Here's another interesting Post brought to you by....Katherines Jewelry.
So what is the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia? Why is cubic
zirconia quickly becoming more popular as a desirable substitute for
diamond? Gemologists can agree that Cubic Zirconia comes closer than any other gem material
to matching the characteristics of a diamond.
Most people, even trained
gemologists, cannot tell the difference between diamond and Cubic Zirconia, with the naked
eye. Moreover, to the untrained eye, Cubic Zirconia looks identical to a good quality
diamond. However, under closer inspection, Cubic Zirconia appears to have slightly less
brilliance (or sparkle) than a diamond, and more fire, or flashes of color.
Cubic Zirconias were originally developed by the Russians, for their space program.
They were developed as an alternative to diamonds that were used in the optics
of their lasers. Cubic Zirconias have a refractive index, dispersion and hardness so close
to a diamond it's uncanny.
So what are some key features that can guide
you in telling the difference between diamond and Cubic Zirconia? Do keep in mind, though,
in order to accurately distinguish the two gems, gemological equipment such as
microscope, or loupe, must be used for testing and verification.
To
start, let’s take a look at the hardness factor: Did you know Cubic Zirconia ranges between
8.5 to 9.0 on the Mohs’ hardness scale whereas diamond, one of the hardest
materials known to man, is rated 10, lying at the top of the hardness
scale?
Furthermore, glass (or sand) is rated approximately 5 to 6 on the
hardness scale, therefore, dust and dirt will not scratch Cubic Zirconia. Indeed, Cubic Zirconia can
scratch glass just like regular diamonds, making it more resistant to
chipping.
One great difference between diamond and Cubic Zirconia is weight. Cubic Zirconias are
heavyweights in comparison to diamonds; a Cubic Zirconia will weigh approximately 1.75 times
more than a diamond of equivalent size. So basically, a piece of Cubic Zirconia the same
size as a one-carat diamond weighs about 1.75 carats. Well…isn’t that
interesting?
Contemporary production of Cubic Zirconia is virtually flawless, whereas
diamond usually contains impurities and inclusions, or have some sort of defect,
be it a feather, included crystal, or perhaps a remnant of an original crystal
face (e.g. trigons).
In regards to color—more precisely, the lack of
color—only the rarest of diamonds are truly colorless, as most have a tinge of
yellow or brown to some extent. By comparison, CZ in most cases can be made
entirely colorless, equivalent to a perfect "D" on diamond's color grading
scale.
Also, under close inspection with a loupe, the facet shapes of
some CZs appear different from diamonds. Both gems disperse light a little
differently. Dispersion is just a scientific term for the breaking up of light
into its spectral colors. With a dispersive power greater than diamond (0.060
vs. 0.044), the more prismatic fire of CZ can be seen by even an untrained
eye.
Dispersion occurs based on the gem’s refractive index. In this case,
refractive index simply indicates how much a beam of light will bend, based on
the direction in which it is traveling when it passes between two materials of
different optical densities (such as between diamond and air; or between CZ and
air). Being that CZ has a refractive index of 2.176, compared to a diamond's
2.417, diamonds are therefore said to be brighter than CZ.
Another
difference between the two gems is that CZs are thermal insulators—meaning, they
reduce the rate of heat transfer—whilst diamonds are among the most efficient
thermal conductors—meaning, they allow heat to easily pass through them. Without
testing the gems’ heat conductivity, it can be difficult to tell them
apart.
Remember, it is a 50/50 guess to identify a gem by visual
inspection; it is not a scientific method of authentication. That is why even
certified and degreed gemologists use gemological equipment for testing and
verification.
You will also be glad to know that CZs are not only durable
and inexpensive, but just like diamonds, they come in any color of the rainbow,
making them even more desirable.
There have been many instances to see if
jewelers can tell the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia, just by
examining the gems with the naked eye. Over and over again, it was inconclusive;
jewelers could not tell the difference just by looking at the gems. So you can
now understand why the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia rests in
the price, and in the mind
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Some More Jewelry Jokes
For This month it's time to make people laugh. I found some jokes that are funny. Also, please feel free to comment on my blog posts.
