“Girls' best friends are diamonds” is sung in a popular song. But diamonds are successful not only among the fair sex. Many men are happy to wear cufflinks with a gemstone, tie pins and even diamond rings. Jewelry determines the status and representativeness of the owner. But this does not mean that precious products are the lot of the wealthy only. Today, even a modest middle-income person can buy a modest little ring with a diamond.
What is carat and how to determine the carat of a diamond
When assessing the quality of diamonds, specialists follow the “4 C” criteria system: the degree of cut (cut), the purity of the stone (clarity), color (color) and weight (carat). And if with the first three factors everything is more or less clear, then the karate, on which the value of diamond depends, requires some explanation.
The word "carat" comes from the Italian carato, which means "carob pod." The weight of the fetus is stable and equal to 0.2 grams. Since all pods are equal in weight, they have become the benchmark for a system-wide unit of value for gems and pearls.
Depending on karate, diamonds are:
- Small (their weight is up to 0.29 carats).
- Medium (up to 0.99 carats).
- Large (they are also called tapeworms, weight starts from 1 carat).
- Diamonds from 6 carats are found only at auctions.
- Huge stones from 25 carats have their own names.
To determine the cost of a stone, its carat weight must be multiplied by the price of one carat, which grows in proportion to the size of the diamond.
There are two ways to determine the weight of a diamond:
- The loose diamond is weighed on a carat scale.
- The stone in the frame is calculated by the formula M = D2 Ă— H x 0.0061. In this case, M is the carat weight, D is the diameter of the diamond, and N is its height. When calculating, remember that there is an error of 10 percent or more.
Also, to determine the weight of diamonds, you can use tables where the mass of the stone is related to its diameter.
World famous diamonds
Gemstones possess not only enchanting beauty and sophistication. A train of mysterious stories stretches behind many of them, enveloping them in mysticism and intrigue. Diamonds are truly leaders - owners of an exciting past.
The most famous is the stone "Cullinan." It was discovered in 1905 at the Thomas Cullinan Mine in South Africa. The find weight reached 3107 carats, as a result of which the diamond had to be divided. Today, the largest part of Cullinan's - "Star of Africa" ​​- adorns the scepter of the Queen of England.
Wittelsbach, the second famous diamond, was a noble traveler. The blue miracle was in the hands of the French king Louis XIV, the Spanish monarch Philip IV, was an adornment of the Habsburg treasury and the family property of the Wittelsbachs. In addition to fabulous beauty, the diamond is also known for the fact that in 1998 it was sold at Sotheby's for the highest price - 16.39 million pounds. Today the Blue Wittelsbach is the pride of a private collection.
Another famous diamond is the mystical Black Eagles. They found a diamond on the head of a stone Brahma from a Hindu temple. Weakened by vandals, the Indian god cursed the thieves. From this moment on, “Black Orlov” suffered misfortunes to its temporary owners. Countess Nadezhda Orlova, Princess Golitsyna-Baratynskaya, Jay Paris, who had a diamond, committed suicide at different times. Only Dennis Petimesas managed to curb the mystical power of the stone. Today, "Black Orlov" adorns the expensive necklace of the new owner.
Tiffany diamond jewelry and rings are known all over the world. But the most famous diamond in the jewelry house was the yellow stone found in the mines of Kimberly. The diamond cut exceeded all expectations. Due to skillful processing, the yellow miracle turned into an original quadrangle with 89 faces. Today, the diamond is set in the “Bird on a Stone” frame and is the emblem of the main Tiffany & Co. store.
How faceted diamonds are attached
In order for the stone to hold firmly in the frame, it must be well fixed. There are several ways to fix diamonds.
- With the help of special hooks (krapans). From peculiar “paws” a basket is formed into which a diamond is placed. The ends of the hooks protrude above the stone and form grooves, where the diamond is inserted. Krapana can be long and short, oval and flat. Such a tack is often used in the manufacture of engagement rings in gold and diamonds.
- Many stones are fixed with a channel mount. A channel is cut around the circumference of the ring, where small diamonds are placed. After insertion, the slot is sealed to prevent stones from falling out.
