Once we establish the idea that any man can wear a bracelet if they so choose, the next question is ‘why should you wear a men’s bracelet?’. The purpose of a good looking and carefully selected bracelet isn’t substantially different from any other piece of jewellery, for example a ring or necklace. The bracelet’s purpose is to compliment your look, a noticed accessory, it’s not intended to be the central focus of your outfit, but rather a part which adds to the overall feel of the ensemble. What kind of bracelet you wear will largely depend on the types of outfits you wear. If you’re often suited and booted, then you’ll probably want to select an upmarket metallic bracelet. If you’re more often found wearing shorts and a worn t-shirt, you’ll likely going to want a bracelet which compliments that look, a leather, rope or beaded bracelet which looks rustic might be the perfect option. It’s important to realise that in both of the examples provided, the role of the bracelet was identical, it’s emphasising your overall sense of style. Just like any other type of well-chosen accent, it’s function is to demonstrate that your look is intentional and that effort has been made to look the way that you do. You’re not just wearing a suite because you have to, you’re wearing the suit because you want to look good, and a carefully selected bracelet makes that intention clear. It’s my opinion that bracelets, like necklaces, look their absolute best when they look like they’ve been broken in a little bit. When a piece of jewellery has too much shiny unblemished metal on show it can look a bit too blingy and gaudy. You’ll want to have your jewellery look like it’s been around the block a few times, that it’s travelled the world and been on an adventure. It’s part of your life’s story. A word of warning that’s worth bearing in mind – get something that fits. A chunk of metal that slides around on your wrist becomes frustrating, distracting and occasionally painful after a very short amount of time. A bracelet with a little bit of weight to it needs to be fitted fairly snuggly, while pieces made from leather, rope or are beaded can have a little bit more give in them. One of the major problems with men’s bracelets is that much of the classic menswear won’t easily accommodate a bracelet without detracting from the look. To put it another way, unless you’re getting your sleeves tailored to specifically accommodate a bracelet, your suit and shirt cuffs are going to be competing for the same wrist space as a bracelet, not to mention competing with your watch as well. This fact can mean that men’s bracelets are mostly a summer accessory when short sleeves are abound and there’s nothing restricting your ability to show off your bracelet. But, this does not necessarily mean you can’t wear a bracelet with a long sleeves outfit, you just need to be smart about it. Here’s our fool proof guide on how to wear a men’s bracelet without it looking out of place or awkward: It’s relatively easy to look out of place and uncomfortable if you have mismatches or excessive amounts of bracelets. It can look like you’re trying too hard, but haven’t quite got the hang of it or don’t know what look you’re going for. Keep things straightforward, simple and modest until you’ve got to grips with the style you want. Types and Styles of Men’s Bracelets This still leaves a very large number of varied styles of men’s bracelets to choose from, some of which may come as a surprise to you, and might include styles you might not have considered previously. Here are some of the popular styles that are in use today: Men’s Metal Bracelets The variety and types available here are fairly substantial, but the overall goal is going to be the same. A single solid, masculine and bold piece of metal on your wrist. It’s uncomplicated, manly, and can make quite the statement. A simple uncomplicated metal bracelet is ideal when you want something that’s a little bit flash and showy. Paired with classy and smart clothes it will speak for itself, providing flashes of brilliance when it appears from underneath your cuff. In order to accommodate the metal bracelet you might want to keep your shirt sleeves a little shorter than you would normally, however this largely depends on the thickness of the bracelet and where it lies on your wrist. Whatever you do, don’t wear it over your dress shirt, or you’ll end up with a strange looking fringe of shirt cuff poking out underneath the bracelet – not a good look. Keep clear of anything too flashy. One or at the most two colours of metal is more than enough and you’ll probably want to keep well away from gemstones. Most men’s metal bracelets are too chunky to pair with a wristwatch, in which case it’s a tossup between wearing a watch or wearing a bracelet. Anchor Bracelets for Men The anchor bracelet concept comes in a range of finishes, materials and clasp types. Many bracelets will utilise the same materials you might find on a boat such as cord, rope, wood and canvas. These bracelets are perfect for casual settings and will surely put you into the mood for enjoying the summer. Beaded Bracelets for Men The range of bracelets available is quite extensive, from ethnic inspired wooden beads to high value ebony or crystal variants, there are even very colourful plastic statement versions. The range of styles available is truly vast and can accommodate almost any style preference or personal taste. A significant part of the appeal stems from the fact that you can stack several types of beaded bracelets together in order to create a look that is truly unique and personalised. You can easily alter the size of beads, materials used and colours in order to create your own individual style, so whether you prefer something timeless and sophisticated or something bold and bright, you can complement your look effortlessly. For example, black and greyscale tones will supplement a smart and tailored look very well. While a wooden beaded bracelet will offer a more natural and earthy look that works well with a heritage sense of style. Beaded bracelets can also be used to inject a splash of colour into your ensemble, tying together an outfit by highlighting and picking out a subtle colour choice within the look. This can be accomplished by matching the beaded bracelet colour to a shirt, or simply add another complimentary element to an outfit which has been carefully layered and put together. Men’s Rope Cord Bracelet Some of these are will be decorated while others aren’t. Macrame hemp bands which have various beads woven into them are the ultimate surfer accessory, while popular celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher have been spotted wearing Kabbalah strings, which is a sort of new age bracelet made from knotted red cord. The advantage of these sorts of bracelets is that they are relatively inexpensive and can be personalised with very little effort. If you want, you can create your own with a little bit of practise. The style is very much relaxed, laid back and counter-culture, but not so much so that they won’t be accepted in most settings. You might not be able to wear a rope bracelet to a board meeting in a traditionally conservative business, but in most other settings it’ll be perfectly acceptable. You’ll find the bracelets are quite common in businesses that are less traditional or want to create a creative culture, for example design studios or software development companies. LiveStrong Charity Bracelets Wearing a cause band every single day, regardless of the other clothes your wearing, is probably not a great idea. Someone will undoubtedly do this, but try to be smarter and find a better way to support your cause. The bands don’t actually do much in terms of aesthetics or support, and wearing one every single day might do more harm than good, coming across as a little preachy or obsessive, especially to those who aren’t concerned with your chosen cause. It’s of course your prerogative as to whether or not you think wearing a cause band is the best form of activism available, but there are undoubtedly better ways to support something. Give it a bit of thought and mix your style up a bit. Men’s Rock & Roll Bracelet As a general guide, it falls into and out of fashion fairly consistently. So the best thing to do is wear it if you like it, and don’t wear it if you don’t, ignore the trends. You’ll probably want to avoid wearing some of the larger stuff with a suit and tie, but otherwise it’s fair game for most types of outfits. Some guys are even capable of wearing a chain of skulls with a suit, as long as it’s only glimpsed and fits in with their other accessory choices. Men’s Leather Bracelets A coloured leather bracelet is another option and has a different feel and style, it can be worn by any guy that wants the width of a metal band, but without the bling, flash and weight. Braided ‘Turks head’ style of bracelets finished in brown leather are a classic take and can be slightly preppy, sometimes worn with the blazers and boat shoes in crowd. Most men have already experienced wearing leather on their wrists in the form of a leather watch strap, so making the leap to a leather bracelet is not such a big step and can be one of the more appealing first steps into the world of men’s bracelets. Leather bracelets innately retain a sense of masculinity and it can also be versatile and refined. This means that depending on the size and style of the leather bracelet, it can still be used with formal dress, while still retaining a slightly rebellious edge. For example, a darkly coloured leather bracelet can very easily be worn with a smart suite and tie without looking out of place. Similarly, a slightly wider leather cuff can complement a t-shirt and jeans look, giving it a edgier rock & roll appeal. Additionally, leather can work well with wristwatches, giving you the flexibility to wear a bracelet and watch. Woven Bracelets for Men One of immediately obvious benefits of a woven bracelet is that the fabric versions are very affordable and are available in a diverse range of colours, which is great should you wish your bracelet to really stand out and act as a point of reference for the rest of your ensemble. Additionally, woven bracelets can be stacked and combined with any number of leather or beaded bracelets in order to create a stacked visually interesting effect, without necessarily becoming scruffy or unkempt. ID Bracelets If you’re looking to rock the retro look, then one of these is an obvious choice. There’s no harm in having an ID bracelet if you like the style, coupled with a plain white tshirt and fitted jeans, you’ll look like you stepped out of 1950s America. If it’s good enough for classic film stars such as James Dean, then it’s probably good enough for the rest of us… occasionally. Don’t overdo it though as it might be a bit of a gimmicky cliché. Men’s Magnetic Bracelets The claimed health benefits of such bracelets is not the purpose of this article, but aesthetically speaking they are generally difficult to recommend. Unless you’re a big believer in these types of bracelets then don’t bother. If you happen to find that magnetic bracelets do really help with your travel sickness, arthritis or whatever other ailment, then that’s great, just wear them when you need to and not as a perpetual part of your look. There’s not a whole lot we can say about these bracelets other than the style exists and that’s it’s functional rather than fashion related. At the end of the day, a quality bracelet does what any other quality accessory should do, complements and adds to the effect of the outfit you’re already wearing. Since you’ll probably change style and outfit often, even day to day, you’ll want to shop for and buy bracelets that can fit in with a range of choices. If you want to limit what you need to buy, look for something that compliments the clothes you wear most often, a natural fit is preferred over a forced match. That might mean that one guy buys lots of big, bold and chunky solid metal bracelets, while another guy buys a range of coloured leather bracelets. Or maybe you’ll want both in your collection so you can pick and choose what to wear each day based on the setting. Start small and get a few simple pieces, over time you can grow your collection if you find that you like wearing bracelets. There’s no rush and it’s better to get one piece that you really like rather than lot’s that you think are OK. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/mens-bracelets
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A £1000 ScholarshipMy Pearls provides exciting modern and traditional jewellery from many exciting designers from all over the world. For example: Pearl Necklace We recognise that power of written words powers the online world and we want to help the new generation of creative minds to demonstrate their skills in this area. We have created the My Pearls Scholarship for any Postgraduate or Undergraduate students with a passion for Jewellery or Writing to receive a £1000 award. Any students who are currently studying within the areas of Marketing, Business, Art and Design, IT or Communications may be very interested in this scholarship program. Expertise in these areas is not essential, a passion for content creation and working in an online business is enough. If you find this scholarship to be of interest but you have further questions, please don't hesitate in getting in contact with us. General Terms of ParticipationTo participate in this scholarship program you will need to research and write a unique piece of content of between 500-1000 words on the following subject: "How the Internet has Changed Marketing in the Past 20 Years". We would like you to include the following subtopics:
The winning submission will receive £1000 that will ideally be used for course materials or other resources which directly benefit your studies. Please read on for further details. Eligibility and CreativityThe scholarship is only for students that are currently studying at college, university or at high school. The content produced for the application must unique and as creative as possible. The essay should be able to convince any reader that you know what you're writing about and you're an expert in the subject area. We will judge the article on several criteria, for example creativity, content value and the information it provides. How to Submit your ApplicationFirstly, write an article of between 500-1000 words long and submit it to us as a pdf file. If you have a website or blog, please include a link to it. When you have completed your essay, email it to us at [email protected] with all of the details listed below.