Joke 1
A man walks into a jewellery store to buy his girlfriend an engagement ring. Looking behind the glass case, he comes across an exquisite band with a large-sized rock in its center. Excuse me sir, the gentleman says to the salesman. How much is this ring? Ah, that's a beautiful piece, the salesman replies. It goes for $10,000. My God! the man exclaimed. That's a lot of money! Yes, but a diamond is forever. Perhaps, the gentleman replied, but my marriage won't last that long!
Joke 2
It's my wife's birthday tomorrow. Last week I asked her what she wanted as a present. 'Oh, I don't know,' she said . 'Just give me something with diamonds.'That's why I'm giving her a pack of playing cards.
Joke 3
WHAT WOMEN THINK DURING SEX
At 17: Hope I don't get pregnant!
At 30 : I wish this time he'll buy me those diamond earrings I want!
At 50 : We have to paint the ceiling
Joke 1
A man walks into a jewellery store to buy his girlfriend an engagement ring. Looking behind the glass case, he comes across an exquisite band with a large-sized rock in its center. Excuse me sir, the gentleman says to the salesman. How much is this ring? Ah, that's a beautiful piece, the salesman replies. It goes for $10,000. My God! the man exclaimed. That's a lot of money! Yes, but a diamond is forever. Perhaps, the gentleman replied, but my marriage won't last that long!
Joke 2
It's my wife's birthday tomorrow. Last week I asked her what she wanted as a present. 'Oh, I don't know,' she said . 'Just give me something with diamonds.'That's why I'm giving her a pack of playing cards.
Joke 3
WHAT WOMEN THINK DURING SEX
At 17: Hope I don't get pregnant!
At 30 : I wish this time he'll buy me those diamond earrings I want!
At 50 : We have to paint the ceiling
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The Beauty Of Amber Jewelry
For Those of you that have been following my Blog, I want to give a shout out to ya. I know It's a basic blog not full of toots and whistles, but I like to put what's on my mind about Jewelry. Also, my website has been updated for this month of July. Go to www.katherinesjewelry.com
The simplest and at the same time most subjective evaluation of amber jewelry by a user of admirer is to say whether it is beautiful or not. Contemporary amber artifacts produced by artists initially tend to surprise us with their otherness, in the same manner as any other art does, for instance painting or sculpture, or jewelry ornamented with gemstones. But modernity means otherness.
The extremely exceptional so-called "amber in amber" may become dazzlingly beautiful in the hands of a skillful artist. To find or excavate amber with opalescent surfaces depends less on skills and more on luck. This, however, comes about very seldom.
Some people are interested only in amber as perfectly transparent as many other precious stones in which nothing is going on inside. In such a case a more opulent setting must compensate the lack of unique features.Raw amber for mass production started to be clarified and pressed as early as in the 19th century. Its color could be freely altered, often in order to make necklaces from beads in one shade of color and transparency.
The trend initiated at the end of the 1960s by the Fietkiewicz family in Gdynia was followed by other amber centers, resulting in a high standard of amber working in Poland today. The "gem of the north", the most splendid beauty of which is revealed by artist's mastery, is often left without any setting, like Neolithic and ancient artifacts. Some amber products, rich in amber shapes and varieties, like necklace beads, spherical or flat pendants, beads on leather strip or just hemp or cotton string, gain in additional value in this way. Nothing spoils the sheer beauty of amber; its mysterious interior is not rivaled by some alien even though most magnificent ornamentation of a setting.
One may never stop writing about amber and amber jewelry. The mineral's charm never fades away, owing to its beauty and to its history so remote and ancient and at the same time ever more close to us. Its legends and magic always feel our very own.
The simplest and at the same time most subjective evaluation of amber jewelry by a user of admirer is to say whether it is beautiful or not. Contemporary amber artifacts produced by artists initially tend to surprise us with their otherness, in the same manner as any other art does, for instance painting or sculpture, or jewelry ornamented with gemstones. But modernity means otherness.