- Another option for securing diamonds is pave. The fastening takes place at the expense of small cells for diamonds. After inserting a stone into the hole, the master fixes it with metal, while capturing neighboring diamonds. With this type of fastening, diamonds form a single multifaceted layer.
- The rim (deaf) mount holds the stone in a frame that surrounds it on all sides. This is the most reliable way to fix diamonds in the ring.
- Corner mount is used when inserting a diamond directly into the metal. It can be used with any number of stones in the jewelry, which can be arranged in any order.
Types of metals for diamond rings
The market for gemstone jewelry is wide and diverse. Designers, wanting to create something truly unique, sometimes go to risky decisions. Creating rings with faceted diamonds, many craftsmen embody the most daring ideas. Often they insert stones not only into a noble metal, but also into other frames.
Undoubtedly, the most suitable cut for diamonds is gold. A gold ring with a diamond can be made of noble metal of any, even rather low grade, and different colors. The yellow rim is the most classic for many people. But rings of white gold with a diamond also look original and refined. They create a great ensemble with many wardrobe items. White gold with a contrasting diamond (black, blue, etc.) will be a good complement to a business image.
But not only precious stones are inserted into gold. A silver diamond ring is a good choice for modest girls who do not want to attract special attention. Gentle and sensitive ladies will also be pleasantly surprised. The question is about the price of the product. How much does a silver diamond ring cost? Such products are significantly inferior in price to their gold counterparts. But, despite this, they are also beautiful and original.
Perhaps the most expensive jewelry are platinum rings with diamonds. They are an indicator of the status, wealth and excellent taste of the owner. Wedding rings with diamonds set in platinum look especially good. In addition, products are a good investment.
An interesting option is enamel diamond rings. The product itself is already an original work of art. With enamel, decoration can be given a variety of colors, and the unique design will be remembered for a long time by others.
To create a product with diamonds, it is not necessary to use only one type of metal. Unusual combinations of different materials make the ring original and curious.
Unusual alloys can also be used in the production of diamond jewelry. With skillful execution, titanium, palladium, tin can give life to magnificent products. Such decorations become truly original works of art.
Varieties of Diamond Rings
Choosing jewelry, it is easy to get lost among a variety of types and design solutions.
Depending on the gender and age of the owner, products with stones are as follows:
- Women's rings with diamonds.
- Products with diamonds for men.
- Baby rings with diamonds.
Jewelry technicians divide jewelry into:
- Rings made using the art of filigree.
- Blackened products.
- Embossed jewelry.
By style, sets of earrings and diamond rings are:
- Everyday products.
- Party Decorations.
- Rings for special occasions (business meetings, special occasions).
- Paired products for engagement.
- Wedding rings with diamonds.
Also, master jewelers divide jewelry into:
Rings are considered to be complex, made in difficult techniques using all kinds of inserts, weaving, jewelry made of enamel and filigree.
Simple products are intended, as a rule, for everyday wear and formal events. They are modest, unpretentious, discreet. These jewelry include men's rings with diamonds (signets), monogram rings, wedding rings.
There are also unusual types of products with diamonds.
- Cocktail jewelry - a massive ring with a large diamond or other precious stone. The product features a luxuriously decorated rim and a high rim.
- The purpose of the anniversary ring is not in doubt. The only condition is that a loving husband must give his wife a diamond ring.
Engagement Diamond Rings
Engagement precedes a significant event in the life of every girl - a wedding. The symbol of the celebration is a beautiful engagement ring. Taking the jewelry, the girl gives consent to the marriage. Since then, the couple is considered the bride and groom.
The true classic is the golden diamond ring. It is worn until the wedding day, and after the event is carefully saved in the family box.
Today, engagement jewelry delights with a stylistic and design variety. A good decision will be to purchase a whole headset in the form of a set of earrings and a diamond ring. The main thing is that the headset should be made in the same style - be it art deco, vintage, ethno.
Diamond engagement rings
The wedding ring is perhaps the main decoration of married couples. Today, in exchange for traditional gold rims, you can choose a ring in accordance with taste and desire.
- A toothed jewelry is usually a large diamond ring. The stone is placed in the cell at the top of the product and is fixed with three or more paws (teeth).
