Louis XIV, king of France in the 18th century was madly in love with his mistress Marquise de Pompadour. To carry a part of her with him at all times, King Louis XIV commissioned a diamond to be cut in such a way that it represented her special sultry smile. The result is a marquise diamond, a beautiful oblong shape that is ideally twice as long as it is wide and contains a total of 56 cuts. These cuts almost always produce the image of the bow tie deep inside which delights both proud owners and anyone who gazes wondrously at this special treasure. Lovers everywhere rush to purchase a marquise diamond engagement ring representing the devotion of the King for his favorite mistress in hopes that their life will be so blessed with these wonderful feelings of love and bliss.

These brilliant stones are formed by intense heat and high-pressure deep inside the earth; most are believed to be the result of volcanic action with a few created by meteorites hitting the earth. This is only the start of the traveling of the diamonds. The majority of quality diamonds are found in Australia, about 90% are shipped to India where they are precut. From there they are transported to Antwerp, Belgium, called the diamond capital of the world. There, professional craftsman called sightholders, carefully using the sophisticated technology of today turn these into creations of beauty and great value. Marquise engagement rings are carefully cut in their oblong shapes to maximize the stones and minimize any impurities or flaws, which would reduce the value.

Before purchasing a marquise diamond ring, the purchasers should educate themselves on how these exquisite stones are valued. Values are based on four Cs, which include the carat (the size), the clarity (the perfection), the color (of the stone) and the cut (the brilliance). Although these all contribute to the value, the cut is what gives sparkle and brings the stone to life. A professional jeweler will be able to show very clearly the differences in these stones and how the value is arrived at; to these professionals, the diamonds are a living, dancing and entertaining priceless object that looked best displayed in an intricate setting on the finger of a worshiping female.

A person selecting one of the marquise diamond rings has many choices. These rings give the appearance of a larger carat size making them a perfect first ring for a young and struggling couple starting out. A carat weighs 200 mg, which is given the value of 100 points. A stone with 150 points is 1 1/2 carats. All natural stones have imperfections; the more valuable ones have very small and undetectable flaws. The color should be clear and not cloudy or milky. These two items comprise the clarity class. In diamonds unusual colors of greens, blues and pink are called fancies; these are very rare and expensive. Most diamonds purchased today are clear to a light yellow or brown. These stones are set on their tables (tops) and are graded very carefully by a trained technician under strict circumstances. Clear colorless stones are the most expensive; the next step down is about half the price.  The differences between the two classes are undetectable to most eyes once they are mounted in an intricate, ornate setting. Many people purchase a ring from this second-tier diamond class; the glitter and sparkle is still there but the investment is only about 50%. The cut creates the shine and sparkle; the many facets keep the light dancing back and forth inside the diamond, moving from one edge to the other until it burst out pleasing the eyes with its brilliance and depth.

These marquise diamond rings are usually mounted with two prongs on each side holding this precious gem securely to the platinum, white or yellow gold band. Two additional prongs cover the ends of this exquisite stone to protect it from being chipped or fractured by normal activity. The oval-shape makes a great engagement ring or a ring for any special occasion as fine jewelers can create unique and spectacular accompanying rings.

These marquise rings offer exquisite cuts bringing the diamond to life and puts sparkle and romance in the lives of the people who wisely invest in these precious objects.

While opals are not crystalline in nature they are made up of silica spheres and it is the passage of light through these spheres that gives the opal its coloring and brilliance. The more regular the spheres the higher the quality of the opal is. The best opals show a magnificent play of color, in part caused by small micro-fractures inside the formed opal also filling with silica. There are two main ways in which opals, that are too thin to be used on their own, are prepared as a gemstone. A thin layer of is opal backed by a darker stone which enhances the play of color on the stone; this is referred to as a doublet opal.  A triplet opal backs the opal layer with black material and then covers the dome of the opal with clear plastic or quartz. This clear layer both protects the opal and magnifies the design, however because of the artificiality of the triplet opal it is not considered a gemstone, although it is frequently still used in jewelry.

