Jewelery Buying Guide

Earring Guide

From timeless classics to today's latest fashion trends, earrings are the most versatile entity of every woman's jewellery wardrobe. Diamond earrings are always a perfect gift for your mother, daughter, sister, girlfriend, or wife! Your main task is to think about the personality and tastes of the lady you are going to gift.

Diamond Studs are the most traditional and classic choice of earrings. They are essential accessories of a woman's diamond jewellery collection. Diamond studs match Indian, western, casuals or formals.

Though classic, you have a number of settings to choose from. You have a range of diamond studs from traditional four prong settings to bezel settings. Diamonds can have different cuts as well, such as the popular Princess cut.

1. Your budget: Be clear about what your budget. You need to choose wisely to get the best value for your money. The price will depend on the size, colour and carat weight of the diamonds you choose. Mostly the higher the carat weight of the diamond, the more it will cost, but this is not always the case.
2. The Four C's: The Four C's of diamond shopping include the cut, carat, clarity and colour of the diamond. The more you know and understand them, the better your decision will be.
3. The style of the setting: The round settings are the most popular, along with the princess and the square shape, but there are many more available
4. Choice of metal: You have a choice between gold, white gold, pink gold, rose gold or platinum and silver settings for the studs.

Chandelier Diamond Earrings

Chandelier diamond earrings are the 'piece de resistance' of the diamond earrings family. These earrings are for women who like to make heads turn. They are big and loud, their designs breathtaking, and attract a second look from people as they walk by. The brilliant sparkle of diamonds is showcased with every movement of the head.

Short diamond dangle earrings are for those who wish to be discrete, yet still garner some attention and make a statement about who you are. They are for women with short hair, or for those who always wear their hair up and away from the face.

The longer dangles symbolise a free spirit, someone who doesn't mind being the centre of attention. Women with longer hair can get away with longer diamond danglers as the hair softens the impact of the presentation.

Women pride themselves on having the perfect accessory to match every occasion. Jet Gems' range of diamond earrings suits everyone. If you cannot find something you like, please let us know and we will custom make any design for you in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or platinum.

Pendant Guide

Pendants have been around since the Stone Age, when the pendant consisted of shells and bones. Second only to the diamond ring, diamond pendants are probably the most gifted diamond ornament the world over, symbolizing everlasting love and beauty. They have also become signatures of glitz and glamour, shining their way into the hearts of wearers and admirers.

Popular diamond pendant designs include:

Diamond solitaire pendants
A single diamond in an oval, round brilliant, or pear cut.
Can be as heavy as 4 carats
Three-stone diamond pendants
Three diamond stones arranged vertically or in a pyramid form with two base stones and one top stone usually have round brilliant cut diamonds
Heart diamond pendants
Heart-shaped pendant embedded with a single or several diamonds
Cross diamond pendants
Traditional diamond pendants usually displays round brilliant-cut diamonds in a prong setting
Letter diamond pendants
Are in the form of the different letters and numbers studded with diamonds
Men's pendants are a blend of contemporary and macho designs. Men usually wear it as a style statement, to convey an image of being hard and strong. The designs are bold and the look is chunky, conveying a sense of wealth and power. It goes well with both classic and party wear. The designs can be alphabetical, numerical or geometrical forms.

The men's diamond pendant designs are chunkier and usually more geometric. Many men also like to sport the alphabet or numeral pendants on chunky gold chains.

Beauty Vs Cost

Of course the 4Cs are the thumb rule in choosing the diamonds for the pendant too.

Those who can afford it can choose an excellent cut diamond of G-H colour and "eye-clean" clarity. This is a moderately priced diamond, but pendants of this quality will produce the same dazzling shower of light as those costing highly expensive ones. There are three simple reasons:

It is the excellent cut that breathes life and sparkle into a diamond.

Most experts agree that a G-H colour appears colourless when put in any setting, so spending more for D-E-F color diamonds is not necessary to get a colourless appearance.

A diamond of SI2 clarity is "eye-clean", meaning it has no flaws visible to the naked eye, and it costs a lot less than the higher clarity grades.

While a diamond solitaire ring may be viewed fairly close up, diamond pendants are usually viewed from a foot or more away, and a slightly visible flaw would rarely be detected.

Excellent bargains in diamond pendants with only a slight compromise in beauty can be found in the I1 Clarity range as well, as long as the cut is at least "Good" and the colour is in the G-H range.

If you are on a tight budget, don't be embarrassed to buy a diamond of a lower quality diamond necklace. All diamond pendants sparkle around her neck, and the fact is, for the same price, many women would rather prefer a 1-carat pendant of a lower quality than a ½-carat pendant of a higher quality.

The quality difference in diamonds is visible only when they are viewed under a microscope, and the diamond worn on a woman's neck is never subjected to such a study. Don't be too concerned if your budget allows you to buy something less than the biggest and rarest diamond possible. All diamond pendants look bright and sparkling when they dangle from a woman's neck. Women love to wear diamonds!

