Guide to Buying Platinum

By: Madhubanti Rudra
source: http://www.jewelinfo4u.com/Guide_to_Buying_Platinum.aspx#

It is gorgeous; it is exotic!
It is the hardest; it is the most expensive!
It is platinum---a precious metal that has been captivating the imagination of contemporary jewelry designers in a big way!
Designers' favorite element for fashioning wedding bands and engagement rings, Platinum has great aesthetic as well practical value. Below are few platinum facts that a first time buyer will find extremely helpful.

 

Diamonds are forever, gold is conventional, sterling silver is chic, but jewelry wardrobes are incomplete without the special zest of silver-white platinum. Currently the fastest growing jewelry material, Platinum is ideal for making rings, bracelets and necklaces. Its natural whit luster makes it the perfect companion for dazzling diamonds. It happens to be the most expensive of all precious metals and widely employed by the designers as base metal for light colored gems, especially the pink and light blue varieties. But it is equally brilliant without any enhancement; a polished platinum piece is elegant and eye catching in its own right. 

Why go for platinum?

The heavy and enduring metal, Platinum is used by world's renowned jewelry designers for creating inspired jewelry pieces. Here are a few reasons why you should consider an investment in this highly expensive metal.
Platinum's chemical properties make it a dense, extremely heavy and remarkably enduring metal. Al these qualities make a platinum jewelry an aesthetically pleasing and monetarily valuable possession. 

 

 

On the practical side, Platinum jewelry pieces are subject to minimum wear and tear effects. Common household chemicals like chlorine, bleach, or detergents fail to tarnish its color or damage it in any other ways. Due to all these reasons, platinum is considered much more stable element than gold and silver.
With an unquestionable longevity, platinum jewelry retains its cosmetic value for generations.
Platinum looks brilliant when teamed up with diamonds or other colored gemstones. This remarkably strong metal is particularly good at holding gemstones firmly in place. As prongs and other setting components, Platinum is the best metal to work with.
Then, platinum is considered the best metal to make diamond jewelry. While teamed up with yellow gold, the metal leaves a yellow tint on the colorless diamond and this can bring down the value of the piece. But platinum's silver-white luster rightly complements the brilliance of diamond and as a result, platinum-diamond combination makes the hottest pair in jewelry designing circuit. So it comes as no surprise when world's top jewelry houses like Cartier, Faberge and Tiffany choose platinum as base metal for creating their striking diamond jewelry pieces.
Although a tough metal, it is alloyed with some tougher metal to prevent it from bending. But as compared to traditional gold and silver jewelry pieces, platinum pieces have very little alloy in them--- usually not exceeding 10%. As a result, platinum is largely hypoallergenic.

 

The chemical properties that bring out the magic in platinum

Platinum belongs to Platinum Group of Metals, or PGM.
PGM again consists of six related metals including Platinum, Iridium, Palladium, Ruthenium, Rhodium and Osmium. Now all these metals belonging to PGM family have very high melting point. This is because at the time of melting, the PGM metals require oxygen to be mixed with the fuel.
A unique feature of PGM metals is: they do not require flux when soldering and also resist tarnishing. It is possible to cast these metals, but that requires extra investment due to their high melting point.
To date Russia is the biggest supplier of platinum. The lion's share of the produce goes into making jewelry; the rest is used in medical industry and the automotive industry.

 

Understanding platinum content and marking

 

When it comes to buy metal jewelry, you have to consider the purity of the metal. To know how pure your platinum is, you must have a basic idea about its content and markings. This is important because it helps you choose the right combination that is most suitable for the platinum jewelry you are purchasing.
Metals in their raw forms are not suitable for making jewelry---in order to make them stronger, other alloys are added to them. How pure a metal is depends on the amount of alloys mixed with it.
US Federal Government has stipulated specific standards for different types of metals.
Let's take the instance of gold. So far as gold is concerned, you can refer to the following standard to judge its purity.24kt: 100% gold
18kt: 75% gold
14kt: 58% gold
12kt: 50% gold

So far as platinum jewelry pieces are concerned, they can contain different percentages of pure platinum. The ratio of pure platinum and alloys is expressed in "parts per thousand". According to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determined marking standards, if a jewelry piece is said to contain 950 parts per thousand of pure platinum, it will be regarded as "pure platinum jewelry".
A couple of example will help you understand the platinum marking more clearly.
The jewelry is made of "950 Pt" platinum means: it uses a metal that has 95% pure platinum in the mix and 5% other metals.
The jewelry is "650 Pt. 350 Ir" means: it has 650 parts pure platinum and 350 parts iridium. Similarly a marking such as "550Pt. 350Pd. 50Ir" means the jewelry has 550 parts pure platinum. The rest of the mix contains 350 parts palladium and 50 parts iridium.