When determining the value of the opal, there are several things to take into consideration. Of course, the main consideration is whether the opal is solid, or if it is a doublet or triplet.  Naturally, solid opals are worth far more. Opals with a black background, rather than a gray or off white background are also much more valued mainly because it better displays the myriad of colors. The play of color, as mentioned above, is also a major determining factor in the worth of an opal. A red, or fire opal, is the scarcest and as such of higher value than the blue or green opals. Other things to consider are the brilliance of the colors, the pattern and the color bars in the opals.

Opals are usually used for earrings and pendants. These pieces of jewelry rarely come in contact with other surfaces, thus the soft opal is protected from getting scratched or damaged. Opal rings, on the other hand, need to be well cared for especially if they are worn on a regular basis. This is the reason why opal engagement rings are not necessarily the best as they are worn continuously. Wedding or engagement rings set with opals will need special care. For example they should be taken off before hands are immersed in water, as opals tends to absorb water. They should also be taken off before gardening, doing any carpentry tasks and before playing sports or swimming. It is also important, if worn in a dry hot climate, to take care, as opals will easily crack if exposed to too much heat, or if they experience a sudden change of temperature.

In spite of the care that must be taken with rings set with opals, they do look stunningly beautiful. Opals have been known to contain all the colors of the color spectrum. You can find them in any color from gray or off white to black, including all shades of color in-between. Of all of the colors, red opals are the rarest. White and green opals are by far the more common.  Fire opal rings are some of the most sought after, and the most expensive type of rings set with opals. A fire opal ring is sometimes called a Mexican opal ring. Black opals are also extremely rare and thus a black opal ring may be very expensive to buy, fetching prices in the thousands of dollars, especially if it is set with other precious stones such as diamonds.

An opal ring is interchangeably set in either gold or silver bands, oftentimes depending on the color of the opal itself. A gold opal ring looks best with the blue and green opals, as well as the fire opals. A black opal, on the other hand, looks beautiful when set in silver or white gold. When buying opals it is best to buy from a recognized dealer. It can be very difficult to accurately determine the worth of an opal and there are also many imitations and artificial opals on the market. If you are planning to buy an expensive gold opal ring, you do want to ensure that the opal set in the ring is of optimum quality.

Black onyx is a long time favorite to use when designing jewelry, though as it is somewhat translucent it is often dyed, or subjected to heat treatment so that it becomes a darker black than is naturally found. While treating other stones can sometimes lessen their value, this commonplace treatment of onyx does not lessen the original value of the stone in any way. Onyx has a six point five ranking on the Mohs scale and as such, it is not considered to be a very hard stone. Consequently, it tends to scratch easily and will chip if anything hits it with any force. Therefore, it is more suited to wear as a pendant or in decorative jewelry, rather than in rings that are worn every day.  As with other softer stones, care must be taken to remove any black onyx rings whenever you are gardening, doing carpentry work or playing any sports.  Rings that are going to be worn every day, such as a man’s signet ring, should be designed in such a way that the onyx stone itself is protected as much as possible from rubbing against any other surfaces.

Onyx has been used as a stone set in rings for centuries, with the famous sealing of documents with wax in earlier centuries done by pressing a signet ring into the melted wax. Signet rings today are still often set with a black onyx stone, and are used not only as decorative jewelry but also often as a sign that a person belongs to an institution or fraternity. A black onyx ring is very versatile, it can be worn with a casual outfit, or dress up evening wear equally as well. This classic stone is one of the few that can be worn on any occasion.

Onyx is often set in silver or white gold, as the stark contrast between the colors enhances the stone. Silver onyx rings either have the stone set into the head of the ring, or are slightly raised from the head of the ring.  It is usually recommended to set the stone into the ring as that helps to provide an added level of protection for this somewhat fragile stone. It looks equally as elegant when set in gold, with a favorite set being to have the black onyx surrounded by tiny diamonds or cubic zirconia. There are many different mens onyx ring styles, with some being very plain in nature while others are patterned or placed in a more decorative setting.

