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Regardless of your age or gender, sterling silver jewelry’s classic appeal never goes out of style. Sterling silver jewelry offers a precious metal at an affordable price, and comes in so many designs that you can collect pieces to go with every style and budget.

Use sterling silver jewelry to define your style. For women, go casual with a turquoise ring set in sterling silver, along with a complementary necklace and earrings. For work, dress up your career wear with sterling silver bracelets and relatively plain earrings, or go with a classic sterling silver watch. Transition to evening with a sterling silver hairpin or adornment, and add sparkle with diamond earrings set in sterling silver. Remember, sterling silver jewelry goes with any skin tone, and is appropriate for any occasion.

Teens go for the bangle and the bling, so sterling silver jewelry in the form of bracelets, waist chains, and stackable rings are a sure hit. Retro sterling silver jewelry styles are the rage for rings - both finger and toe - and band bracelets - both for the wrist and the ankle.

Men are increasingly turning to sterling silver jewelry as a means of self-expression. Whether incorporated into a watch or belt buckle, ear stud or key ring, sterling silver is a classic that never goes out of style.

Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry

To preserve the beauty of your sterling silver jewelry, follow these steps:

* Exposure to the air causes silver to tarnish, so keep your sterling silver jewelry in a bag made from tarnish-proof cloth, or in airtight container.

* Avoid allowing your sterling silver jewelry to have prolonged contact with wood, as some woods contain acids that can dull the finish.

* Alcohol, acetone, bleach, ammonia, and turpentine can damage sterling silver jewelry, so be sure to remove your rings and other sterling silver jewelry before using these products.

* Regularly wipe down your sterling silver jewelry with a 100% cotton cloth, using a lengthwise, rather than circular motion.

* Remove light tarnish with a silver cloth, available at mass merchandisers and from jewelers.

* To remove heavy tarnish, use a liquid or paste silver polish and rinse with warm water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it in its cloth or airtight bag.

Did You Know?

* Sterling silver is a metal alloy, typically containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.

* Sterling silver jewelry is usually marked with the word, “Sterling,” or “.925.”

* Fine silver (at least 99.9% pure silver) is too soft to use for jewelry.

* Mexican silver is usually more pure than sterling silver, with 95% silver and 5% copper.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Visit this Jewelry Website and Majon’s Jewelry directory.

The British hallmarking standard on silver is very high, just from looking at the hallmark you can decipher what date the item was made, who the maker was and in which town it was hallmarked. This enables us to date pieces going right back to the 16th century.You can find more information on hallmarking at the Annabel Chaffer website.

1. Manufacturers mark (example)
2. Fineness (parts/thousand)
3. Assay Office Mark (London)
4. Date Mark (1999)
5. Pictorial Symbol

British Sterling Silver Hallmarks are also your guarantee of the purity of silver (higher than 92.5% purity).This is not the case in other countries where the silver content can be lower or in some instances nonexistent.

Since the end of the 12th Century there has been strict control of items made from silver in England. Each piece of silver produced in the UK is required by law to be sent to an Assay Office for hallmarking. If you buy a piece of British hallmarked silver you are guaranteed a quality item and an unique gift, which will hold its value and become an investment for the future.

See this example of a unique gift of a silver perfume atomizers made by an English silversmith at the Annabel Chaffer website.
Silver pieces make unique gifts which are often perceived as heirlooms. This benefits the giver as they are then in the thoughts of the recipient.

The History of Hallmarks
Hallmarking represents one of the earliest forms of consumer protection. A hallmark is a series of marks applied to gold, silver and platinum articles. It indicates that the article has been independently tested at an Assay Office and guarantees that it conforms to the legal standards of precious metal content, known as the fineness.

In 1238 Henry III ordered that all goldsmiths and silversmiths must have their wares assayed (from the French “assai”, to test) and conform to certain standards.