 

According to the long standing FTP guidelines, jewelry pieces must contain at least 85% pure platinum or 850 parts per thousand to be considered pure platinum jewelry.
But designers have been demanding a correction in the current FTP standards so that jewelry pieces containing less than 85% platinum are also regarded as "pure platinum" jewelry. If lower percentage is accepted by the US Federal Government, it will open up greater opportunities for the small jewelers, who are often kept out of the market due to platinum's prohibitive price.

When it comes to create stand-alone pieces, jewelry designers would invariably pick platinum. Platinum is far more expensive than pure gold and it has higher and faster appreciation than gold. It is the metal's rarity that add to its exorbitant price---it is 30 times rarer than gold. Platinum jewelry pieces are most popular as engagement rings and wedding bands. It is great to send or receive platinum jewelry gift---after all platinum is something that few can possess.
 

 

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Alexandrite

Alexandrite step cut cushion, 26.75 cts

The alexandrite variety displays a color change (alexandrite effect) dependent upon the nature of ambient lighting. This color shift is independent of any change of hue with viewing direction through the crystal that would arise from pleochroism. Both these different properties are frequently referred to as "color change", however. Alexandrite results from small scale replacement of aluminium by chromium ions in the crystal structure, which causes intense absorption of light over a narrow range of wavelengths in the yellow region of the spectrum.^{[citation needed]} Alexandrite from the Ural Mountains in Russia is green by daylight and red by incandescent light. Other varieties of alexandrite may be yellowish or pink in daylight and a columbine or raspberry red by incandescent light.

According to a popular but controversial story, alexandrite was discovered by the Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld, (1792–1866) and named alexandrite in honor of the future Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Nordenskiöld's initial discovery occurred as a result of an examination of a newly found mineral sample he had received from Perovskii, which he identified as emerald at first. The first emerald mine had been opened in 1831.^[6]

Alexandrite up to 5 carats (1,000 mg) and larger were traditionally thought to be found only in the Ural Mountains. Other deposits are located in India (Andhra Pradesh), Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Alexandrite in sizes over 3 carats are very rare.

Some gemstones described as lab-grown (synthetic) alexandrite are actually corundum laced with trace elements (e.g., vanadium) or color-change spinel and are not actually chrysoberyl. As a result, they would be more accurately described as simulated alexandrite rather than synthetic but are often called Czochralski alexandrite after the process that grows the crystals

source: Wikipedia

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Will you marry me - Engagement Ring Design Trends

By: Himja Parekh
source: http://www.jewelinfo4u.com/Will_you_marry_me.aspx

Matrimony means new beginnings. A new life, a new family, new commitments, and a new best friend- the engagement ring!

The engagement ring today has traveled a long way and is a far cry from the simple iron band introduced by the Romans in the 4th century. An engagement ring usually conjures the image of a single stone at the centre, usually a sparkling diamond set on a simple band. Did you know the first ever diamond engagement ring (Diamonds were considered to have magical powers requiting love, purity and fidelity) was given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477?

Let's take a walk down the memory lane. The first ever engagement ring may have been made from leather, plants, or other degradable material that suggested the union between the couple as well as their land. Romans used iron rings to symbolize a strong and eternal love, whilst the Greeks and Egyptians are credited with wearing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, where vein of love (vena amoris) connects to the heart.

in the 9th century, Pope Nicolas I endorsed the idea of engagement rings by making gold ring mandatory to suggest the groom's wealth and capability. Later, in 1215, Pope Innocent III widened the metal options to include silver and iron. The gimmal or bond ring originated during the Elizabethan period. It is a set of three interlocking rings to be worn by the groom to be, his betrothed and a witness, which were united on the wedding day. Gradually metal rings became more ornate with gemstones but diamonds remained too rare and exclusive to be available and affordable to all but the super wealthy and Royalty.
In the 18th century diamonds were discovered in Brazil leading to cluster engagement rings among the wealthy. In the late 19th century diamonds were discovered abundantly in Africa and things were never the same again. Marilyn Monroe and Hollywood immortalized the diamond engagement ring in the song- 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend' and DeBeers with their slogan- 'A diamond is forever' ensured that when you think of an engagement ring, you think of a diamond!
Engagement rings today don't conform to the norms anymore. From dyed-in-the-wool traditionalism to contemporary minimalism, the choices are vast and self expression and individual styles suggest many trends that exist today and will continue tomorrow. Let's examine a few of them.