Jet Gems offers a broad diamond pendant selection for all price ranges from inexpensive to expensive diamond pendants.

Ring Guide

1. Figure out Your Budget
   

   Before you do anything else, figure out what your budget is. You can buy a diamond ring costing a few thousand rupees to upwards of lakhs. The western standard is two months' salary; but no such Indian standards seem to exist.

2. Look at diamond cut and shape
   

   Get educated about the 4Cs, the diamond industry norm to evaluate any diamond.

   The 4Cs are the Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat Weight.

   It is the cut of a diamond that determines how well the stone reflects light to show its brilliance. A standard grading report describes cut by the shape or outline of the diamond and the facet arrangement pattern (also known as cutting style). Shapes range from the popular round to hearts, pears, emerald, and more. Choose a shape that reflects the tastes of the person who will wear the stone.

3. Seek diamond clarity
   

   Most diamonds have tiny flaws called inclusions, often invisible to the naked eye. Diamond clarity is described using the industry letter grading scale, from "flawless" (FL) all the way to "imperfect, flaws visible to naked eye" (I1, I2, I3). Choose diamonds without inclusions that affect the reflection of light.

4. Determine the colour of the diamond
   

   While most diamonds appear white, all include trace amounts of yellow. Colorless diamonds rated D, E, and F typically are the most expensive, followed by nearly colorless diamonds (rated G, H, I, J). However, deeply colored "fancy diamonds," also called Z+ diamonds, can sometimes cost more than colorless diamonds of the same carat weight. Fancy diamonds, popular in many celebrity rings; come in a variety of colors, including deep yellow, pink, green, blue, and black.

5. Choose diamond carat weight
   

   Diamond size is measured by weight in carats. Prices rise depending on the carat weight increases. Choosing a slightly smaller carat weight, even 0.05 less, can save quite a lot of money and still allows you to gift your finance a dazzling stone.

6. Choose the Setting
   

   The classic setting to hold a single diamond is a prong setting, typically four or six prongs. This setting offers a sense of security and a way to brilliantly show off the stone, since it is lifted up to reflect light through all parts of the diamond. The bezel setting, a collar of gold that wraps around the diamond, adds height, dimension and a great modern look.

7. Choose the Setting Style
   

   There are a number of ring settings to choose from, ranging from solitaire settings and three-stone to multi-stone settings. Sometimes, the setting you choose will be influenced by your lifestyle. Bezel or similar settings may be more comfortable for those who lead active lives because the stone is recessed more than in a prong setting. However, prong settings are popular, too, because of the higher visibility of the stone.

8. Decide on the Metal
   

   Choosing the metal to use for your ring is largely a matter of personal preference. You might decide on white gold or yellow gold to match your existing jewellery collection, or you could opt for platinum for a splash of class.

9. Spot certified diamonds

   Certain gemological laboratories issue grading certificates that describe the qualities of a particular diamond, including cut, carat, clarity, and color. Before you make a purchase, make sure a reputable gemologist or gemological lab issued the grading certificate. Popular labs that certify diamonds and gemstones include:

   • Gemmological Institute of America (GIA): GIA is considered the gold standard of diamond graders. Established in 1931, the not-for-profit GIA has its HQ in California and presence in a number of locations worldwide.
   • International Gemmological Institute (IGI): IGI grades diamonds and gemstones from its HQ in New York and several other US locations.
   • American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL): Founded in 1978, the AGSL is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
   • European Gemmological Laboratory USA (EGL-US): There are a few independently owned grading labs that carry the EGL name. EGL-US certificates, however, are the only EGL certificates permitted in the US

Necklace Guide

Necklaces and pendants bring out the beauty of any outfit. A beautiful diamond necklace is a sure way of getting attention. Besides, you'll love the feeling of placing a gorgeous strand of diamonds around her neck as she turns around and turns her eyes on you in wonder, smiling back.

Necklace Lengths and Styles

Necklaces worn at different lengths give off different looks. Longer lengths help to accentuate the bust while shorter lengths help to bring out the beautiful lines of the neck

To choose diamonds for a necklace, look for at least near-colourless (I grade colour) diamonds that are guaranteed to have no visible imperfections (SI grade clarity).

Understand Necklace Sizing Necklaces traditionally come in five lengths.

• 10- to 13-inch necklaces: Short necklaces, such as chokers, wrap close around the neck and measure 10 to 13 inches long. For thin long necks.
• 16- to 18-inch necklaces: Chains, lockets, strands, and chokers stay close to heart. Stay close to the neck. Attached pendants lie above the breastbone. For medium long necks.
• 17- to 20-inch necklaces: chains, strands, and lockets, as well as some longer chokers (17" to 20") meet at top of the breastbone, and can attach pendants. Suitable for heavy, thick necks.
• 20- to 24-inch necklaces: Certain strands, chokers, and pendant necklaces. Long chains that meet at the top of the bust line.
• 28- to 34-inch necklaces: Long, 28 to 34-inch necklaces hang at or below the bust line, or worn as a doubled strand. Suits women with a wide-based neck. Buy flexible chains that drape well. Be sure the centre is at least one inch below the collarbone. A longer 24-30 inch necklace helps negate the wideness at the base of her neck.