The Act of Edward I, 1300, decreed that all gold and silver work should be, ‘Of the sterling allay or better, at the pleasure of him to whom the work belongeth’.

By 1363 every gold or silver smith had to stamp each piece of work with their personal mark to show that they had met the set standards.

In 1478 year marks were introduced to further protect consumers.

The Customs Act of 1842 stated that all silver imports to the UK were to be assayed and marked in a UK assay office, backdated to 1800.

Since the end of the 12th Century there has been strict control of items made from silver in England. This is still regulated and controlled by the Goldsmiths Hall in London to this very day. Each piece of silver produced in the UK is required by law to be sent to an Assay Office for assaying. If the required legal standards are met the silversmith’s marks are then stamped onto the article.

The Leopard’s Head is the mark of the London Assay Office and has been in continuous use since 1300, when the Wardens of the Company were given responsibility for marking gold and silver wares, which passed assay, with the King’s mark of the Leopard’s Head.

Still based in the Goldsmiths’ Hall, and using the most up-to-date technology, the London Assay Office hallmarks several million articles every year. It is also the Secretariat of the Association of European Assay Offices. Hallmarking is now carried out under the statutory jurisdiction of the Hallmarking Act 1973. The Act also established the British Hallmarking Council. The Council has various powers and duties regarding hallmarking, which include ensuring adequate assaying and hallmarking facilities in the UK. For further information visit the annabel chaffer website.

Did you like this article? You can find british hallmarked silver pieces at annabel chaffer.

Victoria has been sourcing and designing unique gifts for many years and has a wealth of experience in this field.

One of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry you can own is a pair of diamond stud earrings. Elegantly simple and stunningly beautiful, diamond stud earrings are a classic look that will never go out of style. And, with so many styles and cuts to choose from, diamond stud earrings are easy to customize. This article explains how to create the perfect pair of diamond stud earrings that will become a treasured heirloom for years to come.

Steps:

1 Find a local jeweler or a reputable website that sells made-to-order diamond stud earrings.

2 Choose the price range you are most comfortable with. Diamond studs can vary dramatically depending on size and quality. They can cost as little as $150 or as much as $15000 or more.

3 Choose the cut that best suits you. If you have a broader face you’ll probably look best with princess cut diamond studs. If your face is thinner round cut studs will be your best fit.

4 Choose the precious metal that best suits your skin tone for the backing. If you have a warm skin tone yellow gold will look best. If your skin tone is cool you will probably look better in white gold or platinum.

5 Make sure you choose a well balanced setting for your diamond stud earrings. Some settings, such as the crown style setting, are poorly balanced, pulling the diamond stud forward and creating a droopy look. The best settings – the three-prong martini style or four-prong basket style – pull the center of gravity back, making the diamond stud fit snuggly and beautifully against your ear. Remember that even the most beautiful diamond will look bad in a poor setting.

6 Make sure to choose quality diamond stud earrings. Look at the color, cut, and clarity of the diamond studs. Look to see that the diamond stud is clear, with no obvious inclusions. Make sure that the light is reflected evenly out of the diamond with no dark spots. Remember that bigger isn’t always better.

7 Order your diamond stud earrings and enjoy.

Tips:

• When you order your diamond stud earrings, take note of the size of the diamonds. Stones that are 1/8 to 1/4 carats are tiny. If you order stones that are 1/5 carat or more, the effect will be much more dramatic and pleasing.

• If you are unsure of your skin tone hold a piece of clean white paper against your hand, if you notice a yellowish hue then you have a warm skin tone, if you see a bluish hue then your skin tone is cool.

Warnings:

• While diamonds are one of the hardest materials on earth they can still be damaged. Avoid extremes of temperature, and always store separately.

Casey Buell is an expert in the field of diamonds and gemstones, and a contributor to the award winning diamond stud earring website located at http://www.diamondstudsonly.com/

For most of you, the thought of getting a Valuation or Appraisal on your Jewelry is NOT at the top of your list.