- Ring with a hole along the entire length. Small stones are inserted into the recess, or it serves to secure large diamonds.
- Lattice-wrapped diamonds. The hole for inserting stones is placed not along the ring, but across.
- Rings with inconspicuous base. In such rings, diamonds are so close to each other that they cover themselves with a metal base.
- Hoops of the same level are made by immersing the rings in the metal at the same level. Rings are intended mainly for people who, according to the requirements of the profession, are forced to work with their hands. This setting of diamonds saves stones from damage and loss.
- Today, engagement rings with a diamond nesting are considered very popular. In such rings, diamond is securely framed by a metal base that surrounds it in whole or in part.
How to choose a diamond ring
When purchasing a precious ring, you should be guided by your own taste and preferences. However, this is not the only selection criterion. It is necessary to study well the characteristics - cut, color, clarity and carat of a diamond.
According to the type of cut, diamonds are divided into marquises, pears, princesses, hearts, ovals, squares, baguettes, triangles, emeralds and others. The type of faceting makes it possible to distinguish between royal, Russian or magnificent stones. As for color, there are transparent, pink, yellow, blue, black diamonds.
How to check a diamond
In order not to buy a fake instead of a clean stone, you can use the following tips:
- Bring the stone to the light source and look through it. A real stone should sparkle, and the rays should reflect well from all faceted surfaces. Light will concentrate only at one point.
- Diamond is an excellent glass cutter. To verify the authenticity of the stone, it is worthwhile to lightly hold a diamond on a glass surface. The fake does not leave scratches, and all traces of unclean stones can be erased with a wet finger.
- In addition to beauty, diamond has incredible hardness. If you rub it with sandpaper, it will remain intact.
- A genuine diamond does not transmit laser beams. And with an X-ray of a diamond ring, nothing will appear on the picture.
- Hot breath leaves condensation on the diamond.
Jewelry houses in Europe and America
Jewelry has always been a desirable item not only for women, but also for the stronger sex. Men's rings with diamonds are a sign of status and representativeness.
Jewelry for many is a good investment. Simple, even the most sophisticated jewelry, cannot become a worthy investment. Products of famous companies, or, as they say, jewelry houses, become not only family decorations, but also a guarantee of wealth for owners.
The following elite brands are considered the most famous jewelry manufacturers in Europe:
- Buccellati. Founded in 1919 in Milan, the company Mario Buccellati soon became very popular due to the uniqueness of its products. White gold rings with diamonds are truly works of art.
- The French company Van Cleef & Arpels was established in 1896 in Paris. The treasures of the brand are striking in their beauty and originality. In the development of models, natural motifs are often used. In addition to jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelers also produce precious figurines.
- Graff's favorite stone is a large diamond. Founded in 1960, the company is distinguished by the luxury and exclusivity of its products. All Graff jewelry is made exclusively by hand. This explains how much the brand diamond ring costs.
- The most famous jewelry house in the USA is Tiffany. The company originated in 1837 in Manhattan. All brand jewels were packed in individual packages of turquoise blue. Tiffany rings with diamonds are made of gold, platinum or silver. The company's jewelry is easily recognizable due to its unique style and conciseness.
Domestic jewelry factories
In addition to world famous brands, Russian jewelers are also engaged in the production of precious products. Domestic masters have always possessed personal style and uniqueness. Jewelry in Russia began to develop rapidly in the late 19th century. At first, jewelry was produced by small workshops, which over the years grew into fairly large enterprises. Today in Russia there are many factories with a centuries-old history.
The most famous domestic jewelry enterprises are:
- "Russian gems", founded at the beginning of the twentieth century by decree of Emperor Nicholas II. Today it is a leading jewelry factory. The visiting card of Russian Gems are all kinds of precious items, including silver rings with a diamond.
- Although the Adamas factory was founded quite late (in 1993), but over this short period it took a strong place in the jewelry market in Russia. The production uses a full cycle. All products from start to finish are carried out within the boundaries of one plant.
- Diamond jewelry rings of the Moscow Jewelry Factory are the result of continuous improvement and an original design idea. The company not only produces jewelry, but also has a network of its own stores.