Glamorous influences- The round brilliant cut remains the most popular shape but Hollywood and the fashion industry have made fancy shapes such as emerald, marquise, princess, heart and Asscher popular. Celebrity fancy-shaped engagement ring wearers include Ellen Pompeo (emerald), Katherine Heigl (pear), Eva Longoria Parker (emerald) and Victoria Beckham (marquise). Antique or vintage or vintage-inspired rings are popular with the glam set and are perfect for romantic and dreamy expressions. Stones that reflect an antique aesthetic include the cushion, round, pillow and Asscher cuts though these classic shapes and their larger facets radiate more fire under less light. Crafted in cool tones of platinum, palladium and white gold these rings go down well with the hopelessly romantic and find takers in Kate Walsh, Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Colored diamonds are very expensive and rare and complement those who like to make a statement. Pink diamonds and red diamonds are the most expensive followed by canary yellow diamonds. A three diamond ring with a center yellow diamond and white diamond side stones has a special look some brides favor. Heidi Klum, Rebecca Romijn and Brooke Mueller sport yellow diamond rings. 

Metal Play

With new metals such as palladium, tungsten, steel and titanium joining the existing palette of white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum, the color play has widened. Texturing is popular with options of personal engraving, filigree, micro pave and mil grain on the shank as well as fancy prongs. Stacked, twisted and swirl Rings in a variety of colored metals, or alternatively different stones in each band provide interesting variations.

Color Play

Coloured diamonds are popular but unaffordable for most. Many brides favor a tourmaline and yellow sapphire to substitute the pink and yellow diamond respectively. The more adventurous ones may opt for stones that may be their birth stone.

Kiss From a Rose

Rose cut diamonds were popular in the 16th to 18th century, influenced by the return of vintage and estate jewelry are now popular once again. Crafted in heirloom styles with intricate metal work, they promise the glamour of yore. The subtle sparkle of the cut is a marked contrast to the contemporary cuts which offer dazzling fire and brilliance.

Settings

 

An evolution of the Tiffany setting, options like delicate bows or fancy shaped stones mounted to highlight the centre stone are popular. This may also include diamonds surrounding the stones on sides to create more fire or give an illusion of a larger centre stone. Tension set diamonds or floating diamonds where the diamond appears magically suspended in the setting work as well. 

 

image courtesy: Rumour Jewellery

Another contemporary trend is scatter set diamonds. Scatter settings are minimalist contemporary engagement ring designs that feature multiple stones in unconnected arrangements where the stones are literally scattered across the band instead of having one focal point. Scatter set options are flush, bezel, half bezel and invisible. Lastly another practical setting for the working woman like the scatter setting is channel setting where the gemstones or diamonds are arranged in a linear pattern and set into the band of the ring. Engagement channel settings are becoming increasingly popular with gemstones as it prevents chipping or damage.

Three stone rings and eternity bands- These styles refer to popular anniversary rings that have morphed into popular engagement rings. The three stone ring symbolized a couple's past, present and future. Options include side stones with similar or lesser cartage than the centre stone, contrasting shapes such as princess cuts flanking a pear cut etc. as well as gemstones with a diamond centre stone.

 

Diamonds in channel and bezel settings in white gold travel around the ring signifying a love that has no beginning and no end. Aptly called the eternity ring, this one is perfect for those why don't shy away from forgoing the solitaire.

To the men, if you intend to go down on your knees and ask the question, do some research and keep her personality in mind before you buy your engagement ring. 

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How to buy a diamond engagement ring she will fall in love

source: http://www.jewelinfo4u.com/How_to_buy_a_diamond_ring_she_will_fall_in_love.aspx

Summary: Since you intend to surprise her (although she may have been expecting it) you have to be discreet in searching her heart for that special ring of her desire. You can get a lot of advice and help, but the best way is to use your own heart along with the following guidelines! There are three fundamental aspects to take into consideration when selecting a ring with diamonds: the stone, the metal for the band, and the design and setting.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER...AND SO IS LOVE!