The extremely exceptional so-called "amber in amber" may become dazzlingly beautiful in the hands of a skillful artist. To find or excavate amber with opalescent surfaces depends less on skills and more on luck. This, however, comes about very seldom.
Some people are interested only in amber as perfectly transparent as many other precious stones in which nothing is going on inside. In such a case a more opulent setting must compensate the lack of unique features.Raw amber for mass production started to be clarified and pressed as early as in the 19th century. Its color could be freely altered, often in order to make necklaces from beads in one shade of color and transparency.
The trend initiated at the end of the 1960s by the Fietkiewicz family in Gdynia was followed by other amber centers, resulting in a high standard of amber working in Poland today. The "gem of the north", the most splendid beauty of which is revealed by artist's mastery, is often left without any setting, like Neolithic and ancient artifacts. Some amber products, rich in amber shapes and varieties, like necklace beads, spherical or flat pendants, beads on leather strip or just hemp or cotton string, gain in additional value in this way. Nothing spoils the sheer beauty of amber; its mysterious interior is not rivaled by some alien even though most magnificent ornamentation of a setting.
One may never stop writing about amber and amber jewelry. The mineral's charm never fades away, owing to its beauty and to its history so remote and ancient and at the same time ever more close to us. Its legends and magic always feel our very own.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Have to say sorry
I have to say sorry about the mispellings on my most recent post. I published it before I realized that some words were mispelled.
The Most Beutiful Way To Accessorize Your Neck
The most beautiful way to accessorise your neck
eing part of our everyday life no matter expensive it is because it reveal the woman inner beauty. Wearing jewelry is the most popular way to adorn to oneself. And necklaces is a such kind of personal ornament made from various kind of gemstones including diamonds, silver,and gold. It is made of every material and has been made to adorn nearly or everybody part.
Necklaces is the most beautiful way to accessorize your neck. It is a symbol of past and they still are. Since the ancient civilization , wearing necklaces is a long tradition and used as amulet for protection. They used necklaces as a sign of their religion or cultural purposes
But right now, necklaces are now being used are more than just a fashion accessory to be trendy and fashionable. Now a days, there are kind of necklaces you choose from what kind of personality you like best. it is an ornament with big pendants and decent pearl necklaces, lockets, chains.
Necklaces can be fashionable and individual style choices should not be left out in selecting beautiful necklaces;whether choker shortest necklace at fourteen to sixteen inches long; princess necklace which is eighteen inches long; opera necklace; diamonds and gold necklaces; silver necklaces;and pearl necklaces
which is worn for special occasions. But, whatever material the necklace is made from, it is sure to be appreciated by its wearer.
Precious gems like emeralds, ruby, sapphires, topaz, pearls can also be placed in a necklace setting to give a sense of elegance to the user. The gemstone can come in all shapes and sizes,ranges and the necklace will give the background it needs to make things even more beautiful. You must be sure to choose the kind of gemstone necklaces that will surely bring many compliments from a friends and to complete strangers, and proud to wear of a gemstone necklaces for years to come.
Necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, and fine jewelry in designer jewelry
allow much of flexibility in designs and feature that will brings quality to fashion from around the world at various prices-from affordable to competitive prices. A complete sets of fine jewelry with the latest trends are available most websites .
Jewelry is mostly worn by women and it is the presence of every women, like the motto "Diamonds are girls best friends".
Necklaces is the most beautiful way to accessorize your neck. It is a symbol of past and they still are. Since the ancient civilization , wearing necklaces is a long tradition and used as amulet for protection. They used necklaces as a sign of their religion or cultural purposes
But right now, necklaces are now being used are more than just a fashion accessory to be trendy and fashionable. Now a days, there are kind of necklaces you choose from what kind of personality you like best. it is an ornament with big pendants and decent pearl necklaces, lockets, chains.
Necklaces can be fashionable and individual style choices should not be left out in selecting beautiful necklaces;whether choker shortest necklace at fourteen to sixteen inches long; princess necklace which is eighteen inches long; opera necklace; diamonds and gold necklaces; silver necklaces;and pearl necklaces
which is worn for special occasions. But, whatever material the necklace is made from, it is sure to be appreciated by its wearer.