But it should be.

To often, clients assume that their Jewelry is either…

• # Not Valuable enough to bother
• # Covered by their Household insurance
• # Safe on their Finger, so it won’t get lost

All of these assumptions are WRONG and we cover some suggestions in our Insurance article (address given below) and the security pages under the Learning Section of the Online Appraisal Center.

If you are concerned about these matters and haven’t had the chance to read them yet, we suggest you take a little side trip and cover the bases, soon as possible…

…Before the ring falls off the finger or the chain gets lost while swimming or the Diamond (was it a Diamond?)…

Get the Picture..?

That’s exactly What a Jewelry Appraisal Valuation Certificate is for.

Types of Jewelry Appraisal Valuations

The main type of Valuation or Appraisal we come across is the Valuation for Insurance. This is the one you would normally receive from your local Jeweler or Gemologist.

It is basically designed to cover you (through your insurance policy) against any loss or damage you may encounter.

It is designed to provide you, wherever possible, as near a REPLACEMENT OF A SIMILAR ARTICLE as possible.

It will include any taxes or duty plus the Jewelry Trade mark up.

What Are The Other Types of Valuations?

Other forms of Valuations are…

• # Valuation for ‘Private’ Sale
• # Valuation for an ‘Auction’ reserve
• # Valuation for Probate
• # Valuation for Division of an Estate

(under conditions of a Will, for example)

Each of these types are simply a percentage of the ‘Master Valuation’ figure or Replacement for Insurance mentioned here.

The Master Valuation Appraisal

While these are covered briefly regarding their structure and use, you should remember that ALL of these valuations are just by-products of the Valuation Appraisals for Insurance, both in principle and procedures.

Therefore, with a little common sense and a child’s school calculator, we can arrive at a final figure for any of the above situations.

After all - they need the SAME information to begin with.

If you had an Online Form which helped complete a Jewelry Appraisal for yourself, there would be no easier or quicker way to help in the majority of these cases, and you wouldn’t even need a child’s school calculator to complete it, because it would all be built into the Computer System.

Nice thought - but is it a reality?

Thankfully - Yes it is.

Jewelry Valuations For The Rest Of Us

While our advice is - and always has been - to get your Jewelry valued or appraised by your local, professional gemologist Valuer, it remains our belief that in the ‘majority of cases’ and taking into account the costs involved (your professional Valuer charges a reasonable fee for their skill and the work carried out) there is an alternative.

Any Self Appraisal Valuation can be equal to the task for a fraction of the specialized service, in a shorter timeframe, and costs much less - Lots Less…

So don’t ask ‘Why’ - Ask yourself - ‘Why Not..?

Here are some interesting Facts

• # People thought you had to be a lawyer to write your own Will

-Do-it-Yourself Will Kits are now Commonplace

• # People thought you had to be an Accountant to do your Tax

-An Online Tax Pack has been set up by the Government

• # People thought you had to be a Real Estate Agent to sell your Home

-FSBO (For Sale By Owner) has changed all the rules

• # People thought you needed a Solicitor to handle a Conveyance

-This is now no longer the case

The entire game has shifted.

# You Don’t Need to be a Gemologist Valuer to write your own Appraisals. It’s as Simple as filling in a Form. Anyone can do it.

Plus It Is Convenient…

You do this in your own time, at the pace you wish to go, without any pressure. You will have ample time to start your self evaluation, change your mind about something, go away for a couple of hours or days even, and when you return, start again from where you left off, finally arriving at the bottom line to print your Appraisal Certificate from Home or Work.

So What You Really Ought to Know About Jewelry Valuation Appraisals, is that it’s possible and anyone can do it.

There is an Online Jewelry Appraisal do-it-yourself Valuation Kit which has been designed to be as simple as possible while remaining accurate, within the guidelines of the Jewelry Trade and Valuers Profession.

It’s a Smart School Calculator.

WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING IT CAN TURN YOU INTO A QUALIFIED VALUER nor are we trying to replace your local Jeweler. That would be wrong of us to even try.

But you ought to understand the possibilities.

Our Goal here is to simply steer you in the right direction to answer a series of questions, which will lead you to the MOST PROBABLE result for any Jewelry under assessment. You have choices…

These days, it’s just too easy.

David Foard has spent over 30 years in the Jewelry Trade as a qualified gemologist and member of the Valuers Council.
To find out more about doing an Online Jewelry Appraisal for yourself, go to his main website at:
http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com/article.html or subscribe to his complimentary Jewelry Appraisal Whitepaper at: http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com/ar1.html

gemmo1@online-jewelry-appraisals.com

I hear the same question time and time again. “They both look the same, so what’s the difference?” Its true, white gold and platinum jewellery do look the same yet white gold is much cheaper than platinum. But before you rush to choose white gold, know the facts:

“I thought gold was yellow?” It is. The gold that is used to make jewellery is almost always not 100% pure. You may have heard the term “carat” to describe the purity of gold. This measure is a scale out of 24 where 24 carat is pure gold. 9 carat gold is thus 37.5% pure gold and 18 carat gold is 75% pure gold. The rest of the metal is actually a mixture of alloys. Gold is very soft and the alloys mixed with it helps make the metal harder. With white gold, white alloys are used to mix with the pure gold, and the result is a pale yellow metal. This pale yellow metal is then coated with Rhodium which is a very hard, expensive and white metal. The result is a bright white metal - white gold.

Platinum, on the other hand, is a metal that is naturally white. Platinum is rarer than gold, heavier, much harder and used in a purer form (usually 95%). Platinum is therefore much more expensive than gold.

The advantages of white gold over platinum when used in jewellery is that it is much more affordable. However, you may need to re-coat the item in Rhodium once or twice a year as wear and tear rubs away the coating and the pale, dull yellow gold becomes visible.

Platinum jewellery is initially more expensive, but it can be argued is more cost effective in the long run as when it scratches or becomes worn, it does not need to be re-coated.

Therefore, my metal of choice for jewellery is platinum. It does not only feel more substantial (as is heavier than gold), it is rarer and also more practical. Besides, when you buy an expensive piece of diamond jewellery, you want to know that you have bought the best!

Gary Ingram runs The Diamond Store.co.uk which is full of information and advice on buying and choosing Diamond Jewellery

Weight. What is a Carat?

Diamonds are sold by the carat (CT), not to be confused with Karat (KT), which in the United States refers to gold quality. Since 1913 most countries have agreed that a carat weighs 200 milligram, or 1/5 gram.
Before 1913 the carat weight varied depending upon the country of origin, the Indian carat didn’t weigh the same as the English carat; the French carat was different from the Indian or the English. This is important if you have, or are thinking of buying , a very old piece that still has the original bill of sale indicating carat weight; the old carat weighted more than the new, post 1913 metric carat, which is 200 milligram (1/5 gram). Therefore, an old three carat stone will weigh more than three carats by the new standards. Today the term “carat” means the metric carat, the 200 milligram carat. There are five carats to one gram.

Jewelers often refer to the carat weight of diamonds in terms of points. This is particularly true of stones under one carat. There are 100 points to a carat, so if a jeweler says that a stone weighs 75 points, that means it weigh 75/100 of a carat, or 3/4 carat. A 25 points stone is 1/4 carat. A 10 points diamond is 1/10 carat.

The carat is the unit of weight, not size. I wish to stress this point, since most people think that a one carat stone is a particular size. Most people, therefore, would expect a one carat diamond and one carat emerald, for example, to look the same size or to have the same apparent dimensions. This is not true.