By submitting your content, you are giving us to publish and use your content for promotions and marketing purposes. DeadlineThe deadline is December 31st, and the winner will be selected by January 20th. The winnings will be transferred to the winner by their preferred method, cheque, bank transfer, paypal etc. We run the scholarship program every year. Total Number of Submissions: 8from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/my-pearls-scholarship An eternity ring is quite possibly the most thoughtful and best anniversary gift you could ever give to your wife. The style of ring has existed for well over 4000 years, and for most of that time they have been a symbol of unity and undying love. If your anniversary is rapidly approaching and you’ve been stuck for ideas, then worry no more, because an eternity ring could be exactly what you’re looking for. Traditionally, men from different parts of the world and within different cultures would chose to give their wife an eternity ring on either their first or third wedding anniversary, but don’t let that stop you considering giving one for a birthday, Christmas or holiday present. Eternity rings embody the eternal and everlasting love you have your partner. It also signifies a significant and powerful bond you share and the commitment you’ve made to each other. Traditionally speaking, an eternity ring is used to mark critical milestones in a serious relationship. The design of an eternity ring is unique, and will most often feature gemstones or diamonds all around the outside of the entire band. The appeal of this sort of ring is that no matter the angle the rings is viewed from, it’ll looking uniformly beautiful, with gems and diamonds glimmering round the edge. With its enduring appeal and stunning significance, it has always been a very popular option as a gift for the special women in our lives. Even though the popularity of the eternity ring is undisputed, it’s completely understandable if this is the first you’ve heard of them, which is why we’re here to guide you through the choices available and pick the perfect ring. So, if you don’t know the significance of the ring, when to give one, or which type would best fit for you lady, or if you're just looking for a gift, or you’re responding to subtle hints, we’re here to help. A Brief History of Eternity RingsEternity rings, as we’ve already discussed, have throughout the ages been the symbol of a man’s everlasting love to the special women in his life. Traditionally, the ring is acquired by the man to give it to his wife on a special event, such as an anniversary or other wedding milestone. The husband may wish to gift the ring to his lady to mark a very special day, such as the birth of their first child together, or in remembrance of an anniversary. Historically, an eternity ring would only be given as an expression of love. The ring is most commonly worn on third finger of the left hand. According the roman beliefs, this the finger which contains the Vena Amoris or ‘Vein of Love’. This vein is connected directly to the heart. Even though by today's standards, this belief is only recognised as a romantic sentimental myth, the influence the Romans had on today’s beliefs continue to be felt today, centuries after the fall of the Roman empire. If we had the ability to look back in time, we would need to look back as far as 2000BC in order to glimpse the first known eternity ring being forged in ancient Egypt. During this time, the eternity ring was already synonymous with love, but were not necessarily used to mark special anniversaries or occasions. The earliest examples of eternity rings featured quite simple designs, often featuring semi-precious stones. A common theme for eternity rings is a snake eating its own tail, which has long symbolised eternity and love. During the 18th and 19th century, the design of eternity rings began to evolve. There are examples from the early 18th century, which demonstrate that eternity rings with selections of stunning gemstones were already being manufactured. Not only were the designs changing, but the rings were increasingly becoming available to the general public. In terms of timescales, gemstone eternity rings were the first to make an appearance, but diamond eternity rings soon followed and became increasing popular throughout the 19th century. Since then, diamonds have come to dominate the eternity rings market, become the mainstream option for most shoppers. Today, it’s not uncommon for an eternity ring to be worn together with the wedding and engagement on the ring finger of the left hand. The rings is most often sandwiched between the other two rings. However, this configurations is not absolutely set in stone, it could be worn on any finger on the left or right hand. Regardless, it still embodies the same significance, everlasting love. When Should I Give an Eternity Ring?Traditionally speaking, an eternity ring is most often given as a gift to a women when there’s a significant event taking place in the relationship. Any worthy milestone taking place for the couple can be celebrated with the gift of an eternity ring. An important event such as a the birth of the couple’s first child, a wedding anniversary, or even the birth of another child, can be commemorated with an eternity ring. These rings are beautiful and make for an impressively thoughtful gift, they are perfect for a multitude of occasions. Why not disregard tradition and opt to give an eternity ring as a first anniversary present? If you’re a traditionalist at heart, then you can always follow anniversary calendar and buy the ring to mark the special years of your marriage. For example, you might want to match the ring purchase with the corresponding gemstone for the year of marriage. A ruby eternity ring could be used to signify the 40th wedding anniversary, a sapphire eternity ring could be used to signify the 45th wedding anniversary, an emerald eternity ring would make for a perfect gift for the 55th wedding anniversary and finally the classic diamond eternity ring would make for a significant 60th wedding anniversary present. Of course eternity rings do not have to be only given on your wedding anniversary. They are the embodiment of symbolising the cycle of life, and as such would make an ideal gift for a new mum. If you do decide to gift one of these rings to the new mum, then I would personally recommend choosing a diamond eternity ring. Perhaps go above and beyond, and write down some of your thoughts and emotions during this special time to accompany the ring. You can tell her how much she means to you and how grateful you are for the sacrifices she has made to bring this extra person into your family. It will not only make her feel special, but it will also emphasise the everlasting love and commitment you have for her. Of course, a simple ‘I love you’ can also work wonders, perhaps written on a tag attached to the ring. Types of RingFull Eternity RingA full eternity ring can comes with a range of gemstones or diamonds on all sides of the ring, leaving no part bare. The whole band, ring, or shank is covered with spectacular gemstones. This type of ring is embodied by sparkling stones viewable from all angles. Most often the base will be made from a slim ring. This type of eternity ring works particularly well when worn with other rings, and as such is perfect if you want to wear it on the same finger as your engagement or wedding ring. As this ring features stones an all sides, they are extremely difficult to resize, and we would advise against even trying. For this reason, it’s extremely important to carefully select the correct size of eternity ring for your wife. You want to avoid picking the incorrect size and going through the hassle of returning the ring. If you can temporarily borrow an existing ring, or even the wedding or engagement ring, then you should be able to find the correct size. If you do happen to pick the wrong size, you can always ask the retailer if they can do an exchange, but be aware of restocking charges that may apply. If you want the best of the best, then a full diamond ring is the ideal choice. Half Eternity RingAs the name of the ring suggests, half eternity rings only feature diamonds or gemstones on one half of the ring. Of course the number of gemstones present largely depends on the size of the stones used and the size of the ring. On average, the stone content will likely be between five and nine stones. Most half eternity rings will feature uniformly sized gems or diamonds, however, some will feature a tapered gem design in order to create a more intriguing design. As you’d expect, a ring which contains fewer valuable gemstones will generally retail for less than full eternity rings, which makes them an affordable option which is well worth considering. Additionally, a half eternity ring can also be resized, unlike full rings, due to the fact it doesn’t have gemstones around the whole circumference. Ring SettingsEternity rings can come with a variety of stone settings. Every