Whereas many other jewelry types tend to come and go depending on fashion, mens onyx rings have withstood the test of time. Black onyx has a history that dates back to the early Roman days, and possibly before.  While it has been a mainstay in men’s jewelry since those times, it has also had resurgences of popularity at different times over the centuries. Notably, during the reign of Queen Victoria it was a very popular stone amongst both men and women. When Queen Victoria’s husband died in the mid 1800’s, Queen Victoria declared that she would remain in mourning for the remainder of her days.  Those days royalty set fashion trends much as the music and movie industries do today. After her pronouncement, everyone started to wear mourning jewelry almost exclusively. Colorful gems and gaudy jewelry was banished, and the more somber and refined onyx came into its own. A similar situation occurred during the American Civil war, as with the loss of many lives mourning jewelry featured a revival.

These days the black onyx ring is not associated with mourning but rather with class and high fashion.  Mens onyx ring designs are classic with the rings often paired with onyx cuff links and tie pins. Onyx rings are not only designed for men either. There are many classically designed women’s onyx rings, onyx earrings and onyx pendants available. The great thing about black onyx is that it will literally match with any outfit worn, thus it can be worn on any occasion. It truly is one of jewelry’s classic stones.

Onyx rings are a perfect gift for any occasion.  While other applications such as pearl and diamond rings may scream passion, the onyx version can be given to a boyfriend, girlfriend and even your best friend without sending the wrong message.  The design and look of onyx is also unisex and can be worn of the finger of both a man and a woman and detailed with masculine and feminine touches.

Onyx is a form of quartz and is a mineral found in the earth’s crust.  Because of its abundance and variety in locations, the color bands range significantly from the ever popular black onyx to the unique purples and blues.  Used in early Egypt to make bowls and historically to dress the garments of priests and religious figures, it is no surprise that onyx has gained popularity throughout recent and previous years.

The sky is the limit concerning the style of onyx rings.  Because the black appearance of the mineral is complimentary to almost any banding material, jewelry fanatics have a wide array of options for both women’s and men’s onyx rings.  For consumers who love gold, the gold onyx ring has a unique appearance and quality.  Typically coming in a wide band, constructed of either 14K or 18K gold, the onyx gold rings can be plain and simple, or more ornate in detail with diamond accents and beveling.

The mens onyx ring is preferred in silver, with a black shine and bright sparkle that cannot be matched by any other precious metal in its combination.  While onyx is naturally extracted from the earth as a black mineral and is semi-translucent, it is important to find a jeweler that will perfect the stone’s brilliance by dyeing it to improve color.  Aside from the physical characteristics, on the Mohs hardness scale Onyx rates a 7, making it hard enough to withstand daily wear and tear associated with normal wear.  When onyx is set in silver, most jewelers will use a .925 sterling silver setting that is inexpensive and durable.  Online, consumers can find quality silver onyx rings for as little as $30.00.

Jewelry, unlike some items, is something that can easily be browsed as well as purchased online.  While other items such as clothing may be difficult purchase virtually, most people know their ring size and are able to make a small investment through the World Wide Web rather than being over charged at local retailers.  With several jewelry outlet sites, online jewelers and private parties selling their pieces for pennies on the dollar, those in need of a beautiful onyx ring can make the purchase from the comforts of their own home in a budget conscious manner.

When you are buying onyx rings and jewelry, you can never go wrong.  Because men have been sporting onyx rings for centuries to show off their social status, political faction, religious order and as identification, both traditional and more modern styles are on the market.  Some things to keep in mind when shopping for a black onyx ring is the wearers current jewelry and how this new addition to your jewelry collection will mesh with other accessories based on its size, shape and coloring.  Aside from accessories, comparing how these rings will set off a particular wardrobe will make you as a man look well put together.  It is also important to consider the environment you live in and your occupation, as some designs are more fragile than others.  While larger bands and stones can withstand repeated stress of housework and labor related professions, smaller and delicate ones can become damaged and weathered.

While the onyx ring, often referred to as a signet ring in ancient times, was used to symbolize a person’s status, it is more often used currently to show off the wearer’s sense of fashion.  The men’s onyx black ring is a perfect gift for a husband, father, grandfather or uncle and will be appreciated for years.  Browse various selections, and choose a ring that is easily customizable and holds a meaning for you and yours.