Comparing a one carat diamond to a one carat emerald and a one carat ruby easily illustrate this point. First, emerald weighs less than diamond and ruby weighs more than diamond. This means that a one carat emerald will look larger than a one carat diamond, while the ruby will look smaller than a diamond of the same weight. Emerald, with a mineral composition that is lighter, will yield greater mass per carat; ruby, with its heavier composition, will yield less mass per carat.

Equal volumes of materials with the same density, however, should have approximately the same weight, so that in diamond, the carat weight has come to represent particular sizes. These sizes are based on diamonds cut to ideal proportions.

How does carat weight affect value in diamonds?

Diamond prices are usually quoted per carat. Diamonds of finest quality are sold for the highest price per carat, and diamonds of progressively less fine quality are sold for a progressively lower price per carat.
Also, as a rule, the price increases per carat as we go from smaller to larger stones, since the larger stones are more limited in supply.
furthermore, stones of the same quality weighting exactly one carat will sell for much more than stones weighting 90 to 96 points. Thus, if you want a one carat diamond of a particular quality, but its cost goes over your budget, you may find one in a 95 point diamond more affordable, and a 95 point diamond will give the impression of a full one carat diamond when set. You might be able to get your heart’s desire after all.

The price of a diamond does not increase proportionally; there are disproportionate jumps. The larger and finer the stone (all else being equal in terms of overall quality), the more disproportionate the increase in the cost per carat may be. A top quality two carats diamond will not cost twice as much as a one carat diamond, it easily be four times as much.

What is spread?

The term spread is often used in response to the question ”How large is this diamond?” But it can be misleading. Spread refers to the size the stone appears to be, based o its diameter. For example, if the diameter of the stone measured the same as you see in the diamond sizes chart (shown above) which represents the diameter of a perfectly proportioned stone, the jeweler might say it “spreads” one carat. But this does not mean it weight one carat. But this does mean it weights one carat. It means it looks the same size as a perfectly cut one carat stone. It may weigh less or more, usually less.

Diamonds are generally weighted before they are set, so the jeweler can give you the exact carat weight, since you are paying a certain price per carat. Note, also, that the price per carat for a fine stone weighting 96 points is much less than for one weighing one carat or more. So it is unwise to accept any “approximate” weight, even though the difference seems so slight.

It is also important when buying a diamond to realize that since carat refers to weight, the manner in which a stone is cut can affect its apparent size. a one carat diamond that is cut shallow will appear larger in diameter than a stone that is cut thick (heavy). Conversely, a thick diamond will appear smaller in diameter.

Furthermore, if the diamond has a thick girdle, the stone will appear smaller in diameter. If this girdle is faceted, it tends to hide the ugly, frosted look of a thick girdle, but the fact remains that the girdle is thick, and the stone suffers because it will appear smaller in diameter than one would expect at a given carat weight. These stones (diamonds) are therefore somewhat cheaper per carat.

The article above can be used on your web site or newsletter.

When it is published, May I request that you include my name and resource box (the bio., contact and copyright information that follows the article. I would also appreciate if you could send me an e-mail of notification along with a complimentary copy of publication.

Bijan Aziz is the owner and Web Master for The Jewelry Hut.

http://www.thejewelryhut.com

The best source for fine Diamond, gemstone, and Pearl Jewelry on the Web

“I’ll show you who’s boss!” is what the sight of lion jewelry says — no, roars! In a crowded room, the people most likely to shine out and be the lives of the party may well be wearing lion jewelry. These people are take-charge, charismatic and naturally the stars of the show — much like the lion in their accessories.

This is because people who choose lion jewelry are often strong-willed and proud types. They are also quite often leaders, so don’t be surprised if your high-powered corporate boss happens to be sporting a solid-gold lion’s head ring or pendant! People who wear lion jewelry don’t just do it for show — well, all right, maybe mainly for show. But they also send a message out to the world, and that message is “I’m in control!”