setting brings a unique look and style to the ring, so it’s worth considering when choosing your ring. There are three primary types of ring settings which you might find, these include: bezel settings, channel setting and claw setting. Claw SettingThe universally most popular type of setting you’ll encounter is the claw setting, this may also be called a prong setting in any literature. This type of setting is tried and tested having been used for setting stones for centuries, it’s one of the oldest types of settings known. It could be considered the traditional way of attaching a stone to a ring. The defining feature of the claw setting is the is the metal prongs that run up the side of the gem to hold it in place, effectively holding it like a claw, hence the name. This type of setting is definitely snug, the gems don’t have much ability to move around. We would warn you that it’s important to take care of rings with claw settings, you’ll want to ensure the claws do not become bent or misshaped. The claw setting is particularly well suited for round gem stones, because the claw does not cover the whole of the gem, it allows for the greatest surface area to reflect light and shimmer. If you’re interesting in choosing shiny gemstones, such as diamonds, then picking a ring with a claw setting is an obvious choice, by maximising light penetration and therefor showing off the stones best optical characteristics. An eternity ring which utilises gems set in claw settings will almost certainly stand out, even when viewed at multiple angles. There a few different types of claw fittings, perhaps one of the most interesting choices for an eternity ring is the shared prong. In this configuration the gems share prongs, allowing the gems to be placed side to side, maximising the amount of beautiful gems that your ring is capable of holding. Channel SettingThe channel setting is a relatively new type of ring setting, it’s non-traditional and offers several advantages over the other setting types, which could mean it’s the perfect choice for you. This type of setting holds gems in place by setting the gems within a groove or channel which has lip that sits above the gems, meaning the gems can’t fall out. The groove often gives a floating appearance to the gemstones, which is an interesting feature all by itself. The setting is well suited for princess cut stones, round stones and baguette cut stones. If you’re buying the ring for someone that’s active, then this fitting might be an ideal choice. The stones are perfectly secured, and flush against the ring, which means there are less protrusions which could cause the ring to snag. The stones will continue to have good luster and shine as light is still able to easily penetrate the stones. Bezel SettingThe bezel setting is another example of a very secure type of gem setting. Bezel settings can also be known as bar setting. The characteristics of the setting means not only are the gem and diamonds held firmly in place, but they are also framed by the metal of the ring. Unlike claw settings or paved setting, which generally puts each stone close to each other on the eternity ring, the bezel setting is good for presenting each stone as an individual. The bezel frames every stone separately, which allows the eye to distinguish each individual gem, each diamond or stone is treated as an individual piece. If you’re in the market for a unique eternity ring, then look no further than a bezel setting. This type of ring is both fashionable and contemporary. One the defining features of this type of setting, is that the diamonds and gemstones used can be a variety of different sizes and cuts. The metal used on the ring and how it’s formed around them gems can play an important part, allowing for both the gemstone and the metal design to be significant. The setting still allows for decent light penetration, so your gems will still shimmer at their best. We now hope that you’re armed with he prerequisite knowledge to go out and find the perfect eternity ring, and you’ll have a good idea of what design or shape would work best for the love of your life. Whether you decide to choose a full eternity ring or a half eternity ring, our top picks will hopefully make your decision that much easier. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/seven-examples-of-an-elegant-eternity-ring If you’re looking for a unique and memorable gift for the special girl in your life, then an amethyst ring is a beautiful option worthy of consideration. Large, wonderful amethysts are often found on antique cocktail rings, which gives them a delightful antiquated yet fashionable look, they truly are a splendorous gift that any discerning lady would appreciate.
Amethysts are classified as semi-precious stones. It is a form of quartz crystal, but one which has a unique purple hue, they are undoubtedly a significant type of mineral, with unparalleled natural appeal. In case you didn’t already know, Amethysts are the traditional birthstone of anyone born in February, making it the perfect choice for any February birthday girls. Additionally, it is the gemstone for anyone celebrating their sixth or seventeenth wedding anniversaries. It is said that Amethysts represent a profound sense of well being and satisfaction with life. The gem continues to offer an enduring appeal for many, and is well known semi-precious stone and is loved by many people in all walks of life. Amethysts are timeless in their appeal and have been sought after and well regarded for centuries. Some believe that amethysts have an inner energy, one which has the ability to empower the individual and to soothe a troubled mind. Amethysts Through HistoryOne of the first cultures recorded as having a love affair with flawless purple amethysts was the ancient Greeks. The Greeks related these gemstones with the wine god, Bacchus, which is perhaps unsurprising, given the gemstones colouring being similar to a grape. They Greeks allegedly wore the crystal in order to protect themselves from become inebriated, how successful this ploy was is somewhat debatable. This belief lead to the name for the gemstone we have now, in ancient Greece “amethystos” translates into “not intoxicated”, which might suggest their theory at least worked on the psychological level. As per the legendary properties, an amethyst gem is said to keep the wearer fully lucid and smart. Artist, inventor and all round smart guy Leonardo da Vinci believed that amethysts are able to improve knowledge retention and protect you from less than desirable thoughts. Looking into Greek Mythology, Amethyst was a young, playful virgin who became a victim of the Greek God Dionysus’s red wine induced drunken antics. Amethyst is said to have appealed and shouted for help from the Goddess Diana. The goddess obviously thought the appropriate response to an appeal to help was to turn the young lady into a white, opalescent quartz stone (who knows how Greek gods minds work). Once Dionysus sobered up, he regretted his inebriated behaviour and cried. The gods tears streamed into his cup of red wine, which upended, pouring teary salty wine all over the white quartz crystal, turning it into a purple gemstone which we now know as Amethysts. I’m not sure what the life lesson for this tale is, I suspect it’s don’t bother Greek gods when they are drinking, or when they are sober. ANTORAY SOLITAIRE AMETHYST RING - Buy it from MyPearls Amethyst crystals have been incorporated into a host of royal collections throughout the world, from the ancient Egyptians, through to the British royal families gems. The Smithsonian institution is said to have acquired an Amethyst in excess of a whopping 200kg. There is evidence that suggests that ancient societies favoured this gemstone above all other precious jewels. Currently this stone is seeing a resurgence of popularity, equalling that of ruby’s and sapphires. During the early days of the Christian church, amethysts evidently played an important role, for example, they would often be used as the main gemstone in bishops rings. The imperial purple shading has noteworthy significance and is said to represent Christ. Saint Valentine who’s name day is all above love, was described as wearing a ring set featuring cupid intricately carved into an amethyst. Additionally, the precious stone is the emblem of Saint Matthias. Likewise, they are numerous biblical references to amethysts. It was one of the twelve precious stones set into the chief priest Aaron’s breastplate. Until fairly recently, genuine amethysts were prized and given the same status as diamonds. However, after massive deposits of the stones where discovered across South America and other locations, the stones abundance significantly increased. This overabundance lead to the diminishing intrinsic value of the stone, however, it doesn’t detract from the natural beauty of the gem. Amethyst Ring Buying GuideIn centuries past, an amethyst would only be in financial reach of the nobility. Nowadays, the story is somewhat different, the gem is incredibly