Jewelry Diamonds And Gems

A surprising number of diamond shoppers prefer antique diamond rings and jewelry because of the history associated with them. The first decision to make is whether to choose treated or untreated stones. Some prefer untreated while others believe that treated varieties make for enhanced color and other unique characteristics. Regardless of which you choose, any and all laboratory enhancements must be spelled out to the buyer and described on the bill of sale.

Antique, previously used diamond jewelry can be dated back to European historical periods including Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Victorian and Georgian. Back then, the class structure of Europe entitled the wearing of these gems only to royalty. In the 17th century, a wealthy merchant class occasionally wore a diamond - but their exclusivity allowed them the acclaimed name of “the royal gem”.

Many belonging to the Edwardian High Society wore diamonds. These members were respected because of their birth which increased the distance between the different castes. Because it is when people started to question societal differences, this particular time in history may have been the foundation which allows anyone to own diamonds today.

It’s important to note that not all used diamonds are antiques. Often times someone will receive a beautiful diamond bracelet and later decide they want something else or need to sell it for some reason. Used diamond jewelry that has been carfully worn can be a fabulous deal for those looking to save a lot of money. Don’t overlook an opportunity to buy someone else’s jewelry provided you verify it’s quality first.

Diamond Clarity And The Other 4 Cs

Common quality characteristics are known as the 4 C’s and include carat, cut, color and clarity. While love is usually the reason we buy diamond engagement rings, it’s wise to pay attention to the market value of your purchase as well. Knowing the basics of how they are evaluated will help you choose the highest quality diamond for your budget.

When you find yourself on a limited budget and unable to afford the higher priced jewelry store options, take a look on the Internet and at diamond jewelry auctions for some unbelievable deals. As long as you’re careful and get all documentation relating to your purchase, you can get high quality jewelry at fantastic prices.

Once you’re through shopping for antique diamond jewelry and finding the perfect fit, don’t forget to properly care for your gently used diamond jewelry. Since diamonds are natural grease attractors, natural skin oil can become embedded in your jewelry quite easily. Get a gentle jewelry cleaner and make it a habit to clean your gem on a regular basis so it can continue to look as beautiful and shiny as the day you got it!