The lion motif in jewelry is frequently associated with the Western zodiac sign Leo. As with rabbit jewelry, it might be reasonable to assume that people sporting the lion motif were born under this zodiac sign. The Leo is dominant, spontaneous, creative and extroverted. They are most comfortable in a position of command. Leos are fun and effective communicators. They are gifted with the unique ability to shine out and take charge in any occasion.

Even in private, Leos like to be fussed over and given full attention. All eyes on the king! The worst thing you can do to a Leo loved one is to wound his or her pride, to belittle his or her achievements.

Leos are idealistic and single-minded — when they are dedicated to a cause, you will know it! They are good at drawing people into their circles, a whirlwind schedule of alternating charity parties and outreach events are nothing to them. They are adventurous, but they are by no means sloppy. Leos are known to suddenly plan getaways like backpacking across Europe — and they will accomplish it, even on a surprisingly small budget!

Add an extra sparkle to your Leo’s eyes with a surprise gift of lion jewelry. Or treat yourself to a few choice bracelets and rings, and feed the lion within!

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

When it comes to fashion don’t play safe, have some fun with your style and enjoy your look. Make your fashion statement! And the world will notice! Estate jewelry is the perfect finishing touch to your wardrobe so don’t forget to compliment your look with jewelry!

Even the most conservative dresser can find a beautiful piece of estate jewelry that says loads about them. Show your personality with your jewelry. From the serious corporate executive to the sexy flirt there is an estate jewelry necklace or earrings for you!

Estate jewelry stays in style year after year. It stands you out from the rest of the crowd. While others are busy buying the same modern necklace, earrings, or brooch, you’ll be showing off your unique style and tastes. You’re not likely to find someone wearing exactly the same piece as you.

You can turn estate jewelry from sophisticated, to fun, to trendy. Dress it up or down. Mix and match color, style, shape, and size. And you simply cannot beat the quality of estate costume jewelry from the past.

Estate jewelry can be used to show your individual personality. Think of it as fashion art and personal expression. We tend to think of our fashion statement as our hair style, the clothes we wear, the shoes and hand bag we carry. But your jewelry is an important part of that fashion statement.

Every now and then you change the style or the color of your hair. Each season you add and remove pieces from your wardrobe. But your estate jewelry will take you from season to season, year after year. All you need to do is mix and match it to give it a whole new look.

All types of estate jewelry are very flexible. They can be worn to the office, to that important executive meeting, for a night on the town, to the beach, or for that intimate evening. Bring out your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication and elegance. Wear it with your most formal evening gown, your casual sportswear, your office wardrobe, or your favorite pair of jeans. Wear it in the summer, winter, fall, and spring.

Estate jewelry is available with a variety of base metals. Silver, gold, copper, and brass are all popular. There are shiny pieces, matte piece, there are glittering rhinestones, subtle gemstones. Large pieces, dainty pieces. There costume jewelry of the earlier eras was often based on design ideas of fine jewelry and it had an artistic flare that has never been surpassed in the jewelry industry. Truly a time period where jewelry stood out above the rest. And it still does!

Estate jewelry has been popular for many years but just recently it has seen an incredible surge in popularity. Women are tired of looking like everyone else. They want to show off their unique personality and their very own fashion statement. Since this can be difficult to do with clothing that is mass produced and jewelry that is mass produced they have turned to estate jewelry for that gorgeous unique finished touch. They know that they will have the finishing touches that no other woman has. When they walk into the room they know that they will be unique and beautiful and make their fashion statement! No one will forget!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and that it is the true symbol of love. Their sparkle makes them absolutely attractive to the ladies. A diamond takes time to form; and skill to shape and perfect - just as relationships are. They say nothing compares to a diamond. They are rare and precious gems.

But are you sure that what you gave your fiancé is really a diamond? It may look like a diamond, shine like a diamond, yet be anything but this costly gem. It may not even cost half of what you paid for it.

