Platinum is regarded as a superior metal for fine jewelry and is used in many exquisite diamond engagement rings. It is 35 times more rare than gold and is naturally white. It is the strongest metal used in jewelry and is 90 to 95 percent pure. The high purity level makes this metal hypoallergenic and is an ideal choice for a person who has sensitive skin. Because platinum is almost twice as heavy as 14K gold, it is very durable.

Platinum is used as an almost pure metal, approximately 95% pure, whereas white gold is only 75% pure in 18ct and only 58.5% pure in 14ct.  Being a naturally white metal, platinum does not need the rhodium treatment, because it starts off white and will always stay white.  It is more dense (heavier) than gold & you can feel a noticeable difference in weight between the same article made in platinum and gold.

Platinum’s best property (still need this engagement ring insured) as far as jewelry is concerned is its abrasive resistance. Platinum rings and in particular platinum claws will still be in great condition many years after the equivalent gold article is worn away. This is quite amazing when you consider that platinum is relatively soft and bends more easily than gold.

The reason Platinum is a desirable metal for making jewelry is because it is very malleable and can be formed without cracking or tearing. Once platinum prongs are bent to hold a diamond they will stay in that position and not spring back.

It takes 10 tons of ore to produce a single ounce of platinum. There is only one platinum mine for every 10 gold mines which make this metal one of the rarest. On an average, 88 tons of platinum is used to craft jewelry, compared to 2,700 tons of gold each year.

The purity of platinum is expressed as parts per thousand and the number designation represents how many parts per thousand are contained in the metal. The marks used on platinum jewelry are 900Plat, 950Plat or just Plat. Platinum is usually alloyed with metals in the platinum group which are similar in weight and chemistry to platinum.

Over the last 200 years platinum has resurged itself in popularity. It was held in high esteem during the early Egyptian times. The Spanish conquistadors discovered platinum in the New Word when they were mining for gold. The considered it worthless and discarded it. In the 18th century King Louis XVI elevated platinum’s popularity by calling it the metal of kings.

The Art Deco Period was when platinum became popular in modern jewelry. The strength and malleability of this metal allowed artisans to create filigree and wire patterns that were popular during this period. Its regained status over the years as earned it the reputation of being the most preferred metal used in engagement rings.

Even though it is growing in popularity it still remains one of the world’s rarest metals. The yearly worldwide production of platinum only amounts to about 160 tons compared to approximately 1,500 tons of gold. One reason it is so rare is because the mining and refining process is time consuming. To extract one ounce of platinum over 10 tons of ore has to be mined. The refining process is no short matter as it takes five months minimum. Russia and South Africa are the few regions where platinum can be mined and the primary sources of this metal exist mainly in their mountains.

If you love the look of platinum but can’t afford the cost. There is an alternative metal that is increasing in popularity called Palladium. It is part of the platinum metal group and is an excellent alternative to platinum. Palladium has the lowest melting point in its metal group and is extremely resistant to corrosion. It will not tarnish and is whiter and lighter than platinum. If you are in the market for an ring you might want to look into Palladium for that special ring.

 Why not choose platinum for your next engagement ring? Heck, Ed Swiderski gave Jillian Harris a $60,000 platinum ring set with a 2.05-carat pear-shaped center diamond with six baguette-cut diamonds to accent the center stone and 94 round-cut diamonds.  If it’s good enough for Jillian, it’s good enough for me.

Giving your bridesmaids a handmade gift of jewellery is a personal touch to the traditional wedding gift. A special and unique gift is pearl bridesmaid jewellery, perfect as a present to thank them for support through your wedding day. Handmade jewellery means that you can personailise the jewellery for each bridesmaid, making several different pieces. Pearls can be purchased for a small or a large amount of money so the gifts do not have to be expensive.   Since your handmade jewellery is custom made by you, you can make yourslef a matching piece of jewellery to wear on your wedding day. if your friends notice your pearl bridesmaids jewellery they may even ask you to make some pieces for their own weding day.

Even if you have a small budget, the quality of materials you use is still important. Speciality shops selling beads, stones and precious materials are the best places to buy material for your jewellery. Before using real pearls in your final design practice with inexpensive materials first. Using inexpensive materials will give you more freedom to be created because you will not have to worry about damaging or wasting your materials. Confidence and skill will come with practice, after a few goes you will be able to use expensive material.

There is no better way to say thank you to your bridesmaids for their help than by giving them a unique piece of handmade jewellery.  Memories of your special day will be rekindled when wearing the jewellery.

Finding the right handmaid pearl jewellery can be very difficult, especially if looking on the internet, the choice is vast and it is very difficult to know where to start looking. Also, because each piece is individually made how do you know that you are getting good value for money and that the quality if going to be exceptional. Maybe the fact that the jewellery is handmaid and each piece will have its own quirks will make it special enough. However, make sure that you do plenty of research before making the final decision because if you get the right piece of jewellery it will be very special and treasured for years.

