How to Clean a Diamond Ring

Diamond rings lose their sheen as dirt accumulates on the stones. This Buzzle article will provide you with some tips on how to clean a diamond ring. Read on... 

Diamonds are highly valued for the looks they offer. It is said that the inner surfaces of these stones refract light and this is the reason behind their sparkling nature. However, accumulation of dirt or other substances like oil, lotion, etc., may affect the sparkle of the stone. So, wearing diamond rings while doing household chores, exposes these precious stones to various materials. With time, the stone will get accumulated with dirt, which can affect its sheen. The stone will no more be sparkling and will look dull. In such cases, you have to clean the ring, so as to bring back that sheen. Regular cleaning will be useful in maintaining the brilliance of your diamond ring. Let us take a look at how to clean a diamond ring.

Cleaning a Diamond Ring

The most important point to keep in mind about diamonds is that they have to be handled carefully. These expensive stones must be kept away from dirt, harsh chemicals and contact with coarse substances. If you wear a diamond ring daily (as in case of engagement or wedding ring), then it needs to be cleaned regularly. As the diamond is exposed to various materials used in your day to day activities, there are chances that they lose sheen due to accumulated dirt.

Cleaning a diamond ring can be done by yourself or by the jeweler. If the ring is too expensive or an antique piece, it is always better to approach the jeweler, who has modern techniques to clean these stones. If the ring has other precious stones, along with the diamond, then also, it will be better to approach the jeweler for cleaning the stones. Some of the jewelers provide their customers with a complete diamond cleaning set as well as cleaning instructions. In such cases, all you have to do is to follow the instructions on jewelry cleaning. Simple diamond rings can be cleaned at home, if you know the right methods. You have to keep in mind not to use harsh chemicals, soap bars or coarse brushes for cleaning diamonds. Knowing the particular diamond ring style may also prove helpful. Here are commonly used methods on how to clean a diamond ring at home.

• First of all, spread a towel on a flat surface in a location that provides you with plenty of light. This can be your cleaning space. If you are cleaning the ring inside a sink, make sure that the drain is closed properly or else grip the ring tightly.
• Take a bowl and pour a cup of lukewarm water into it. Mix ¼ cup of ammonia in the bowl and keep the ring in the solution for at least three to five minutes.
• If the ring is very dirty, then wait for at least 15 minutes, before you take it out of the solution. Once you take the ring out, rinse it with plain lukewarm water and use a soft toothbrush to clean the stone.
• Otherwise, use a solution of water mixed with a small amount of dish washing liquid for this purpose. You may use a kids toothbrush for cleaning diamonds at home.
• Dry the stone and the ring with a lint free cloth, after you rinse the ring thoroughly with plain water. Use the cloth to polish the stone, so that it sparkles after cleaning.
• You may skip the step of cleaning diamonds with ammonia. All you have to do is to prepare a solution of one part mild dish washing liquid with plain water and use it for cleaning diamonds.
• In this case too, you have to soak the ring for at least 20 minutes, if it is too dirty. Otherwise, just swirling the ring in the solution and cleaning with a soft toothbrush will be enough. Rinse well before drying the stone.
• Some people use baking soda for cleaning diamond rings that are slightly dirty. A paste made of baking soda and water is used for this purpose. The paste is applied over the stone, which is then cleaned with a soft brush. The ring is then rinsed with plain water and dried with a soft lint free cloth.
• You might have heard about cleaning diamond ring with vinegar. A mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water is used for this purpose. The ring is soaked for 10 to 15 minutes, before brushing with a soft brush. Rinse in plain water and dry the stone immediately.
• If you are doubtful about these methods, you may resort to commercial cleaning solutions meant for diamonds. In that case, you need to follow the instructions on the package, so as to clean your diamond ring.
• Whatever may be the method you choose for cleaning a diamond ring, you have to make sure that you dry the ring as well as the stone, as soon as possible. A lint free cloth is always preferred, as air drying may cause water spots on the stone.
• As mentioned above, jewelers too provide the service of cleaning diamonds (usually free of cost). They usually employ methods like steam cleaning, ultrasound cleaning, etc.
• Even sulphuric acid cleaning is one such method used by jewelers, for cleaning diamonds. This type of cleaning is required for rings that are very dirty. They may charge you for this cleaning method.

The above said was only a brief overview on how to clean a diamond ring at home. It is always better to seek the opinion of the jeweler (from whom you buy the ring) with regards to diamond cleaning methods. If he is providing you with instructions or cleaning solutions, you have to use them only. Otherwise, try the above said methods carefully. You can prevent diamond rings from getting dirty, by removing them before handling chemicals, cosmetics, oils, soil and other such materials that can make the stone dirty. Even cleaning of diamonds should be done, only when it is necessary. Frequent cleaning may also cause the sparkle of these stones to fade away.

