Choosing a Diamond.
Four words : Carat, Cut, Colour, and Clarity. (These are the absolute measure of a diamond's value).
"Carat" : refers to the weight of a diamond. More carats means a bigger diamond, but not necessarily a more expensive one; a good cut will enhance the brilliance of the stone, no matter what its size of shape.
"Colour" : the closer to colourless it is, the more valuable it is.
"Clarity" : is an indication of purity. Invariably, tiny traces of other natural elements are trapped inside the diamond as it is formed. Called inclusions, they can often be seen using a loupe.
"Cut" : the only C that we can control, as all other characteristics of the diamond had been determined millions of years ago. However, it is also the single most important characteristic in determining a diamons's value.
Choosing a Gemstone.
Gemstones are prized for their beauty.
Appearance is the most important aspect to consider when choosing a gemstone. Characteristics that make a gemstone beautiful, and that you might look for are its colour, rarity, the form of its crystal takes, interesting inclusions such as fossils and any otherunusual optical traits. And while all gemstones are considered "precious", gemologists generally consider five types - diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and amethysts - to be the most valuables.
Choosing a Pearl.
Lustre, colour, size and symmetry.
Of all of there, lustre is considered to be the most important characteristic. All things being equal, however, larger pearls are more valuable. While there are eight basic shapes - round, semi round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque, and ringed - perfectly round pearls are considered the rarest and most expensive, and are generally used in necklaces, or strings or pearls. Cultivated pearls are less expensive than natural pearls, but no less genuine.
Choosing a Platinum.
All that glitters isn't necessarily gold.
Any discussion about platinum is bound to revolve less around its relative purity (it's generally 95% pure) and more around whyone chooses it at all. Consider that it is approximately 30 times rarer than gold, and you begin to get an idea of its appeal. Far more durable than the other precious metals, it's perfectly suited for fine jewellery, as it doe not wear away and hold precious stones firmly and securely. These are some of the factors you might take into account when you decide to have your jewellery in platinum instead of gold, especially if you are one of the rare ones whose skin reacts to pure gold. Ultimately, your choice could simply be dictated by reasons of style, especially, if you are into a contemporary, sleek look.
Choosing a Gold.
Always a solid choice.
From a price point of view, gold undoubtedly offers the best value for money. When making your choice, the rule is the higher the number of karats (not to be confused with carats) the more intense the colour, but the softer and less durable it will be.White gold offers a more affordable light coloured alternative to platinum.
Caring for your jewellery.
How to look your best.
It is recommended that you bring your jewellery for professional cleaning at least once a year. Meanwhile, most jewellery can be cleaned using a non-abrasive jewellery cleaners.
1. for diamonds, brush lightly with a solution of water and ammonia.
2. pearls may be wiped with a damp cloth.
3. silver should be polished with a silver polish.
(under no circumstances do ultrasonic cleaning is recommended. In general avoid household cleaners, extreme heat and anything abrasive).
4. be careful not to knock your jewellery against anything hard, as this can dislodge gemstones from their settings.
5. store your jewellery in its original casings.
GIA certification.
The fifth C.
Any diamond from a reputable jeweller will be accompanied by a certificate rating it in terms of its cut, clarity, carats and colour. Such certificates are issued by independent gemological laboratories such as the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) and others, and give you a precise idea of the fair market value and the diamond in question.
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