Precious gems like emeralds, ruby, sapphires, topaz, pearls can also be placed in a necklace setting to give a sense of elegance to the user. The gemstone can come in all shapes and sizes,ranges and the necklace will give the background it needs to make things even more beautiful. You must be sure to choose the kind of gemstone necklaces that will surely bring many compliments from a friends and to complete strangers, and proud to wear of a gemstone necklaces for years to come.
Necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, and fine jewelry in designer jewelry
allow much of flexibility in designs and feature that will brings quality to fashion from around the world at various prices-from affordable to competitive prices. A complete sets of fine jewelry with the latest trends are available most websites .
Jewelry is mostly worn by women and it is the presence of every women, like the motto "Diamonds are girls best friends".
Thursday, May 3, 2012
History Of Body Jewelry
The Bible mentions that body piercing was popular amongst nomadic tribes
approximately 2000 years ago. Whereas, at some places like Egypt only people
from the royal family could get body piercing done. Various reasons have been
associated with different cultures and different castes for getting body
piercing. For example, it was a symbol for strength for roman warriors, who had
a practical approach towards body piercing. Whereas body piercing jewelry was
just a way of beauty enhancement in some other cultures.
In the Medieval times, the art of body piercing was condemned by the masses and was banned by a few communities. But it regained popularity again. People started using body jewelry as a way of showing off their wealth and status by wearing a lot of jewelry and getting body piercings done. About a decade ago, body piercing jewelry was considered to be a symbol for rebellious and hip youth. In the recent times, relevance of body jewelry has changed a lot.
Current Scenarios of body piercing and body piercing jewelry
Interestingly, there are different societal and personal attitudes attached to modern day body piercing and body piercing jewelry in the current times. While ear piercings and nose piercings have been very popular since the ancient times in countries like India etc., The other forms of body piercings had different reasons for coming into being. Mostly, it became a way of enhancing beauty and adorning the body. It soon became a fashion statement amongst youngsters and people saw it as a form of self expression and body art. For some, it became a way of increasing sexual pleasures or for sexual stimulation. Gay men get body piercings done for identification. These days, there are a lot of stores available for body jewelry and body piercing jewelry and several celebrities sport them as well.
Different kinds of body piercing jewelry:
1) Naval Piercing Jewelry
Naval piercing, also known as belly piercing is a very popular form of body piercing. Naval is considered to be very seductive. Increasingly, many women sport interesting belly buttons and belly piercing jewelry to adorn themselves.
2) Nostril Piercing Jewelry
Nose piercing has been prevalent since ages. Till date, it is a very unique form of body piercing popular amongst youngsters. Stars like Madonna and Lenny Kravitz also sport nostril body piercing and wear piercing jewelry.
3) Nipple Piercing Jewelry
Nipple piercing has also been in existence since the ancient times. Nowadays too, many people get this form of body piercing done as it enhances sensual stimulations.
4) Ear Piercing Jewelry
Ear piercing jewelry is the most common and most popular forms of body piercing. Ear piercing is popular all round the world amongst both men and women.
5) Labret Piercing Jewelry
You can sport trendy piercing jewelry on your labret piercing for enhancing beauty. It is very popular form of body piercing in Central America.
6) Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry
Eyebrow piercing too is also a very popular form of body piercing amongst the youth since a long time. Many celebrities sport it too.
7) Tongue Piercing Jewelry
This is a very interesting form of body piercing. Celebrities like Janet Jackson and Mel B of Spice Girls wear tongue piercing jewelry.
Materials used for body piercing and body piercing jewelry
In the ancient times materials like wood, metals etc. were used for making body piercing rings, body piercing jewelry etc. These days, there are a variety of materials being used for making body jewelry and body piercing jewelry like semi-precious stones, steel, bronze, silver, titanium, gold, diamonds etc. Stress is laid on quality standards as it is now a very popular fashion statement. Gold and diamonds are increasingly being used for this purpose, as they are a store house of value and are more trendy and elegant at the same time.