When buying a navel ring it is important to find those manufactured of a metal that will not irritate your skin.  For those allergic to nickel, sterling silver or gold, it is important to research the precious metal prior to making the investment.  Because the navel area is subject to sweat and dirt, infections can arise easily if not properly cared for.  Quality jewelry made from quality and professional piercing products are essential when dressing your belly button in style.  When you are looking for belly button navel rings be sure to investigate whether the pieces are made from the finest 316L surgical grade stainless steel.

The precious metal you are choosing will entirely depend on your budget and preference.  For higher budgets, titanium is a popular choice due to its quality and durability.  If you are searching for titanium belly navel rings, be sure to find a manufacturer or distributor that offers fashionable accessories that are non-allergenic with anodized 6AL4V-ELi Titanium.  While the investment may be a bit higher than other applications, titanium is the best route to go concerning the chances of your piercing becoming infected.

Gold navel rings are perhaps one of the most popular options for sale today.  Because gold is both appealing and affordable, it is no surprise that many body piercing fans have quite a few gold models in their jewelry box.  When you are shopping for a gold piece, be sure to research the type of gold used in the specific belly ring.  While some jewelers will advertise that their belly rings are gold for pennies on the dollar, some of these are gold plated or hollow.  Some manufacturers also add nickel to the mixture for a more affordable way of mass production.  If you are sensitive to nickel, make sure that the ring sports to nickel free logo.  In addition, check to see if the gold used is 14K or 18K.

Belly button navel rings can come in several styles for women.  Typically, they will resemble a rounded prod with gems or designs on the end that will rest in your belly button.  With options varying from gold, silver, surgical steel, titanium, and acrylic there is something for everyone.  Dangle navel rings have increased in popularity throughout woman because of the delicate addition they provide to a woman’s frame.  The dangling accessory can include charms or gems in various shapes and styles depending on the wearer’s interest and preference.  Animal lovers can choose their favorite pet to dangle, while those with a more celestial character prefer the moon and sun design.

Navel rings can scream glamour and extravagance, or whisper simplicity depending on your needs.  For those who get bored easily, it is a great idea to keep your collection fully stocked to coordinate with apparel for both casual nights and evenings on the town.  Because a navel ring is fairly inexpensive depending on the source you are purchasing it from, stocking up and keeping your options open will not break the bank or your pocket book.

The best thing about body piercings is that they enable the wearer to show off their own sense of humor with cleaver and unique rings.  With logo rings and those out of the norm designs there is something for everyone.  If you are looking for something entirely out of the norm, search gift and gag shops online for hilarious renditions of silver and gold navel rings from the ever popular acorn to a pair of lips.  Shopping online makes this search even easier and far more affordable than purchasing a ring locally.  Sign on to the World Wide Web and have a plethora of belly button rings at your disposal at a fraction of the price you can find locally.

While most people would assume all piercing accessories are made of high quality piercing products, this assumption can be one causing irritation to your mid region.  Be sure to research the materials the rings are constructed of and choose a reputable seller before allowing something to protrude in your skin that you may be allergic to.  Choose only the best when your health is concerned, and you will be pleased with your collection of navel rings.

Mother of pearl is very closely related to the pearl. It is formed on the inside of the shells of bi-valve fresh and salt-water mollusks, such as oysters and abalone. It is found all over the world, with Australia being a major producer, along with Mexico, Panama and Venezuela.  They are also found in the seas around Japan, and in the South Pacific waters. The formation of mother of pearl is a response to any irritants than enter the shells of these mollusks and is made from the same substances that are used to build the mollusk’s outer shell. It is in the formation, when the quality of the mother of pearl is determined.