popular and accessible, owing in part to the cost of the stone, but also due to its enduring aesthetic appeal. What makes the amethyst stand out against its gemstone piers is the fact that the stones cost does not exponentially increase as the carat value of the stone goes up, for example a 2ct amethyst will most often cost twice as much as a 1ct amethyst, while the same cannot be said for a ruby or diamond. Instead, the value of an amethyst depends largely on its shading. It’s worth noting that there is no internationally recognised grading system, so it’s vital to understand what to look for when buying an amethyst ring. Colour MattersAn amethyst colours can vary greatly from gemstone to gemstone, ranging from a deep rich crimson purple through to pale lilac. Additionally, the clarity can range from crystal clear to a translucent quartz. Most jewellery makers prefer a rosy purple to subdued purple, as long as the gems brilliance is not adversely affected. In extreme cases, an extremely dark and dim gem may looks black, which of course has its own appeal. A gem with brown or earthy tints within the purple hue, or a stone with any easily identifiable shading zoning, is intrinsically worth less than a stone without these defects. Any wholesaler purchasing these stones in bulk will most often inspect the stones for such flaws, which is facilitated by having the jewels against a solid white background. The ‘ideal’ amethyst would be a deeply set purple shade, with negligible or non-existent shading edging. The stone will look positively brilliant in natural sunlight, possibly less so under synthetic lighting. The rich purple hue will be strikingly vibrant, taking on an opulent purple which might be accompanied by flashes of rose colouring. An amethyst with a light shading or which has areas of light or subdued purple hues are intrinsically less valuable. Perhaps the most sought after and valuable amethyst originate from Siberia, these gems are often deeply purpled with brilliant flashes of red and blue. Luster and LucidityAmethysts are classified as a type 2 gemstone. A type 2 gemstone would generally expected to have a couple of incorporations and are most often no ‘eye clean’. This means that a jewellery quality gem could be expected to have some incorporations which are visible to the naked eye, having said that there’s a good chance an untrained eye would be unable to notice such flaws. A ‘eye clean’ gem is of course generally speaking worth more than a similarly shaded gem which includes incorporations. The majority of the faceted amethyst market is ‘eye clean’. Stones originating from Africa, and in particular from Zambia, have a unique and beautiful raspberry shading. They also have a tendency to have more incorporations, at least compared to such stones from other regions, for example Brazil. However, it is widely accepted that the profound shading makes up for any perceived flaws, and the gems are often sought for faceted stones. Any ‘eye clean’ gems with the same raspberry shading would be highly sought after. Amethysts with profound eye noticeable flaws, but with beautiful shading are not discarded, these will often find their way into jewellery as beads or cabochons. Such beads and cabochons with brilliant shading and lucidity can fetch a premium price tag at market. On occasions, an amethyst may undergo crack repairing treatment in order to increase the gems value and lucidity. Cut GemsJust like other gemstones, amethysts can be cut into a range of shapes and designs. For example, ovals, circles, emerald cuts, cushions, pears, triangles and much more besides. Designs are dictated by fashions and changing tastes over time, however, triangular and kite shaped designs, which are also known as splendid cuts, are increasingly popular choices. The preferred cut or shape is of course a very personal choice, there is no right or wrong option. Amethysts are also particularly well suited to custom or freestyle cuts and shapes, owing largely to their availability and the forgiving nature of the stone. The cutting can be accomplished by both traditional manual methods or with the assistance of modern day electronic tools. The appeal of a custom cut gemstone is undeniable, it offers the purchaser a way to have a unique piece of jewellery unlike any other piece in the world. It’s also possible to have a gem carved or engraved with something significant for the wearer, whether that’s carving the gem into the shape of an exotic animal or engraving the initials of a loved one, the options are endless. Gem Carat WeightAmethysts come in a range of sizes and weights, and are particularly well suited for large center stones, since the value of the stone does not increase dramatically increase as the size of the stone increased. Most amethyst jewellery purchased will be found in adjusted cuts, this basically means the gems are cut to industry sizes. Gem CleaningAn amethyst ring can be cleaned with warmed water and a very mild cleaning agent, a soft bristled brush can then be used to clean any nooks and crannies. After cleaning, the ring should be gently patted dry and allowed to air dry thoroughly before being stored or worn. Alternatively, the ring may also be cleaned in a ultrasonic cleaner. Please bear in mind that amethyst rings should not be exposed to direct sunlight for any length of time, the sun will have a bleaching effect over time, causing the purple colouring to pale. You should never heat the ring excessively or use a steam cleaner. Amethyst Ring ConclusionIf you don’t have the budget for a natural amethyst ring, you can opt for a manufactured gemstone instead. It’s worth keeping in mind that a manufactured amethyst will rarely have the same reflective qualities or deeply engrained hues that are possible in a natural stone. Any manufactured stone should be labelled as such, so it should be relatively straightforward to easily identify a natural stone from a lab made variant. The majority of natural stones originate from Brazil, Austria, Russia, Zambia and South Korea. Some jewellers may work to enhance the shade of an amethyst with what’s called warmth treatment. This can in some circumstances turn the stone slightly yellow, brown, red, uncoloured or occasionally green. If the stone is no longer purple, then this process might be the cause. If you want a wonderfully unique and fashionable ring, then choose an amethyst ring. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/the-magnificent-amethyst-ring Jewellery can be quite a subjective thing. After all, even with huge marketing budgets and celebrity endorsements, you might find the latest trendy piece of jewellery to be quite boring and unattractive. The same could also be said for Resin Necklaces, but everyone at MyPearls loves them. Wooden resin necklaces are one of the most visually appealing and unique pieces of jewellery available. Each and every piece is completely unique one of a kind work of art. Looking at one is like looking into another world, full of colour, motion and mystique. In some of the resin necklaces there are special touches, such as swirls of colour, specks of gold foil, or tiny flowers, all of these impart a magical element to these small works of art. Each necklace takes between one and three weeks to produce, using a range of different types of wood, resin and wax. Small pieces of wood are carefully selected and either broken or shaped to fit with the theme of the piece. These are then encased with coloured or clear resin, allowed to dry, and further shaped and polished to create these perfect pendants, which seem to radiate light. No two necklaces are ever the same, and it’s a joy to look into tiny works of art and seem to perfectly capture the wonders of the world around them. Pricing for these necklaces is very affordable and starts at as little as £12, which is exceptionally affordable and beats almost any other type of jewellery, at least in our books. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/the-beauty-of-a-resin-necklace If you’re looking for an elusive and rare gemstone ring, or if you’re simply shopping for someone born during the month of June, then you’ve almost certainly come to the right place, MyPearls has an exciting collection of Alexandrite Rings. An alexandrite ring could be exactly what you’re looking for, it’s the perfect gift for almost any occasion. Alexandrite is traditionally the birthstone for anyone born in June, but it’s also the gem for the 55th wedding anniversary. We think alexandrite is so special that it’s well worth considering as a promise ring, wedding ring or engagement ring. What is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is part of the chrysoberyl family of minerals, it’s an uncommon gemstone and for this reason it’s quite special. The stone is related to coloured and transparent beryl gemstones. Alexandrite is created when nature mixes beryllium and aluminium together, with a pinch of titanium and chromium. With the right combination of time, pressure and heat an alexandrite gemstone is produced.
