewelry stores also like to show their diamonds in bright lights. Lights make diamonds shine. So get a fairer picture, ask to see the diamond in a different, darker type of lighting as well.
Some particularly unscrupulous jewelers target those who want appraisals on diamonds that were given to them as gifts or that were purchased elsewhere. They will try to tell you that the diamond is worth less than its true value - and offer to take it off your hands or trade it for a much better diamond, along with the cash to make up the difference. This is called low balling. If presented with an offer like this, be sure to get a second, third, and even a fourth opinion before taking any action.
Another common dirty trick is to switch the diamond you have chosen and paid for with one of lesser quality and value when you leave it to be set in a piece of jewelry, or leave a diamond ring to be sized. The only way to avoid this is to do business with one trustworthy jeweler. Avoid jewelers that you have not done business with in the past.
There are many more scams that less trustworthy jewelry stores commonly pull on unsuspecting consumers. Just use your best judgment, and purchase your diamonds with the utmost care and consideration.
About the Author
First published at http://www.guide2diamonds.com/p1_articles_diamond_scams.php
More diamond articles and information at Guide 2 Diamonds.com
Bonded Diamonds by Sunil Tanna
Bonded Diamonds by Sunil Tanna
When you shop for diamonds, you should consider dealing with a bonded jeweler (only about 5% of jewelers are bonded).
The advantage of a bonded jeweler, is that the jeweler will sell bonded diamonds, Buying a bonded diamond may cost more than buying a non-bonded diamond, but when you look at the advantages of the bonded option, you probably decide that it is well worth the extra expense.
1. Bonded diamonds have a buy back policy for the life of the diamond. No matter how long you have had the diamond, you can take it back to the bonded jeweler and sell it back to him or her, for a 100% refund.
2. Bonded diamonds also have a breakage policy. If the stone breaks or chips, the bonded jeweler will replace it with a new one - one time. No jeweler would ever offer such a policy on any stone that was not 100% natural, so just the offer of such a policy should give you peace of mind concerning the quality of the diamond.
3. Bonded diamonds are natural and untreated.
4. Bonded diamonds increase in value, with a fixed appreciation rate that is designed to keep up with inflation. This means that a diamond that is worth a certain amount of money today will be worth more in the future, as the price of diamonds continues to rise. This generally does not apply to buy backs, but it does typically apply to trade-ins. Additionally, by purchasing a bonded diamond, you are protected against the possibility of a market crash. If a market crash occurs, the value of diamonds will drop. However, the bonded jeweler guarantees to refund you the difference between what the diamond is now worth and what you paid for it before the market crash.
It may be difficult to find a bonded jeweler in your area. You can look for a bonded jeweler in your area by searching the Internet, or by calling the local jewelry stores. If you can find one, you ought to consider dealing with the bonded jeweler as opposed to dealing with an unbonded jeweler.
And remember, when dealing with the bonded jeweler, specifically tell him that you are interested in bonded diamonds!
About the Author
First published at http://www.guide2diamonds.com/p1_articles_bonded_diamonds.php
More diamond articles and information at Guide 2 Diamonds.com
When you shop for diamonds, you should consider dealing with a bonded jeweler (only about 5% of jewelers are bonded).
The advantage of a bonded jeweler, is that the jeweler will sell bonded diamonds, Buying a bonded diamond may cost more than buying a non-bonded diamond, but when you look at the advantages of the bonded option, you probably decide that it is well worth the extra expense.
1. Bonded diamonds have a buy back policy for the life of the diamond. No matter how long you have had the diamond, you can take it back to the bonded jeweler and sell it back to him or her, for a 100% refund.
2. Bonded diamonds also have a breakage policy. If the stone breaks or chips, the bonded jeweler will replace it with a new one - one time. No jeweler would ever offer such a policy on any stone that was not 100% natural, so just the offer of such a policy should give you peace of mind concerning the quality of the diamond.
3. Bonded diamonds are natural and untreated.
4. Bonded diamonds increase in value, with a fixed appreciation rate that is designed to keep up with inflation. This means that a diamond that is worth a certain amount of money today will be worth more in the future, as the price of diamonds continues to rise. This generally does not apply to buy backs, but it does typically apply to trade-ins. Additionally, by purchasing a bonded diamond, you are protected against the possibility of a market crash. If a market crash occurs, the value of diamonds will drop. However, the bonded jeweler guarantees to refund you the difference between what the diamond is now worth and what you paid for it before the market crash.
It may be difficult to find a bonded jeweler in your area. You can look for a bonded jeweler in your area by searching the Internet, or by calling the local jewelry stores. If you can find one, you ought to consider dealing with the bonded jeweler as opposed to dealing with an unbonded jeweler.
And remember, when dealing with the bonded jeweler, specifically tell him that you are interested in bonded diamonds!
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First published at http://www.guide2diamonds.com/p1_articles_bonded_diamonds.php
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