Knowledge and after-care
You must be well aware of body piercing procedures, healing process and the after-care in order to enjoy your body piercing.
Also, make sure you get your body piercing done from a professional.
Confirm the quality of your body piercing jewelry before buying it. Make sure you obtain extensive knowledge about the store you are buying your body piercing jewelry from.
Quality standards are of a great deal of importance in body piercing jewelry to avoid any problems in maintaining and after-care of your body piercings and body piercing jewelry.
In the Medieval times, the art of body piercing was condemned by the masses and was banned by a few communities. But it regained popularity again. People started using body jewelry as a way of showing off their wealth and status by wearing a lot of jewelry and getting body piercings done. About a decade ago, body piercing jewelry was considered to be a symbol for rebellious and hip youth. In the recent times, relevance of body jewelry has changed a lot.
Current Scenarios of body piercing and body piercing jewelry
Interestingly, there are different societal and personal attitudes attached to modern day body piercing and body piercing jewelry in the current times. While ear piercings and nose piercings have been very popular since the ancient times in countries like India etc., The other forms of body piercings had different reasons for coming into being. Mostly, it became a way of enhancing beauty and adorning the body. It soon became a fashion statement amongst youngsters and people saw it as a form of self expression and body art. For some, it became a way of increasing sexual pleasures or for sexual stimulation. Gay men get body piercings done for identification. These days, there are a lot of stores available for body jewelry and body piercing jewelry and several celebrities sport them as well.
Different kinds of body piercing jewelry:
1) Naval Piercing Jewelry
Naval piercing, also known as belly piercing is a very popular form of body piercing. Naval is considered to be very seductive. Increasingly, many women sport interesting belly buttons and belly piercing jewelry to adorn themselves.
2) Nostril Piercing Jewelry
Nose piercing has been prevalent since ages. Till date, it is a very unique form of body piercing popular amongst youngsters. Stars like Madonna and Lenny Kravitz also sport nostril body piercing and wear piercing jewelry.
3) Nipple Piercing Jewelry
Nipple piercing has also been in existence since the ancient times. Nowadays too, many people get this form of body piercing done as it enhances sensual stimulations.
4) Ear Piercing Jewelry
Ear piercing jewelry is the most common and most popular forms of body piercing. Ear piercing is popular all round the world amongst both men and women.
5) Labret Piercing Jewelry
You can sport trendy piercing jewelry on your labret piercing for enhancing beauty. It is very popular form of body piercing in Central America.
6) Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry
Eyebrow piercing too is also a very popular form of body piercing amongst the youth since a long time. Many celebrities sport it too.
7) Tongue Piercing Jewelry
This is a very interesting form of body piercing. Celebrities like Janet Jackson and Mel B of Spice Girls wear tongue piercing jewelry.
Materials used for body piercing and body piercing jewelry
In the ancient times materials like wood, metals etc. were used for making body piercing rings, body piercing jewelry etc. These days, there are a variety of materials being used for making body jewelry and body piercing jewelry like semi-precious stones, steel, bronze, silver, titanium, gold, diamonds etc. Stress is laid on quality standards as it is now a very popular fashion statement. Gold and diamonds are increasingly being used for this purpose, as they are a store house of value and are more trendy and elegant at the same time.
Knowledge and after-care
You must be well aware of body piercing procedures, healing process and the after-care in order to enjoy your body piercing.
Also, make sure you get your body piercing done from a professional.
Confirm the quality of your body piercing jewelry before buying it. Make sure you obtain extensive knowledge about the store you are buying your body piercing jewelry from.
Quality standards are of a great deal of importance in body piercing jewelry to avoid any problems in maintaining and after-care of your body piercings and body piercing jewelry.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
How To Choose The Right Jewelry Company When Buying Online
For anyone looking to purchase fine jewelry, online shopping can be a great way to find the right piece at the right price. There can be many advantages to buying fine jewelry online - with savings being one of the major factors. Reputable online jewelers usually have much lower overhead costs, and can pass those savings on to the consumer. Another advantage of buying fine jewelry online is convenience - you need travel no further than your computer to choose your jewelry and make your purchase. This being said, there are things you need to consider in order to make your fine jewelry purchase a positive experience.