Alexandrite Colour OptionsThis rare and exciting gem possesses the unique ability to change depending on the type of lighting available. During the day when exposed to natural sunlight, its colours can range from green, blue, yellow and brown. Under artificial light, its colours can range from a bright red, to purple and orange. Due to this colour changing feature, the stone has been affectionately referred to as the stone which is “emerald by day, ruby by night”. Alexandrite CutsLike most other gemstones, alexandrite can be cut and shaped into any style required. Even though the gems hardness is rated as 8.5, jewellers tools and methods allow the stone to be shaped to almost any shape, including cushion, square, round, oval, pear, trillion, heart and much more becides. Alexandrite HistoryThis beautiful gemstone has an unusual and contested history. There are basically two competing schools of thought regarding the stones discovery. The most likely theory is that French Mineralist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld discovered the gem in 1834 during an expedition to Russia’s Usal Mountains. Initially it was thought that alexandrite was an emerald, which was understandable as the Ural mountain region was a known source of emeralds, and contained several emerald mines. Once confirmed as a new type of gemstone, the name Alexandrite was chosen in order to please the Russian Czar Alexander. More fanciful and less likely theories suggest that the stone was discovered on the same day that the future tsar of Russia came of age. Alexandrite was even declared the national gemstone of the Imperial Russia’s Tsardom. It’s for this reason that Russia’s national colours continue to be green and red, even to this day. For a number of years it was thought that Russia was the only source of Alexandrite on the planet, but in recent decades substantial deposits of the gems have been discovered in other regions around the world. Unfortunately, the mines of Russia have mostly been drained of their Alexandrite, we now need to look to countries such as Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar and the East African region. Sadly, most of the newer Alexandrite deposits are not as enchanting as the Russian equivalent, the colours are less vivid, they don’t change colour as much depending on the light source, the colour changes are less dramatic and the hues are less vivid. Alexandrite Healing & BeliefsIn some spiritual circles, this stunning stone has long been linked with discipline, concentration and self-control. It is believed by some that alexandrite possesses the ability to increase an individual’s learning ability and is capable of promoting deeper and better concentration, so take note for any students out there. Someone which wears an alexandrite ring is said to have increased self-control, augmented natural talents and are believed to pursue excellence in all things academic. Aside from alexandrite’s amazing properties, beryl gemstones have long been associated with peaceful minds, clarity of thought, enhanced creativity and increased self-belief and confidence. The stones are capable of repelling bad energy while acting as a conduit and magnet for positive energy, funnelling good energy from the surrounding area into the wearer. Russian legends state that the gem has the ability to bring good fortune to the wearer and guaranteed luck when it comes to relationships and love. In addition, the stone can act as a link between the spiritual and physical world, allowing for increased awareness of the spirituality of all living things. Alexandrite is also the birthstone for June and anyone wearing it can benefit from the associated astrological energy. Ever since its discovery, alexandrite has long been used in various crystal healing practises. So in addition to its miraculous ability to improve one’s learning ability and increase spiritual awareness, it’s also been used to treat issues with hearing and the inner ear, as well as problems with the lymph nodes and improve blood circulation. Regardless of whether or not you believe this, the gem obviously holds sway in alternative healing circles and can make for an interesting talking point. Alexandrite Ring CareAlexandrite is well known as a resilient, strong and hard gem, which can easily be worn every day without any concerns. However, even though the stone is hard wearing, it still needs to be treated and cared for correctly. The easiest and best way to clean an alexandrite ring is to place it in a bowl with warm water and a very small amount of mild soap. When washing the ring with the soapy solution a soft cloth should be used, or alternatively, a very soft bristled child’s toothbrush can be used to get into the nooks and crannies. Once cleaned, rinse the ring with freshwater to wash away any residue or leftover soapy water and gently pat the ring dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Leave the ring to air dry out of direct sunlight and away from an intense heat sources. It’s important to ensure harsh cleaning agents are not used, as these may cause irreparable damage to the alexandrite ring. Using more advanced cleaning methods such as ultrasonic cleaners or steam should be safe to do with an alexandrite ring, the stone is hard enough to undergo such treatments, so it shouldn’t cause any issues. But as with any new cleaning method, it’s best to understand the process thoroughly and to consult with an expert if required. Even if you care and clean your ring regularly, it’s still worthwhile having it professionally cleaned and polished once a year. To maximise the lifespan of the ring and to avoid inadvertent damage, it’s advisable to remove the ring before doing anything physical with your hands. For example, if you’re an keen amateur car mechanic, enjoy the odd spot of DIY or even wash the dishes occasionally, then it’s probably best to remove the ring before these activities. It’s unlikely you’ll damage the gemstone, but you might damage the setting or knock it loose. Avoid trying to adjust the gemstone within the setting unless you have experience doing so. If you feel the gem is lose it’s probably best having an expert take a look, a well-intentioned adjustment may inadvertently loosen the gem further, and could result in losing the Alexandrite from the ring. Lastly, since alexandrite is an exceptionally hard gem, you’ll want to be extra careful when wearing it with additional rings. The stone can easily scratch or damage any stone with a lesser hardness rating, or alternatively damage the metal finish on other rings. We would recommend investing in a proper jewellery storage box in order to keep the alexandrite secure and unable to damage any other pieces of jewellery. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/13-brilliant-alexandrite-rings Topaz makes for an ideal gemstone ring. The gem embodies certain properties which make it a desirable stone, it comes in a range of sought after colours, it’s good hardness means it’s not easily scratched or damaged, and it’s relative abundance and accessibility ensure it continues to be one of the most popular gemstones. Topaz rings are a staple of the jewellery market and are ever increasing in popularity. Imperial Topaz which is characterised by its golden yellow colours is the most valuable colour of Topaz, followed closely by stones with a dark pink/red and orange/red hue. He inherit value of the stone increases in proportion to the deepness of the orange and reddish coloured hues. However, the most common colour used in jewellery today is the blue topaz. Blue topaz is a relatively recent occurrence, which is chiefly due to the fact the nearly all blue gem topaz is formed by being irradiated and heat treated. Natural Topaz RingsTopaz is an abundant and cost effective gemstone. It is often found formed into very large and flawless crystals. These giant gemstones can be cut into giant gemstones and are capable of weighing thousands of carats. Due to this, some of largest gemstones which have every been created and used in jeweller were made of Topaz. Topaz is an innately hard and robust gemstone, and is not easily damaged or dissolved in solvent solutions. However, it’s still important to be careful with Topaz, it is possible to chip or cracking internally if exposed to significant trauma. Topaz is described as a pleochroic gemstone, which essentially means it’s capable of showing a range of colour intensities and hues depending on the angle the gem is viewed from. Despite its common use in jewellery, natural blue topaz is rare and it’s almost always very faintly coloured. Most blue topaz you’re likely to encounter has been irradiated and heat treated in order to create the blue hue. Before being treated, the original stones where likely colourless or very lightly coloured, the radiation process will then work to deepen and emphasis the blue hue and lastly the heat treatment works to stabilise the colourisation. Topaz HistoryIt is widely agreed that the name for Topaz originated from Topazios, which is the old Greek name for an island located in the Red Sea, which is now called Zabargad. The island actually never produced Topaz, but it was a producer of peridot. It’s likely that the peridot was confused with topaz, which is something that has been rectified with modern mineralogy methods. The ancient Greeks thought that Topaz would give them power and strength. During the Renaissance period in Europe, it was commonly believed that topaz had the power to prevent and break magical spells, as well as having the ability to dissipate anger. For hundreds of years, it has believed by many people in India that when topaz is worn above the heart, it can assure a long life, intelligence and promote beauty in the wearer. Imperial Topaz originated in 19th century Russia. During this time, the Ural mountain range were the leading source for topaz, and the uniquely pink gemstones mined in the mountains were named to honour the Russian czar. To ensure its exclusivity, ownership of the pink gemstones was restricted to only the royal family. Topaz Engagement & Wedding RingsTopaz engagements are defined by the beautifully eye catching and hardy gemstone at the centre of the design, topaz is a perfect choice for an everyday wear wedding ring. With the huge variety of options available, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the choice and options available. This short guide will hopefully make your decision easier and allow you to pick the perfect ring. On paper topaz is the perfect gemstone, it’s durable, stunning, flashy and very affordable. Additionally, topaz is easily shaped and cut to match almost any desired option, including emerald, pear, heart, cushion and round. Topaz is a type of silicate crystal mineral, and has been a popular engagement and wedding ring for a number of years. Most topaz rings sold today have been enhanced in some way in order to emphasise the vibrancy of the colours, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Topas is mined in a number of countries including, Brazeil, Afghanistan, Germany, India, Russia and the United States to name but a few of the topaz producing countries. Blue Topaz Engagement RingsMost of the blue topaz found in today’s engagement rings started life as a colourless stone, this stone is then irradiated and heat treated to produce the stunning range of blue shades which are now commonly associated with blue topaz engagement rings. The sort of treatment is very common occurrence and only serves to enhance the appearance of the gemstone, the resulting colour is very stable and no special care or attention needs to be paid to the ring in order to maintain the colour. A blue topaz engagement ring is very affordable, with prices ranging from