By Sonia Nair
Published: 6/21/2011

Original Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-diamond-ring.html

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Simulated Diamond Engagement Rings

Simulated diamond engagement rings have become very popular amongst couples who want to make an affordable investment on diamond rings. Read ahead and check out the details about the companies manufacturing them.

Someone has wisely spoken, diamonds are a girl's best friend. A real diamond ring in your finger has the ability to evoke envy amongst others. But today, simulated diamonds look so much like real diamonds, that it's nearly impossible for a common man to distinguish between the two types. Simulated diamond engagement rings have flooded the market in a variety of designs and colors. The colorful piece of jewelry emanates the brilliance and sparkle just like original diamonds. So let's first find out what are simulated diamonds.

What are Simulated Diamonds?

Simulated diamonds or lab created diamonds are also known as 'manufactured' or 'cultured diamonds'. After the discovery that diamonds were composed of carbon, scientists made various attempts to synthesize diamonds in laboratories. This fetched successful results with products being created till today, simulating the brilliance of real diamonds. They are created so perfectly that their physical composition is nearly similar to that of original diamonds. Simulated diamonds posses peculiar properties, that resemble the characteristics or pure diamonds. Simulated diamond jewelry have become much popular among couples who cannot incur an immediate expense on original pieces of diamonds. Mentioned below, are the types high quality simulated diamonds manufactured today.

Best Quality Simulated Diamonds

It's important for you to know the best simulated diamonds available in the jewelry stores, so that you can make a fair investment on wedding rings and jewelry. Synthetic white sapphire or spinel was the first crystalline diamond simulants. They have a composition of pure magnesium aluminum oxide and is popularly known as radiant or diamondite. The simulated diamonds carved from glass are definitely not of good quality owing to its low refractive index and fragility. Sometimes, they have trapped air bubbles inside, increasing its fragility. However, glass simulants were very much famous amongst women during the Victorian era.

Synthetic rutile is made from pure titanium oxide and is available in bold colors, like red, blue, yellow, etc. They have a beautiful glow similar to that of original diamonds. Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) is a very popular product of simulated diamond. Although it has a low refractive index, it's one of the best types. They are successfully ruling the market since a long time due to their unique designs, colors and above all quality. Moissanite is a new entrant in the market made out of silicon carbide. Moissanite diamonds have high refractive index and has a sharp sparkle and fire. The beauty and quality of Moissanite is the best till date.

Lab Simulated Diamond Engagement Rings

The simulated diamond wedding rings ruling the market are manufactured by companies like Cubic Zirconia and Gemesis. The engagement rings are available in multiple colors. The beautiful designs have colors of pink, green, red, blue and yellow. Pale shades like ivory, peach, white and mauve look chaste. The rings are embellished with gold and silver. Companies like 'Diamond Essence', 'Elegante Garnet' and 'Absolute' are giving a tough competition to Cubic Zirconia. 'Diamond Essence' has beautiful collections of simulated diamond jewelry that range from rings, pendents and bangles. Their simulated diamond engagement rings are studded with colorful diamonds, with metallic finishes. 'Gemesis' diamonds are produced meticulously under lab controlled environment having a perfect composition that add to its charismatic appeal.

'Russian Brilliants' is one of the best company that manufactures simulated diamonds. One of the oldest varieties of simulated diamonds are the Russian simulated diamonds. They have a spectacular shine and sparkle. After knowing about so many brand names, you must be confused? Worth to mention, if you are want a fair investment just opt for Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite. Check their exclusive collections and make a choice.

Simulated diamond engagement rings are perfect gifts to present your sweetheart on the W-day. Get an elegant piece and adorn her with love. After all, it's your love attached with the gift that makes it special. 

 

By Saptakee Sengupta
Published: 8/11/2010

Original Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/simulated-diamond-engagement-rings.html

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Russian Alexandrite - Buying tips

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

Summary: In natural sunlight or fluorescent light alexandrite appears green. Green colour is attractive and natural, even no trace of brown and gray should exist. On the other hand in indoor bulb light or incandescent light it changes from green to red automatically and naturally.

Russian Alexandrite is a rare stone discovered on the birth of Alexander II in the year 1830 in Russia. Thus, it is named so in his honor (he became Czar of Russia in 1855) . It is among the very few semi-precious gemstones having the unique property of miraculous colour change. The beauty of the stone is further enhanced if set in a finger ring. Alexandrite rings are very attractive. It appreciates the looks and personality of the wearer. If you planning to buy this beautiful gemstone then this article is for you!! Look for the quality and value of alexandrite suitable for the ring on the basis for 4Cs viz. colour, cut, clarity and carat weight.

Alexandrite Colour

- Colour is the most important quality aspect of alexandrite. It's colour change capability distinguishes it from the rest of the stones. It shows two variations in colour under the different light source viz. natural light and artificial light.

Alexandrite stones from Khazargems

While buying this gemstone look for it's surprising colour change phenomena. In natural sunlight or fluorescent light alexandrite appears green. Green colour is attractive and natural, even no trace of brown and gray should exist. On the other hand in indoor bulb light or incandescent light it changes from green to red automatically and naturally. Red colour is also bright and attractive. This bright colour change implies that the particular stone is pure alexandrite from Russian mines.