The custom of giving or exchanging engagement rings varies from place to place and from person to person. Some girls even go along with their boyfriends to select the ring. But romantic women have a tendency to fall in love with gifts from their lovers, so the ideal option is for you to present the ring to your girlfriend when you proposes to her. It should be the most precious and unforgettable moment of her life - the moment when you are promising to love her and take care of her eternally. The timing must be perfect; the place must be perfect; the ambience must be perfect; and the ring must be truly exceptional! It should be everything she has ever wanted in an engagement ring - all her dreams come true. It should melt her heart because, once she accepts it, you will both start planning for your wedding, your honeymoon, your family and your future. Since the ring symbolizes everything you feel for her, make sure she loves the ring as much as you want her to love you. Stones like aquamarine, sapphires, emeralds, topaz, tourmaline, etc. are becoming trendy choices for engagement rings. But, unless you're sure your girlfriend doesn't like diamonds, go for diamonds - women just love that white fire! 

 

The Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring So how do you go about finding this perfect diamond engagement rings ? First of all you should become familiar with your special woman's taste in jewelry. Since you intend to surprise her (although she may have been expecting it) you have to be discreet in searching her heart for that special ring of her desire. You can get a lot of advice and help, but the best way is to use your own heart - along with the following guidelines! There are three fundamental aspects to take into consideration when selecting a diamond ring: the stone, the metal for the band, and the design and setting. Choosing The Right Stone The stone is the first thing your girlfriend will be attracted to, so it better be something truly special and impressive. Sparkle is far more important than size. You don't have to spend more than you can afford but don't be cheap! Once you give her the ring, your fiance will be waving her hands all over the place - especially before her family and friends. She wants to show off the ring, to let them see the size and sparkle and hear their "oohs" and "aahs". She wants to hear them ask, "From where did he buy it?" and "How much did it cost?" So don't buy a ring that she will be ashamed to display in public. You don't have to waste your money and make her think you are a spendthrift. Just get her an affordable dazzler from a reputed jewelry store. Use your heart and your head in deciding on the cost. And don't forget to bargain for a reduction in price.

 

It is not too difficult to figure out how diamonds are weighed and priced. Diamonds are weighed (or measured) in carats, grains and points. 4 grains make a carat and 25 points make a grain - i.e. 1 carat = 4 grains = 100 points. The cost per carat is calculated something like this: if a 0.5-carat diamond costs $X, a 1-carat diamond will cost about $3.5X, and a 1.5-carat diamond will cost around $6X. While flaws reduce light reflection and sparkle in the diamond, clarity increases both. Look for a stone that really flashes white fire. The cut determines the brilliance in a diamond, and sparkle is what diamonds are about. A well-cut diamond will produce a dazzling effect. The best diamonds have no color - just a brilliant white light blazing out. You can even go for a colored diamond, but they can be fairly expensive. Though white is the traditional choice, you should also take your girlfriend's taste (and your financial status!) into consideration.

Choosing The Right Metal
Most women prefer platinum, gold or white gold for the band. The choice generally narrows down to 18k or 14k yellow, white or rose gold. Make a careful study of your girlfriend's jewelry and you will know what she likes. If you can afford it (and she likes it) go for platinum. That's something she'll really love.
Choosing The Right Setting And Design
The setting and design should be exquisite as well as sensible. Women may be more romantic than men, but they are generally more practical as well. You must know what suits your girlfriends taste and lifestyle best. There are four points to be taken into consideration in selecting the design: it should be uncomplicated and practical, it will be worn daily and must be suitable for rough use, it should hold the stone (or stones) firmly and securely, and finally it should look really grand and make her feel really great!

The Proposal
Now that you have selected the ideal stone, her favorite metal, a fascinating design and the perfect setting for the diamond, you have to propose to the woman of your dreams and offer her this beautiful token of your love for her. It should be an absolutely priceless and eternal moment, an emotionally charged event that fills her with unimaginable joy and a love that she has never experienced before. Take every care to ensure that all the arrangements and the environment are ideally suited to her special tastes. And don't forget to kiss her when she accepts the ring and you!

A Happy Ending
So now you have it all. If you follow the above advice, every time your woman sees the stone on her finger she will remember the moment you proposed to her and the wonderful emotions she experienced. It is better to get a smaller stone with good clarity, cut and color than a larger stone with no glitter. Spend your money wisely. Get advice and help from her girlfriends and also from married friends - but make sure they keep it a secret. Buy her that diamond engagement ring she will love forever and her heart will be yours forever.

For affordable Engagement Rings, Diamonds and Ideal Cut Diamonds, visit James Allen

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