The mollusk secretes calcium carbonate and a protein that binds the calcium carbonate crystals together. Regularity of crystals and the number of layers of the substance produced gives the mother of pearl (and any pearls that are formed as a result) lusters. Luster refers to the radiance of the light that is reflected off the mother of pearl, frequently not just off the surface but also off inner pearls.  Mother of pearl is very lustrous, reflecting not just one color but oftentimes many gradients of color. This, along with the iridescence, or the rainbow effect on the surface of the shell, is the beauty of mother of pearl, and ultimately what determines the worth of the mother of pearl. Different mollusks produce slightly different tones of color, ranging from white to an almost black color. A rainbow lipped or black lipped mollusk produces darker colored mother of pearl.  A white lipped mollusk produces a lighter color mother of pearl.  For example, the common abalone oyster produces mother of pearl produces turquoise, green, cream and the famous rose shades. The grey or green mother of Pearl produced by black lipped oysters commonly found in the Pacific is the most expensive and in demand.

Mother of pearl rings are beautiful pieces of jewelry, suitable to be worn for any occasion whether casual or formal. More often than not, it is set in Sterling Silver, as this is the best metal for bringing out the rainbow colors of these organic gems. A casual silver mother of pearl ring is usually made from bright colored mother of pearl, set in geometric designs. More simple traditional styles are often also sold; these rings do not have intricate designs and usually have one mother of pearl gem set in silver. Designer rings often feature more intricate designs, often using more than one mother of pearl gem to adorn it. You can also find classic mother of pearl rings set in gold, though certain hues and colors naturally look better with the color of yellow gold than others. For example, the darker shades, such as the grays, browns and greens usually suit the yellow color of gold bands well. White or light mother of pearl set in a yellow gold band, surrounded by tiny diamonds also looks very stunning. You can also find some amazing designs made out of mother of pearl, such as shaping different shades into a flower for example, that also look fantastic on a gold band. Alternatively, white gold can be used and in that case, any design that looks great in silver would also look good.

A popular favorite among women is the pink mother of pearl ring. There are various shades of pink to choose from ranging from the almost imperceptibly soft pink to the bolder brighter pink colors or the almost brownish pink gem.  A long time symbol of femininity, the very delicate nature of mother of pearl in pink shades, adds softness to any woman’s hand that it adorns.

Any mother of pearls ring offers a refreshing look, with a difference! A classic mother of pearl ring, such as an engagement or eternity ring, is often set in white gold with surrounding diamonds or other precious stones. They are also usually made with the more expensive, less common types of mother of pearl with the black gem often being used. While named black, the gem itself is not actually black but is rather a very deep, radiant opalescent sheen that reflects shades of dark red, green or blue evenly dispersed over the entire surface of the gem.

Different cultures have considered moonstones to be a dream-inducing gem. They believe that the moonstone is a symbol of fertility, love, luck and tenderness. Many couples from certain ethnic backgrounds will wear these rings to symbolize the deep spiritual connection that they have with one another.  The great shimmer of these rings depends on the angle that the light is reflecting off it. Vintage settings are back in style and come with some amazing designs.

The name moonstone comes from the similarity this gem has to the moon. A moonstone typically has a translucent and pearly look that is unique. There are many different types of moonstone rings available. The large selection make is very easy to find one that you really like and want to wear often. The clarity and body color of the gem will determine which one you think looks best on you.

A rainbow moonstone ring is orthoclase feldspar mineral. Rainbow moonstone rings are usually white with flashes of blue, green and red all within the same stone. These rings are usually set in sterling silver, but can be ordered in gold. They look great for casual everyday wear or even when dressing up for a special occasion. The great thing about these is that they go with any style or color of clothing.

Bella’s moonstone ring from the movie Twilight has triggered a surge in popularity of moonstone rings, with many people searching for replicas of the ring that she wore in the movie. This ring offers quality, comfort and most of all affordability. It has a luminous, milky glass stone for the centerpiece. The shimmer and iridescence of it makes it closely resemble the moonstone ring. The center stone is 18mm tall and ¾/cm wide. The band is silver plated, but can sometimes be available in gold.