It is also possible that few alexandrite gems show bluish green shade in sunlight while purplish red or dark purple colour in incandescent light. Such stones are pure too. They are from the mines located in other parts of the world like Brazil, Burma, Tasmania, India etc. Only point to take care is that these stones would cost less than that of pure Russian alexandrite.

Alexandrite exhibits colour change as it contains iron, titanium and chrome. These minerals are responsible for this change. And this phenomena is dependent on the strength of the light source. Stronger the light more bright shall be the colour. When it is placed in the ring, the colour change is more clear and precise than in any other jewelry item.

Alexandrite Video - A Phenomenal Gemstone

Alexandrite Cut

- Alexandrite being 8.5 Mohs on hardness scale, is quite easy and uncomplicated to cut. Rings having wide variety of shapes and styles are available in the market all over the world. Cuts like oval, pear, cushion are quite common for the rings. Rings having heart and emerald cut alexandrite are equally popular. However, large round cut should be avoided as it results in high weight loss of the gemstone.

Alexandrite Clarity

- Third most important C is clarity of the gem. Alexandrite possesses few tiny inclusions that reflect back the light. Negative crystals are common inclusions found in all the varieties.

Carat Weight

- Last but the most crucial factor is carat weight. The value of the gem in terms of money is largely dependent on this factor. One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. Gems less than 0.75 carat are quite common and sold everywhere. More than 2 carat weight is rare and fetches a huge price.

The carat weight of alexandrite stone in rings start from 0.25 carat to 0.55 carats. However, few rings can also have stones of larger weight i.e. 0.80 carat to 1.80 carat. Larger weight stones are set along with other precious and semi-precious stones. Combination of alexandrite with diamonds is quite common.

Apart from these important 4Cs factors, there are few other points as well to be taken care of while making the purchase of ring holding alexandrite stone. It might further help you in buying the right ring with the true stone.

Alexandrite Stone Size

- When selecting the ring with stone, look for proper balance. The width of the ring and the stone size must complement each other. In other words, there should be the balance between the two. Large stone size mounted on the thin ring will not give the desired attractive look as it lacks the balance. Similarly, thick ring having small stone less than 0.40 carat would not be in proportion to each other. Hence, is not suitable.

Alexandrite Stone setting

- Gemstone rings are made up of either 14K or 18K yellow gold. Alexandrite also goes well with white gold. Thus, instead of yellow gold 18K white gold can also be used for making alexandrite rings.

While selecting the ring, always look at the back of the ring i.e. inner part of the ring. It too should have a finished look, beveled correctly and polished as that in the front. The stone should be attractive from back/below as well. It should exhibit the similar colour change in different light source.

At the back of the ring, the metal should be cut in square or oval pattern allowing light and air to pass through. If alexandrite is set with diamonds or other stones then it should be set closely together. The setting should be in such a way that all the gems are secured and there is no probability of gems getting dropped out of the ring. The prongs must be evenly balanced around the ring.

Alexandrite Imitations

- Finally, be aware of the imitations. Alexandrite do has synthetic forms available in the market. These imitations contain few elements that show the colour change in respective light source. The colour exhibited in sunlight will have more shades of blue than green while in incandescent light it would show traces of violet along with red colour. Therefore, it can be identified as an imitation and should be very cheap in comparison to true alexandrite.

True and pure alexandrite is procured from the Ural Mountains of Russia. These are rarely found and show bright green and red colours only. Other genuine alexandrite are found in Hematita mines of Brazil, island of Sri Lanka , Burma and Tunduru. These stones would be bluish green in daylight and red purple or dark purple in incandescent light. Andhra Pradesh region in India and few parts of Tasmania and Zimbabwe also yield good quality of true alexandrite.

Price - Alexandrite is the highly priced gemstone in the world. As mentioned earlier, the price would be dependent on carat weight and the intensity of the colour change. Stone with few inclusions, intense colour change and more than one carat weight would be the most expensive. Further, if it happens to be a pure Russian alexandrite then the price would touch the sky.

If alexandrite from Brazil, Sri Lanka, India , Zimbabwe and other places exhibits strong colour change then it would be expensive too but less than the pure Russian stone. But, in case the colour change shows any trace of brown then it shall lower the price of the stone.

Precaution & Care 

It is always recommended not to remake the jewelry having stones again and again. Once made should be treasured for the lifetime. But, in case it has to be changed then be extra conscious while getting alexandrite remounted. Jeweler's torch emits heat that deteriorates the colour change capability of the gemstone.

Avoid wearing alexandrite rings while working with chemicals and other harsh solutions. Also it must be protected from sharp blows, scratches and rapid temperature changes else these might affect the colour change of the stone.

Russians believed alexandrite brings good omen. Hopefully, it can do it even today. So Happy Wearing !!!!

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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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