There are now many imitation diamonds out in the market. It is difficult to tell with the naked eye that the stone one is holding is the real thing or not. They are usually very well made. The best known imitation diamonds are moissanite and cubic zirconia.

Moissanite is a synthetic gem. It is not a fake diamond at all. It is a mineral that appears very similar to a diamond.

Moissanite is made in a laboratory using silicon carbide crystals. They have a more brilliant shine than diamonds. They are also less expensive, usually costing a mere 10th of the cost of the real thing.

Moissanite was discovered in the late 1800’s in Arizona, at the bottom of a meteor crater. It wasn’t until 1995 that it was discovered that there was a way to make these stones into jewelry. The process was perfected and cutting styles that would allow the moissanite to truly sparkle were crafted.

Moissanite stones are popular with couples who are working on a tight budget and want a ring with a bigger stone. That it sparkles so beautifully is a plus in their book. It is also pretty strong stone and is quite close to a diamond in hardness. Buyers should know though that moissanite tends to have greenish or grayish tint instead of being colorless.

Cubic Zirconia on the other hand was discovered in 1937 by two German scientists. It is created by heating and combining yttrium oxide and zirconium oxide in a complicated process perfected in 1970. To the naked and untrained eye, it would be difficult to distinguish a real diamond from a cubic zirconia stone if the imitation piece is well cut.

The most famous name in the retail of cubic zirconia is Swarovski and Co. Being less costly than the real gem; cubic zirconia has been used by the wealthy, the elite and the celebrities to decorate almost any fashion piece from jewelry to bags to clothes. There’s even a motorcycle encrusted with it owned by socialite turned actress, Paris Hilton.

If you want to get a diamond and want to avoid purchasing an imitation piece, you need to find yourself an honest jeweler. You also need to learn the basics of buying a diamond (namely the four C’s - cut, clarity, color and carat). Best of all, make sure that you get a certificate issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) identifying the uniqueness of your diamond.

Will your fiancée mind if you gave her an imitation gem? Only if you told her it was the real thing, would be our guess. After all, everybody hates to learn that they have been deceived. Better to let her make the choice and work within your budget.

Other than silver, gold and platinum, another most important metal that is especially popular for men’s wedding bands is the titanium, a charcoal-gray hued metal. Titanium wedding bands are durable and light since titanium is an extremely lightweight metal. However, it is as strong as steel and widely popular on aircrafts. Also, this metal is the hardest natural element in the world and so is very strong, durable, does not tarnish and is hypoallergenic. The metal has a lovely sheen that can be a good alternative to white gold, silver and platinum. Titanium has three times the strength of steel and much stronger than gold, silver and platinum.

Other characteristics of titanium are that it is more dent, bend and scratch resistant compared to gold, silver and platinum. It also offers an exotic array of colors that other metals do not. However, titanium does have one negative characteristic, which is that it cannot be resized, since this metal cannot be soldered. However, they can easily be cut off the finger in case of emergency as in the case of platinum rings, even though it is a tougher process as compared to platinum rings. It should be noted that in case of an aircraft grade titanium ring, it is not possible to cut the ring off the finger under any circumstances.

Titanium is usually considered for men because of its lightweight, durability and resistance to corrosion. Though this metal has been recently introduced in the jewelry market, its popularity seems to be increasing steadily. Sometimes, titanium can also be alloyed with other metals for greater strength. However, it is suggested to choose wedding bands with the purest grade of titanium that can be found. Blue Nile wedding bands provide 100% pure titanium wedding bands. A pure titanium wedding band can be cut off the finger in case of emergency. Also, pure titanium wedding rigs can be polished in case of scratches to make it look new again.

This metal is incredibly lightweight and comfortable, about 1/3 the weight of gold. Also, a choice of precious or semi-precious stones can be set into titanium rings for those who prefer these to plain wedding bands. The bands can also be made with comfort fit for daily wear as in case of wedding bands.

Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men’s wedding bands, men’s diamond wedding bands, men’s gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.