Choose a Jeweler You Trust
The first thing you need to do is find an online jewelry store that you can trust. You will have to do a little bit of detective work in order to eliminate the less desirable companies and end up with a list of jewelers that you feel confident doing business with.
The Online Jewelry Store Should Provide Excellent Customer Service
This cannot be stressed strongly enough. Before you make a fine jewelry purchase from a website consider contacting the jeweler's customer service department by email and by phone. When talking to a customer service representative, ask questions and pay close attention to the responses you receive. If the rep seems irritated with your questions or is spending the entire phone call trying to rush you into buying a product, consider that a "red flag".
If you contact them by email, check to see how quickly they reply. It should take them no longer than 48 hours during the business week - within 24 hours is the ideal. Look for professionalism and a helpful attitude in their emails.
The Website Should Be Informative
The jeweler's website itself should have information on how to buy a quality diamond, the different types of precious metals, etc. They should have a wide variety of choices, and be able to help you find what is right for you. By providing you with information the company is helping you make an educated purchase.
Look for Quality Craftsmanship
What the Internet can offer you is the chance to shop several stores without having to drive all over town; this allows you to choose a company whose fine jewelry shows attention to detail and craftsmanship.
See If They Offer Extra Perks
Things like free shipping add up to big savings. If the online jeweler is located outside of the state you are buying from you pay no sales tax. Free shipping combined with no sales tax can make a big difference in your bottom line. Some companies offer a discount on your next purchase. This can also save you big money. If a company is offering these or other incentives, they will likely have this information throughout the site and in their shopping cart.
Your Jewelry Purchase Should Provide Good Value for the Money
When buying fine jewelry, you are getting a piece that will last a lifetime and become a family heirloom. Look for fine jewelry that offers the best value which is not only determined by how much the jewelry costs but by the quality of the piece and the materials used.
Online jewelry shopping offers convenience, selection and value. Consider the factors above when making your next fine jewelry purchase so you find the online jeweler that is right for you.
Choose a Jeweler You Trust
The first thing you need to do is find an online jewelry store that you can trust. You will have to do a little bit of detective work in order to eliminate the less desirable companies and end up with a list of jewelers that you feel confident doing business with.
The Online Jewelry Store Should Provide Excellent Customer Service
This cannot be stressed strongly enough. Before you make a fine jewelry purchase from a website consider contacting the jeweler's customer service department by email and by phone. When talking to a customer service representative, ask questions and pay close attention to the responses you receive. If the rep seems irritated with your questions or is spending the entire phone call trying to rush you into buying a product, consider that a "red flag".
If you contact them by email, check to see how quickly they reply. It should take them no longer than 48 hours during the business week - within 24 hours is the ideal. Look for professionalism and a helpful attitude in their emails.
The Website Should Be Informative
The jeweler's website itself should have information on how to buy a quality diamond, the different types of precious metals, etc. They should have a wide variety of choices, and be able to help you find what is right for you. By providing you with information the company is helping you make an educated purchase.
Look for Quality Craftsmanship
What the Internet can offer you is the chance to shop several stores without having to drive all over town; this allows you to choose a company whose fine jewelry shows attention to detail and craftsmanship.
See If They Offer Extra Perks
Things like free shipping add up to big savings. If the online jeweler is located outside of the state you are buying from you pay no sales tax. Free shipping combined with no sales tax can make a big difference in your bottom line. Some companies offer a discount on your next purchase. This can also save you big money. If a company is offering these or other incentives, they will likely have this information throughout the site and in their shopping cart.
Your Jewelry Purchase Should Provide Good Value for the Money
When buying fine jewelry, you are getting a piece that will last a lifetime and become a family heirloom. Look for fine jewelry that offers the best value which is not only determined by how much the jewelry costs but by the quality of the piece and the materials used.
Online jewelry shopping offers convenience, selection and value. Consider the factors above when making your next fine jewelry purchase so you find the online jeweler that is right for you.
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