around £8 per carat through to £40 per carat. Some of the hues of blue are inherently worth more than others, normally darker colours such as ‘Swiss Blue’, ‘London Blue’ and ‘Sierra Blue’ will cost more than a lighter variant. London blue topaz rings are characterised by their deep almost teal colouring, and are one of the more costly types of Topaz available. A large portion of the intrinsic value of a blue topaz gemstone is not in the raw stone, it’s in the labour that goes into shaping and cutting the stone into the desired shape. As such, a commercially massed produced cut stone can be bought for as little as £30, however a custom designed and cut stone may sell for more than £200. As most topaz is naturally clear, high clarity does not significantly impact the price of a stone. However, any visible inclusions or faults can significantly reduce the price of the stone. Unlike many other gemstones, the price per carat does not exponentially increase as the size of the stone increases. For example, a five carat blue topaz engagement ring might not cost significantly more than a one carat blue engagement ring. It’s no unusual for the rings metal or any accompanying gems, such as diamonds, to have the biggest impact on the final cost of the ring. As such, choosing a sterling silver blue topaz engagement ring might be the perfect choice if you’re looking to keep costs down. Imperial Topaz Engagement RingsLike blue topaz, almost all imperial topaz on today’s market has been treated to enhance the natural colourisation of the stone. Most of the gems would have originally been faintly coloured, which has then been irradiated and heat treated to produce a some impressively intense oranges, reds and pink colours. A pink topaz engagement ring will cost around £30 per carat, but unlike their blue counterparts, the price per carat can increase significantly once the carat weight goes above 5 carats. Intensely bright pinks will often sell for more than £30 per carat. Naturally pink topaz which has not been treated will sell for many thousands of pounds per carat, making them some of the most expensive gemstones available. It’s worth noting that some jewellers will sell competitively priced ‘natural pink topaz’, this is actually slightly misleading, as they are still treated to achieve the colour. All topaz, even enhanced versions are still classed as natural gemstones. Precious Topaz Engagement RingsPrecious topaz is used to describe the bright almost luminous yellow or orange gemstones. As with every other type of topaz, the incredible yellow hues and orange colours are created by exposing the gemstones to radiation and heat treatment. This treatment has very good stability and are very unlikely to fad over time. Yellow or orange engagement rings will usually be priced at around £20 per carat for anything underneath 5 carats, this will increase to around £60 per carat for gems over 5 carats. If a topaz has an especially vibrant and intense yellow or orange hue then the cost of the gemstone can increase dramatically. Custom cuts and designs will invariably demand a higher price tag. Mystic Topaz Engagement RingsMystic topaz engagement rings are exemplified by their ability to reflect a rainbow of colours, this can range from dark peacock colouring through to light rainbow effect. Mystic topaz was developed in late 1998, but it was not until 2003 that the colour began to gain traction in the jewellery world. Today the gem is very popular, but thankfully the price remains affordable. Just like every other topaz variety described here, mystic topaz begins life as a colourless stone. There are varying treatments available to create the mystic effect, however, only the diffusion method has been demonstrated to be effective at holding the colouring for a long period of time. Brown Topaz Engagement RingTopaz frequently occurs in natural brown hues, or can be altered via irradiation and heat treatment. Despite the connotations associated with the colour, some Topaz with brown colourings can be quite beautiful. However, there are some issues these stones in particular. They have a tendency to fade once exposed to direct sunlight, so for this reason we cannot recommend the stone colour for use in a engagement or wedding ring. Green Topaz Engagement RingMost green topaz available on the market have been treated in order to create the colouring and vibrant green colour. Unfortunately, the stability of the colour in green topaz is largely unstable. Most green gemstones have been shown to fade over time, the fading process is also accelerated by exposure to sunlight. For this reason it’s hard to recommend green topaz for an engagement or wedding ring. However, work is underway to improve the stability rating of green topaz, so we’d hope to be able to change our opinion very soon. Colourless Topaz Engagement RingColourless topaz is the most common natural form of Topaz that is frequently mined. A clear, brilliant and beautiful colourless topaz ring is a great way to exhibit the stones innate splendour and fire. Caring for a Topaz RingTopaz is generally regarded as a long-lasting, resilient and hard gemstone, which is one of the reasons it makes for such a good every day ring. However, even though the gem is hard, it can still become dirty and require some minor maintenance to ensure it looks its best. The simplest and one of the most effective methods for cleaning a Topaz ring involves soap and water. Simply place a small amount of warm water in a bowl, add a few drops of mild soap and the ring soak for a couple of minutes. Using a soft bristle brush or cloth, work your way around the ring and try and get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any built up dirt. Once cleaned rinse the ring with fresh water to remove any soapy residue, pat the ring dry and leave to one side to dry in a well ventilated location away from direct sunlight. If you can, avoid doing all of this over the kitchen sink, the last thing you want to do is accidentally knock the topaz out of its setting and watch it disappear down the sink hole. If you have access to a ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner, you should have no problems using this with your topaz ring. However, as with all advanced cleaning methods, it’s recommended to thoroughly read and understand the instructions before starting the cleaning process. It might seem obvious, but if you’re going to handling harsh chemicals, carrying out DIY or working extensively with your hands, it would probably be a good idea to remove the ring until you’ve finished these tasks. Even though the gemstone will remain intact, you don’t want to damage the rings settings. As Topaz is a relatively hard gemstone, you’ll need to be careful when wearing the ring with other less sturdy gems. For example, both pearls and opals can be easily scratched and damaged by another adjacent gemstone ring. So just be wary of what you’re wearing with your Topaz ring. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/12-outstanding-examples-of-a-topaz-ring If someone close to you was born in the month of May, then an emerald ring might just the perfect gift. Emerald is well known as the birthstone for anyone born in May. Not only does emerald represent May births, it’s also the gemstone used for the 20th, 35th and 55th wedding anniversaries. If you’re looking to buy a natural emerald ring be prepared to spend some money, natural emeralds are one of the most expensive gemstones available. If your budget is limited, or if you’re not overly obsessed about buying a natural emerald, then it’s worth considering buying a synthetic emerald. There are many lab grown emeralds available in a huge range of hues, sizes and cuts, many of which are on a par with any natural mined stones. If your goal is to buy a top quality affordable emerald ring then there’s no reason not to consider a synthetic stone, if however you’d rather buy a mined variety, then you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the absolute best deal possible. Emerald rings can be quite expensive so it’s with this in mind that we decided to write this article, we want to make sure you’re armed with all the necessary knowledge in order to make an informed decision. Read on and let us take you through the history, characteristics and features to look out for in this fascinating gemstone.
Emerald Ring HistoryThe word emerald originated from the French word ‘esmeraude’, while in turn ‘esmeraude’ comes from the Greek and Latin word for green stone ‘smaragdos’. Emeralds are ancient gemstones. According at the oldest surviving book in the world today, the ‘Papyrus Prisse’. “But good words are more difficult to find than the emerald, for it is by slaves that it is discovered among the rocks.". The ‘Papyrus Prisse’ is over 4500 years old, but this particular passage is referencing another piece of writing from 1000 years earlier. It’s likely that the book is referring to the ancient Egyptian mines. Cleopatra’s mines were lost for thousands of years, but where rediscovered in 1818. The poor quality and relatively small size of the stones produced by the mines was probably a factor in why they were originally abandoned. It wasn’t just the Egyptians that prized emeralds, the Incas and Aztecs valued emeralds greatly when they where discovered in Columbia. Many cultures around the world have sought emeralds, attributing great value onto the possession of these gems. Unfortunately, violence has been entwined with the history of emeralds, which is well illustrated by the fact that during the 16th century, Spanish inquisitors looted thousands of gems from mines in South America, murdering thousands of natives in the process. This even also put South America into the gemstone limelight. From this point forward, many wealthy individuals and royal families looked to South America to supply them with beautiful emerald stones to adorn their crowns, bracelets, necklaces and rings. Regardless of whether the gem is the at the centre of a Russian crown, part of the Iranian state treasure, or is a favourite of a billionaire collector, emeralds have long been associated with status and royalty. Choosing a Quality Emerald RingMaking the decision to press the buy button when shopping for emerald rings online might not be a straightforward task, especially if you’re looking to ensure you’re buying a genuine emerald ring. There are a number of gemstone qualities which are worth understanding before committing to clicking the buy button. When selecting an emerald ring to buy it’s advisable to pay close attention to the emeralds shape, colour, size and clarity. Unlike diamonds which are graded using a specialist tool that allows for close inspection of the gemstone for any imperfections, emeralds are often graded using the naked eye. This makes your job as a buyer that much easier since you will have access to a range of product images that will allow you to review the gem with a critical eye. Before you can make an informed decision as to what constitutes a worthy buy it’s important to understand the critical characteristics of high-quality emerald ring. Armed with this knowledge you should easily be able to get the best deal possible. It should be noted, as with all coloured gemstones, the subtle differences that differentiate one high value gemstone from another are best left to the professionals. If in doubt seek expert advice before spending large amounts of money on an emerald ring. ColourThe most sort after and desirable emerald colours are a bluish green through to a pure green, the colours must be vivid but the stone should not be overly dark. Stones which are highly transparent are intrinsically more valuable. The gem should have a uniformly even distribution of colour, with