A silver moonstone ring is very trendy and can be worn by men, women and children. Some people have even chosen it as an engagement ring. The unique designs make it so much fun to purchase more than one of these at a time. The genuine stones really add beauty and elegance to these rings. Silver moonstone rings are also sometimes worn by people who enjoy dressing in gothic or punk clothing.  The Sterling Celtic Knot Rainbow Moonstone Ring has inspired artwork patterns that resemble the Legendary Celts. This particular ring is very affordable, selling for approximately $18.

Moonstone gold rings come with different color gemstones. The shimmer of the moonstone is really brought out when in a gold setting. Since most of these rings are made with a silver setting, if you want gold most  of the time you will have to have it custom ordered. This can substantially increase the cost of the ring. Therefore, it is best to find one of these that is already in a gold setting that you like.

Moonstone rings have become very trendy over the last few years. They are worn by both old and young people and are very vibrant when they are worn. You will definitely have people complimenting you on how beautiful these rings look. Since not all jewelry stores carry these, you may have to shop online or have one custom made.  Having a ring custom made can greatly add to the cost because of the amount of labor and work that goes into designing it for you. The larger the stone in the ring, the more expensive the ring will cost you.  It is very important to take very good care of these, as they can easily be scratched. The gemstone is very delicate and needs to be handled with extreme care. The ring should only be cleaned with a mild cleanser and a very soft cloth. A jeweler can sometimes remove scratches on the moonstone if they are not too deep. Start shopping for one of these beautiful rings today. You will definitely see what everybody is talking about when they say just how stunning they really are when worn. The low cost of these compared to diamond rings is substantial. Therefore, if you are looking for a gorgeous ring without the big price tag, a moonstone ring is a great investment.

Some may know of this naturally occurring mineral from Bella’s moonstone ring in the Twilight movies; moonstone refers to a combination of elements that combine in nature to form a mineral that is opalescent or pearly in color. Light passes easily through the stone and is scattered in many different directions, which slightly changes the color and look of the stone. In geological and scientific terms, this combination of minerals is sodium potassium aluminum silicate, which all combines during a chemical change when the elements are in their molten state. Common moonstone is actually made up of two distinct species of rock, which are orthoclase and albite. When these two come together, they become intertwined as one piece of rock with alternating layers. Light can easily pass through these layers and is dispersed throughout the stone in many different directions. This produces a phenomenon termed adularescence, which gives the stone its pearl like semi transparent to opaque look. Moonstone is found in natural deposits all over the world, in places like Australia, Madagascar, Myanmar, parts of Europe and in the United States. Its uses mainly revolve around jewelry and it is often seen in rings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets.

Moonstone has no practical use but for jewelry making purposes. It is less common in men’s jewelry and more commonly used in women’s rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Uncut or raw moonstone is a lackluster material that doesn’t look like it would clean up well enough to be considered gem quality. A skilled cutter however can hone and cut a piece of moonstone so that adularescence is maximized and the stone appears shiny and polished. The common shape that moonstone is cut in is the cabochon which is simply a rounded cut with not facets like are seen in diamonds and many other cut stones. The most common overall shape is that of a circle or oval which maximizes the amount of light that can enter the stone and be refracted.

Round and oval cuts are commonly seen in rings of varying designs. Sizes vary from a half carat to several carats and some jewelers and cutters also use a faceted cut. The stones often take on a gray or pearl color but also come in oranges, peach and sand tones. Some ring designs have smaller diamonds that complement a much larger moonstone and are crafted of gold or silver. The color of the moonstone will largely determine the type of metal it will be set in. Gray or white stones go well with most any metal however, oranges or peaches tend to clash with silver or other light colored metals.

Largely, moonstones are an inexpensive stone and moonstone rings or other jewelry can often retail for under 100 dollars. Rings with extra stones like diamonds that are made of gold, platinum or silver will retail for more, depending on their exact design and characteristics of other materials. For a more specific example, a sterling silver ring with a 5 by 7 millimeter (approx 1 carat weight) moonstone can retail for about 20 to 30 dollars online. Price goes up with the size of the stone and a several carat silver moonstone ring will still be under 100 dollars assuming cut and polish are good. Gold, platinum and other more expensive precious metal alloys with moonstones can easily cost a few hundred dollars, and into the thousands if diamonds or other rare and valuable stones are added to the piece. A moonstone gold ring with no other stones in it can go for about 280 to 300 dollars. Rainbow moonstone rings parallel prices for true moonstone; the mineral from which rainbow moonstone is named is actually colorless and is a distinctly different material with similar properties to true moonstone.