Clasps:

Jewelry Clasps, How Jewelry Works

Jewelry clasps are not just functional components used to securely connect two ends of a piece of precious jewelry. Some clasps are just functional, while others are bold, and an important part of the jewelry's overall design.

Spring Ring Clasps

Perhaps the most versatile clasp of all, Spring Rings work well on all types of designs. The spring on the inner rim of the clasp allows opening and closing. Often requires nimble fingers to use. Spring ring clasps are commonly used to secure necklaces, bracelets and anklets.

Lobster Claw Clasps

Its name is self-explanatory. Lobster claw clasps vary in appearance, and can be fashioned to suit the jewelry. They are reputed to be one of the most secure clasps.

A lobster claw clasp has a tiny spring in its mechanism that keeps the arm closed. They are secure clasps that are a popular for bracelets, necklaces and anklets. They're somewhat easier to open and close than spring ring clasps are.

Box Clasps

Box clasps are made of two components that open when you push down on the exterior metal lever, compressing it so that it slides out of the opening. Push it back in and it clicks into place.

Box clasps are easy to use. They are almost like metallic lace, and come in all shapes and sizes, from very plain to very decorative. Owing to design, they often do not have as much strength as lobster claw clasps.

Barrel Clasps

A barrel clasp is a jewelry fastener that resembles a barrel. It screws together for a secure fit much like a nut and bolt. They elegantly add style to all types of necklaces and bracelets. Used in most rope chains and looks like a part of the chain and makes it easier to get a pendant on and off. Simple, secure and most commonly used clasp.

Magnetic Clasps

Magnetic clasps that snap together quickly and easily when the two ends near each other. The two-piece clasps have a curved hook on one end that fits into a circular opening on the other. However, it does not provide excellent holding strength. Also, avoid magnetic clasps if you have health issues such as a pacemaker.

Precious Metals

Gold Gold Karat Markings

• 24K gold is pure gold.
• 22K gold - 22 parts of gold and 2 parts of another metal(s)
• 18K gold - 18 parts gold and 6 parts of another metal(s) (75% gold).
• 14K gold - 14 parts gold and 10 parts of another metal(s) (58.3% gold).
• 12K gold - 12 parts gold and 12 parts of another metal(s) (50% gold).

White Gold

White gold became popular in the 1920s mainly as a substitute to platinum, which was nearly four times as expensive.

White gold has the same properties as yellow gold; it has been mixed with different metals to give it a white colour. Instead of the copper and silver in yellow gold, white gold contains metals like nickel, zinc, or palladium. The same karat weight system is used for both white gold and yellow gold. White gold can be plated with an even whiter metal, such as rhodium, a very rare member of the platinum family, to enhance its appearance.

The white colour is an excellent setting for very white diamonds, and when used side by side with yellow gold, it creates a striking effect. Jewellery using both white and yellow gold is called "two-tone." White gold also compliments other gem stones better than yellow gold.

Rose & Pink Gold Alloys

Copper is added to make gold-coloured alloys, but additional copper creates pink and rose tones-higher the copper content, deeper the pink effect. This usually means decreasing the silver content. Rose and pink gold are obtained by varying the content of silver in the gold alloy.

Before Metallurgists make an alloy of gold, they have to consider how the metals will react with each other. They fine-tune their formula to produce attractive and durable combinations which can be turned into jewellery.

Platinum

Platinum is the world's rarest metal, 35 times as precious as gold. It is also heavier and more durable than gold. It will never tarnish or wear out, and its light colour makes it popular for jewellery.

If you want a silver band that will never tarnish, platinum is the choice for you. If your partner is in any way allergic to metals, platinum is the clear choice since it is hypoallergenic and will not irritate the skin.

Platinum polishes to a brilliant white lustre. It stays white even while acquiring a soft patina over years of wear. It is never coated with another metal. It never requires any other special treatment.

Platinum jewellery is usually produced from an alloy of 90% platinum and 10% iridium, two of the precious metals in the platinum family. The other members include palladium, ruthenium, osmium and rhodium.

Platinum is not sold according to karat weight. The purity of platinum is measured by a 3-digit number that shows the percentage of platinum used in the alloy. For instance, Pt1000, 1000Pt or 1000Plat for pure platinum; or Pt950, 950Pt or 950Plat for 950 parts per thousand platinum and 50 parts other metals.

Here is a comparison of Platinum with white gold for engagement rings.