no obvious colour zoning. If the hue of the emerald is too blue or yellow, then stone is no longer classified as an emerald, but another type of beryl gemstone, and as such the value of the stone will decrease. The colour intensity and saturation in an emerald is directly influenced by the trace elements chromium, valadium and iron. The presence and quantity of each of these elements determine the colour of the gem. An emeralds visual qualities are sometimes closely associated with the mine it came from. For example, Columbian emeralds are said to produce an intense warm pure green colour. While Zambian emeralds are famous for producing stones which are cooler in colour, containing a noticeable blue hue. ClarityMost emeralds will contain inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. Due to this fact, it is widely accepted amongst jewellers and consumers that an emerald ring will likely contain an inclusion. A stone which is clean to the naked eye is very valuable as they are so rare. Emeralds sometimes contain inclusions which appear mossy or garden-like. These flaws are often referred to as ‘jardin’, which is French for garden. In all coloured stones, clarity and transparency are often closely linked. This is particularly true for emeralds. Professional jewellers will generally accept inclusions that are visible to the nakes eye, however, if those inclusions have effect on the transparency of the gemstone, then the value of emeralds is reduced. CutIt’s the cutters responsibility to consider carefully the rough gems depth of colour, durability and any inclusions before deciding on what cuts to make. A mistake may reduce the gems carat weight, which can significantly reduce the potential value of the emerald. There are four important characteristics of emeralds which a cutter must take into account before beginning. Firstly, almost every stone has significant fractures. A cutter must therefore take those fractures into consideration to minimise the impact the fractures have on the finished stone. The second factor to consider is the fact that emeralds are surprisingly brittle. This can make them vulnerable to damage while being cut, polished or set in a ring. A skilled cutter will design a gem in such a way as to minimise the potential for inadvertent damage to be caused to the stone. Thirdly, due the importance of colour in an emeralds value, the cuts must work to maximise the appearance of the saturation, tone and hue of the gem. The cutter can directly influence the colour by adjusting the emeralds proportions and number of facets. For example, a cutter can darken the appearance of a stone by creating deep cuts, a small table and creating few facets, or indeed lighten a stone with shallow cuts, a large table and additional facets. Fourth, the bluish or greenish hues present in an emerald encourages the cutter to create the table so it lies perpendicular to the crystals length. This encourages the bluish green hue to be more apparent in the finished gemstone. Carat WeightCut and shaped emeralds come in a huge variety of sizes. There are of course huge emeralds in private collections and museums that weigh hundreds of carats. At the complete opposite end of scale are very small emeralds that weigh in at a fraction of a carat. The Sandawana emerald mine located in Zimbabwe is famous for producing very small, but exquisitely coloured gemstones. The emeralds produced are often only 1mm square, but they are still incredibly beautiful with a stunning green hue. The mine’s stones average between 0.05 and 0.25 carats once cut, and very infrequently are in excess of 1.5 carats. Most jewellery is usually created from stones which are in between those carat weights. As with most gemstones, as the size of the emerald increases, the cost will increase exponentially. Emerald Ring Buying Tips
What is a Lab Grown Synthetic Emerald?In short, a synthetic or lab created emerald will have all the exact same properties as natural emerald, the only difference will be where the gem originated from. A lab grown emerald is 100% a real emerald, but it is not a natural emerald. It will possess all the same chemical, physical and optical properties as a natural emerald. However, synthetic emeralds are massively less expensive verses a similarly sized and graded natural stone. Emerald Engagement / Wedding RingsIf you’re considering buy an emerald engagement or wedding ring, be absolutely certain that this is something that your fiancé would like. Even if your partner is not traditional in many aspects of her life, she might surprise you when it comes to her engagement ring. If you’re certain that it’s something that she would love, then you have a huge number of decisions to make. One of the first things you should consider is your budget, decide on how much you’d like to spend and stick to it. Consider if a natural or lab grown emerald would suit your needs. Both types can be very beautiful, but a lab grown emerald can allow you to buy a far larger stone for much less money, so it’s well worth considering. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/14-exquisite-emerald-rings Ruby engagement rings and weddings rings have at their heart a gemstone which has been treasured for hundreds of years, the stones are durable, feature an unparalleled brilliance and fire, they are also increasingly rare and above all else are beautiful. Like most online shoppers, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the absolute best value for money from your ruby ring engagement ring, ensuring you’re picking a quality gemstone. The aim of this article is to provide all the information you’ll need in order to make an informed buying decision. We’ve also included a special guide for caring for your ring, and some top shopping tips in order for you to find the ruby wedding ring of your dreams. If you still have questions after reading this article, please feel free to reach out to us. Either through the comment form at the bottom of the page, or reach out to us over email or on our facebook page. We love to hear from our readers, so don’t be shy. If you’ve recently bought a ruby ring, feel free to share your pictures and comments. A Ruby has many remarkable properties:
Rubies and saphires come from the same mineral family know as Corundum. The only real difference between rubies and saphires is the colour. Rubies are always red and saphires make up all the other corundum colours, with the exception of pink-orange colours which are known as Padparadscha. ADALENE OCTAGON RUBY RING - Buy it from MyPearlsADALIE ROUND RUBY & WHITE SAPPHIRE RING - Buy it from MyPearlsADALIZ OVAL RUBY & WHITE TOPAZ RING - Buy it from MyPearlsADELA OVAL RUBY & WHITE ZIRCONIA RING- Buy it from MyPearlsADELE ROUND RUBY, WHITE ZIRCONIA & ROSE GOLD RING - Buy it from MyPearls ADELISE ROUND RUBY RING - Buy it from MyPearlsADRIANNA EMERALD CUT RUBY RING - Buy it from MyPearlsALAIN ROUND RUBY, BLACK DIAMOND & WHITE GOLD RING - Buy it from MyPearlsAIDA ROUND RUBY & WHITE ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from MyPearlsRuby Ring in 18k Yellow Gold - Buy it from EtsySterling Silver Ruby Ring - Buy it from EtsyRuby and Diamond Flower Ring - Buy it from EtsyAdamina Ruby Ring - Buy it from EtsyLarge Raw Stone Ring - Buy it from EtsyRuby Stacking Ring - Buy it from EtsyStardust Ruby Ring - Buy it from EtsyRuby Heart Signet Ring - Buy it from EtsyStackable Ruby Ring - Buy it from Etsy
Meaning of the RubyThe ruby has long been regarded as a gemstone which is closely related to passion, but the gem is also understood to imbue several other desirable characteristics to the wearer, such as knowledge and an ability to make the correct decisions. Additionally, rubies are associated with awareness and inspiration, they are able to guide the wearer towards the ideal path in their life. For a couple considering purchasing either a ruby engagement ring or a ruby wedding ring, the gemstone perfectly symbolises a long lasting passionate and affectionate relationship. The gem is and expressive representation of a long, loving and beautiful relationship. The ruby is also the classic birthstone of anyone born during the month of December, in modern times it’s the birthstone for a July birth. Enhanced RubiesMost if not all ruby rings you’ll see for sale have been enhanced in order to improve the colour as well as the general form of the gem. It’s very important to be aware that some types of enhancements will impact the value, durability and appearance of a stone. Some types of enhancements are not at all suitable for a ring to be used every day, as such these should be avoided when picking an engagement ring. One of the most common enhancements you’re likely to encounter is heat treatment, this is used to improve both the colour of the stone as well as the overall appearance. The treatment process is very common and results in a stone which has an excellent stability rating, rubies which have been heat treated do not require any specialist care or considerations. This sort of gemstone enhancement only marginally affects the stones value. Another popular ruby enhancement involves filling the gemstones surface with another substance, such as lead glass, this works to both reduce fractures and improve the smoothness of the gem. The addition of another substance has a stability rating of good to fair. A ruby which has been treated in such a way requires additional considerations when it comes to care, they should not be exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning, extreme pressure or heat. A fill treatment can in some circumstances greatly reduce the value of the stone. Other methods of stone treatment involve dyeing or exposing the stone to radiation, both of which are carried out in order to improve the colourisation of the stone or change the colour entirely. These methods are rated as having poor stability and will invariable reduce the value of the gemstone dramatically. Such stones must avoid chemicals, heat, ultrasonic cleaning and pressure. Furthermore, any stone treated in such a way should not be polished or cut as this can cause the treatment to be lost. When looking to buy a ruby engagement ring in the UK, it’s best to avoid rings that have been dyed or irradiated. You may rarely come across a ruby which have undergone a treatment called surface diffusion, this type of treatment is intended to enhance the red colouring of the gem. This treatment has a good stability rating, but a ruby which has been treated with surface diffusion are still best kept away from harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning methods. This treatment has a minor effect on the value of the gemstone. White Gold Ruby Engagement RingsAny white gold ring will need to be occasionally re-plated with rhodium, on average a wedding or engagement ring which is worn every day will need to be re-plated at least every two years. The rhodium plating process can adversely affect a ruby gemstone which has been enhanced, eventually leading to chips and fractures. For this reason it’s best to avoid white gold when picking a ruby engagement or wedding ring. It’s better to choose platinum, palladium, 18k or 14k rose and yellow gold, or silver. However, if you have your heart set on a white gold and ruby ring, be sure to pick a gemstone which has not been treated, or limit the treatment to heat enhancements only. Price Guide for RubiesFor a natural ruby the price will most likely be around £800 per carat, however the cost can vary greatly depending on the 4 C’s, which are carat, colour, cut and clarity. Ruby ColourFor rubies colour is the most important factor to consider. Typically a sought after ruby will be a deep blood red colour which has secondary purple flashes. The colour will