Orthoclase albite, more commonly known as moonstone, is another one of the vast array of precious materials used for jewelry. If you have never seen a moonstone ring, the material is truly unique and elegant.  What’s more is that it is incredibly inexpensive compared to high end gem stones like diamond, ruby, sapphire and topaz.  Jewelry made from moonstone is readily available both online and in department or specialist jewelry stores. Have fun searching for your perfect moonstone!

Named after the scientist Ferdinand Frederick Henri Moissan, it is a laboratory-made compound called silicon carbide. In the 1890s, while exploring in Arizona, Moissan came upon some sparkly items he believed to be diamonds. While his determination of the type of material he held was incorrect, he was likely just as happy to discover that he had in fact stumbled upon an even more valuable treasure. His desert trek had put him in direct contact with traces of extremely rare silicon carbide, thought to have been carried to earth some 50,000 years earlier, when it caught a ride with a meteorite.

In time, silicon carbide would enjoy a life in the industrial world. Nearly indestructible, it was used in technical applications by major corporations that utilized semi-conductors. In this realm, a hard working scientist came to realize that this element was the perfect alternative to a naturally occurring diamond. As durable as the real thing, it could be cut to mimic a diamond, and modern scientists and artisans were soon at work making the Moissanite show as beautifully as a diamond.

As a quality stone used in the creation of all types of jewelry, it has the unique ability to compete directly with a naturally occurring gem. It is in fact stronger than rubies and sapphires, as well as other gemstones, and second in hardness only to diamonds. It offers exceptional brilliance, due to a refractive index of 2.65, which tops the index of 2.42 found in diamonds. It is remarkably tolerant, withstanding temperatures of 2,000 degrees. It is also impervious to destruction from many of the chemicals and solutions used in the jewelry making industry.

For this reason, Moissanite is far superior to other simulated diamonds or stones in jewelry making. While rhinestones and colored glass may be fun, they are not considered a long lasting alternative. Cubic Zirconium lacks spirit and brilliance, and may leave a consumer feeling somehow they were duped into obtaining something counterfeit.

As a treasured piece of jewelry, the Moissanite engagement ring will never disappoint. Available in all of the styles you would find in a traditional ring, a quality Moissanite diamond engagement ring can be chosen from a beautiful selection of pre-set pieces, available to view at a retail jeweler or internet location. These rings, in the traditional designs you might find for any engagement jewelry, are available in yellow and white gold, and the option to purchase a platinum Moissanite engagement ring is also available. Loose stones may also be obtained to design a custom setting.

Moissanite diamond engagement rings are not inexpensive, and should never be regarded as a cheap substitute. They are created to be a high-end jewelry offering, with all of the style and quality expected from a good piece of jewelry, while allowing the consumer to purchase it for a savings over standard diamond prices. It is set in exceptional metals, and should be cared for and enjoyed, as any piece of fine jewelry deserves.

One might expect to pay substantially less to purchase a Moissanite ring, but it should still be considered an investment piece. While a traditional 2 ct diamond solitaire ring may be financially unavailable to a young couple, the purchase of this size and style may be a realistic option when considering Moissanite. Costing only a fraction of the same ring of a similar quality and measure, it might be realistically obtained at a cost of about $1500.00 to $2000.00. This is in consideration of a solitary stone set into quality white or yellow gold.

When purchasing moissanite engagement rings, all of the standards normally desired should be accounted for. Exceptional cut and color of the gem is to be expected, with a fire that delights the senses. Available exclusively through the distributors of Charles and Colvard, they are manufactured for the market in conjunction with a research and development lab in North Carolina in the United States. Here old world style meets high-tech science, and the result is an amazing gem that is enjoyed and celebrated all over the world.  No future bride will hide her hand because her ring is not genuine. Instead, she will proudly display her gorgeous work of art.