be uniformly brilliant across the whole stone. A ruby which is too light, verging on pink, or are oversaturated with red causing them to be difficult to see through, are the least valuable sort of ruby. Ruby CaratAs large natural rubies are increasingly rate, the carat weight of a ruby has a very big impact on the price of the stone. A good quality stone that exceeds one carat can be very expensive, easily exceeding £2,500 per carat and in some circumstances go as high as £200,000 per carat. Ruby CutA ruby which has been expertly cut in order to maximise the stones brilliance and fire while also minimising the appearance of any inclusions will be priced far higher than a generically cut commercial stone. A quality cut ruby will maximise the clarity and depth while decreasing the visual impact of any flaws. Ruby ClarityClarity is the last of the 4 C’s which has the least impact on the overall price of the stone. Almost all rubies will contain an inclusion, and even lab grown synthetic gems will have intentional or unintentional inclusions in order to complete the Ruby look. A large inclusion which is easily visible to the naked eye may impact the value of the gemstone, but generally speaking smaller inclusions will have very little impact on the price of the stone. Stone Chips or BlemishesA defect which effects the external appearance of a ruby will have a significant effect on the price of the gem. For example, a chip or track is extremely undesirable and will decrease the rubies value. Synthetic Lab Grown RubyIf you’re on a budget or would like to get more bang for your buck, then buying a synthetic ruby should be on your to do list. Synthetic rubies where first made in 1902 when the French chemist August Verneuil developed a method known as flame fusion in order to create synthetic ruby. It didn’t take long for Verneuil to appreciate the potential commercial value in synthetic gemstones and his lab facility was creating 1,000 kg of synthetic ruby annually by 1907. Flam fusion was primarily created in order to create synthetic rubies, however the method is also capable of producing other gemstones such as sapphire, star sapphire, rutile spinel and strontium titanate. The basic concept of flame fusion involves taking the raw elements present in a natural gemstone and heating them to 2,000 degrees Celsius. As this raw material cools it naturally forms crystals. In the case of rubies, aluminium oxide is used as the raw material. A ruby produced by the flam fusion process is chemically and physically the same as a natural ruby, the only way to tell the difference is with very strong magnification and a trained eye. A synthetic ruby will generally have curved growth lines, while a natural ruby will have parallel growth lines. As synthetic and natural rubies are nearly identical, there is often no good reason for not choosing a synthetic version if that’s all your budget permits. You will be able to buy a substantially larger ruby for much less money, and for all intents and purposes, it’s still a ruby. Ruby Engagement Ring Buying TipsChoose a retailer which specialises in gemstone rings and wedding rings. If you want to buy online, be sure you’re aware of the refund policy. If you’ve purchased an expensive ruby and you want to be sure of its authenticity and value, then there’s no harm in having it professionally appraised by an independent laboratory. It’s better to check it once and have any concerns laid to bed. Always bear in mind that by definition rubies are red, in fact the name originates from the latin word ‘ruber’ which means red. A ruby which is pink or a variation of pink is not a ruby. The most sought after stones are a deep dark red blood colour, the stones are well cut and good clarity, some inclusions are to be expected. Any stone which is externally damaged or marked should be avoided. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller if the gems have undergone enhancements. Heat treatment is incredibly common, so you might be hard pressed to find a ruby which has not undergone this treatment, this enhancement has little effect on the ruby value so it’s not really a concern. Other sorts of enhancement can affect the durability of the ruby so it’s important you understand what has happened to your stone before you decide to buy. Synthetic rubies are fairly common on the market, and as we’ve already established they are an excellent cost effective substitute for a natural ruby. However, what we don’t want to do is pay natural ruby prices for a synthetic stone. Be wary of any seller that promotes natural rubies at a fraction of the cost of their competitors. If you see a ruby engagement ring that contains gems which have excellent clarity, brilliant colour and are large at an affordable price, then chances are the rubies are either heavily enhanced or lab grown gems. Always bear in mind that a natural ruby will cost at a minimum £700 per carat and will often go far higher than this. If something seems to be too good to be true, then it probably is. If you’re thinking of buying an antique ruby engagement ring then you should definitely consider getting it appraised by a trusted third party. It’s better to spend a small amount of money verifying that you’re potential purchase is genuine before investing a lot of money in something which is not as advertised. Cleaning a Ruby RingOne of the easiest and safest ways of cleaning a ruby ring is to use soap and water.
Advanced Cleaning Ruby RingsIn most circumstances it is safe to use your ruby ring with an ultrasonic cleaner. However, some enhancements and fittings are not compatible with the cleaning process. If in doubt consult a professional. Steam cleaners can also be used on your ruby ring. You’ll probably want to make sure that if any other gemstones on your ring are also compatible with a steam cleaner. Any gemstone that has had a colour enhancing coating applied or has been fracture filled should not be used with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Any stones treated in this way should only be cleaned with soap and water. Storing a Ruby RingIdeally you’ll want to store your ruby ring in a well ventilated jewellery box, either in its own cloth pouch or wrapped in a soft cloth. Ruby is a very hard substance and apart from diamonds, not much can actually scratch it. However, it can easily scratch less hardy gems or metal, as such it’s best to have a physical barrier between it and other pieces of jewellery. Care Tips for your Ruby RingEven though rubies are a very hard type of stone, they are not impervious to damage. It’s best to remove your ruby ring when you’re at the gym, cooking, cleaning, gardening, piecing together flat pack or any other type of physical activity that involves using your hands.
We hope this article has been helpful but please do let us know if there’s anything you’d like to add. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/18-exquisite-ruby-rings The History of the Garnet GemstoneThe word Garnet comes from the Latin word meaning pomegranate and has been used in jewellery and artwork for many thousands of years. Garnet rings have been found in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman ruins. Ancient Jewish text, the Talmud even believe that a garnet gemstone provided the only light on Noah’s ark! Identifying a GarnetA Garnet can be identified by its occurrence in metamorphic rock, its hardness, refractive index, colour and cubic crystal structure. However, the quickest way to identify garnet is with the use of strong neodymium magnets. Garnet is attracted to neodymium magnets because it contains high concentrations of iron and/or manganese. Garnet CharacteristicsTypes of GarnetAlmandine - also known as precious garnet, this type of garnet is a deep transparent red colour. Most of the garnet rings available are made with almandine. Colours of the GarnetGarnet is available in a plethora of colours, such as yellow, orange, peach, green, red, purple, blue, brown and pink. Blue being the rarest and red the most common occurring colour. Garnets also exhibit colour changing qualities depending on whether they are viewed in incandescent or natural light. The rarest colour change garnet appears blue in daylight, and changes to purplish-red under torch light. Other colour change garnets are green, beige, brown or grey in daylight, and change to reddish or purplish-pink under incandescent light. The most important quality factor is the colour of a Garnet. Clarity and lusterGarnet have a glasslike and clear luster. The rare green Demantoid garnet has a high refractive index and is prized for its brilliance and diamond-like luster. Garnets are generally clean stones; however, almandine garnets sometimes have asbestos fibre inclusions. These inclusions cause a star effect, which is treasured due to its rarity. Additionally, some orange garnet, such as spessartite and hessonite tends to exhibit eye-visible inclusions. The Russian demantoid garnet is highly for its distinctive, horsetail-like inclusions. Cut, shape and treatmentGarnets are extremely adaptable and can be cut into any fashion and shape. Red garnet tends to be cut into standard shapes, whereas valuable garnets that are not often found in large sizes, such as tsavorite and demantoid, are cut into shapes that retain the most carat weight. A Garnet is also never artificially enhanced in any way. Interesting facts about the GarnetIf you are lucky enough to be born in January then Garnet is your birthstone. Garnet gemstones have the greatest variety of colour than any other mineral and as their chemical composition varies, the atomic bonds in some species are stronger than others. Garnets can be found all over the work, from Greece, India, Russia and even Tanzania! Garnet gems are also extremely durable, remnants for garnet jewellery can even be traced back to the Bronze ages. Legend has it that the Garnet can bring peace, prosperity and good health to the home. It is sometimes even referred to as the “Gem of Faith” and that to those that wear it and do good, more good will come. Garnet Engagement RingsAlthough almost a dozen varieties of garnet exist, mainly almandine, rhodolite or the highly valued tsavorite garnet are used in engagement rings. Engagement rings are naturally available in a lovely selection of delightful colours. As the Garnet is pretty strong it is perfect for every day wear like engagement and wedding rings. The gemstone is also quite affordable and beautiful to look at. A Garnet engagement rings is a perfect alternative to common ruby or diamond rings if you are looking for something that is a bit more unique. Ring buying tipsWhether you are celebrating a 2nd wedding anniversary, after a bit of a different engagement ring or to recognise the wearer’s January birthday, a Garnet ring will be perfect for any occasion! Always ensure that you purchase your ring from a reputable jeweller that is licensed. Look how the gem reacts under light, both natural and synthetic and check for an intense, saturated colour to ensure that your gem is excellent quality. Remember that Garnets commonly come in a wide spectrum of reds, but can also be green, pink, colourless or blue. The price of the piece will likely increase the rare the colour, like blue or green. Caring for your Garnet ringDepending on the type of garnet stone you have, will depend on the hardness of your gem and how easily it is susceptible to scratches. Although, Garnets have fair to good toughness, making them durable enough for all jewellery styles as long as they are treated with proper care. To care for your Garnet properly follow these handy tips: from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/36-beautiful-garnet-rings |
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