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*(?*ese aren’t items buyers will find in a department store but more likely in a sole proprietor jewelry or artisan jeweler.  Other colors of gold such as green, blue and black are extremely rare and jewelry made from these materials is very valuable.  These can most often only be obtained through private dealers and artisans which charge a premium for hand crafted and custom designed jewelry from precious metals.  The more common colors of white, silver and the reds are easy to find and are always an interesting topic of discussion for interested admirers of jewelry especially for mens white gold rings with ornate designs or unique construction.  Colored gold prices run parallel and are often times more than prices for typical gold jewelry even though the content of pure gold in the alloy mixture is less than for jewelry made of basic gold alloys at higher percentages of purity.

White gold isn’t just white

For the past few decades, a popular marketing term used by jewelers and other dealers of gold has been the white gold term.  This is a label that technically encompasses many forms of gold alloys that take on colors of red, green, rose, pink, silver and white.  Some jewelers encase gold pieces in rhodium to achieve a white gold look.  These colors are produced by mixing a variety of metals with gold during a melting process.  The resulting metal is called an alloy because it is made up of more than just one metal element.  The most common way to make gold silver or white in color is by mixing pure gold with silver or nickel.  Some processes include a small percentage of zinc to add durability to the alloy.   Red, rose and pink colored gold are made by mixing pure gold with copper also known as disambiguation or Russian gold.  The metals and process used to create these colors are the same however, the content of copper in the alloy determines the hues of red, pink or rose.  Sometimes zinc is added to change the hue to a reddish yellow and more for a dark yellow.

One of the most interesting colors that gold can be made to look like is green.  Manufacturers accomplish this by excluding the copper content of the alloy mixture, which creates a greenish yellow hue.  A mixture of gold and silver are the only elements present and this is practice dates back to more than 500 years BC.  Green gold is also found naturally occurring in nature as an alloy composed of silver and gold.  The element cadmium can also be added in small amounts to gold alloys to achieve a green hue though it should be noted that this metal is toxic.  Other colors can be achieved such as black or blue colored gold by mixing other elements in with gold alloys during smelting.  No matter what alloy is created, colored gold can never be pure gold and in fact, even normal gold jewelry is not technically pure.  The pure element gold or Au that occurs in nature, also known as 24 Carat or 999MF is too soft for use in modern jewelry.  Naturally occurring gold is highly malleable meaning it can easily be shaped and has a low melting point.  Necklaces made from pure gold would easily break and the metal would not otherwise be as strong when not combined to form an alloy with certain other elements.  Hence, there is no such thing as pure rose, red, green, black, blue, or white gold.

Jewelry applications

The most widely used colored gold is white or silver colored gold.  The mixture first became popular in women’s jewelry but now a variety of applications for both sexes are produced some of the most sought after being mens white gold wedding rings, mens white gold diamond rings, gold and platinum mixture engagement rings and everyday men white gold rings.  Women’s white gold bracelets with small to medium sized diamonds are also very trendy.  True white gold or alloys containing silver or platinum will not fade and maintain their color indefinitely.  Rings and other jewelry made with a rhodium coating will fade over time and the base metal becomes exposed.

Rose, pink and red gold are becoming a more popular jewelry item for women in recent years.  Rose gold earrings, necklaces and rings are popular items at jewelry expos and art fairs.  Red gold pendants and necklaces are also a common item.  These aren’t items buyers will find in a department store but more likely in a sole proprietor jewelry or artisan jeweler.  Other colors of gold such as green, blue and black are extremely rare and jewelry made from these materials is very valuable.  These can most often only be obtained through private dealers and artisans which charge a premium for hand crafted and custom designed jewelry from precious metals.  The more common colors of white, silver and the reds are easy to find and are always an interesting topic of discussion for interested admirers of jewelry especially for mens white gold rings with ornate designs or unique construction.  Colored gold prices run parallel and are often times more than prices for typical gold jewelry even though the content of pure gold in the alloy mixture is less than for jewelry made of basic gold alloys at higher percentages of purity.