Buying rings online is probably very popular and it’s very rare that you’ll meet someone who doesn’t  wear any trinkets or jewels simply because it’s become so popular. However, sometimes some people get it very wrong so when you’re  shopping for yourself make sure you do some research.

It can be very expensive to buy jewellery so you’ll  need to bear that in mind. If you’re interested in buying something like this for yourself then you’ll have a few things to  consider. The first thing you’ll need to think about is your budget.

Grab a pen and paper and head over to Google or Yahoo! where you can do some research. Type in “rings” and  see what comes up. You should be able to use this information to set yourself a realistic and reasonable budget. However, make a  note of everything as you search.

To ensure that you don’t buy poor quality goods,  or fakes, it’s important to set yourself a minimum budget. Make sure that you make a note of everything while you’re browsing the  web. You should find that there are a lot of options available.

Buying jewellery online is really easy, and now that you’ve set a budget you should  find it really easy to ensure that you’re getting a good deal. Just make sure that you’re aware of everything on today’s market and  you should be fine.

When buying something as expensive as this, it’s always a good idea to find out  something about the company before you spend any money with them. Take your time and make sure that you’re clued up on the  information that you need before you actually spend any money.

Overall, once you’ve done your research, you should be in a great  position to buy the jewellery that you want. Just remember that it’s important to ensure that you’re getting a good deal. Keep your  eyes peeled and you should end up walking away with a bargain!

Writer Natasha S Iqbal talks about buying men’s rings online. Thorn Jewellery has a huge range of options available, you should easily find what you’re looking for.

Bridal Jewellery Sets UK

Blushing UK brides need the proper bridal jewellery sets to accent emphasise their wedding gowns. At this crucial moment, brides want to be their stunning best. It is crucial that the entire bridal party wear bridal jewellery that will accentuate what the bride is wearing and also her wedding theme. Bridal wedding jewellery sets will consist of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, tiaras, hairpins, and various headpieces. The jewellery that adorns the bride ought to go with her hair and dress, and highlight her face. You could consult a designer who specializes in matching bridal accessories. It’s important that bridesmaid dresses and accessories do not overshadow the bride and what she decides to wear.

Bridal Jewellery Sets

Bridal Jewellery Sets that Sparkle

If you wish to wear contemporary jewellery, you could try gemstones, or perhaps either crystal or pearls. The more traditional wedding will see gold, silver, and diamonds used more often. Whatever the bride desires is the direction she should go. Generational gifts tend to be part of many weddings. Mothers and daughters through the years share these precious heirlooms such as jewellery.

UK Bridal Jewellery Sets

Ensure that the Proper Jewellery is Used with the Dress

In many cases, there are just specific gowns that match up to particular pieces of jewellery. One example is that white dresses require avoiding gold jewellery; pearls are preferred. If the bride decides to go with an off-white gown, then she can look lovely in gold or silver jewels. You’ll need a necklace to compliment a V-neck; no necklace is necessary with sweetheart necklines. Exquisite jewels may be what those who don a halter dress consider doing. But, don’t over do it so much that your wedding gown is hidden in the glamour of your bridal jewellery.

Affordable Bridal Jewellery Sets

Plenty of shops selling low-cost jewellery are available on the web or where you live. Cutting costs doesn’t necessarily mean you give up on looks. You can even choose handmade jewellery sets for the bride and bridal attendants at inexpensive prices and still feel unique because no one else has what you have. Work with jewellers who will work with you. Everyone knows that for the perfect UK weddings, you need the most fine looking bridal jewellery sets.

Size is not everything when it comes to buying diamonds for engagement rings. Even the largest diamond can lack fire and brilliance if it doesn’t include the four c’s of high quality diamonds. Engagement rings that have diamonds with good cut, color, clarity and carat will be beautiful for a lifetime and well worth the price.

Engagement ring settings with solitaire type diamonds are going to require the most flawless diamond possible that has good carat, cut and clarity in order to really shine and sparkle. Carat refers to the actual weight of the diamond. Each carat is equal to 0.2 grams and with a bit of practice it is easy to tell what general carat a diamond is.

Color actually refers to the lack of color within a diamond. For most engagement rings a G grade will mean that any slight colorations of the diamond are basically undetectable to the eye and the diamond will appear to be completely clear and colorless. Other options include a colored diamond or even diamond chips that have a very slight coloration of yellow. If the setting and band are gold, a very slight yellow coloration is often undetectable and can allow you to purchase a larger diamond for the same amount of money .

Diamonds for engagement rings should be free from external or internal marks, blemishes or bubble type formations. Inclusions inside the diamond will impact on reflection of light and damages to the surface will likewise detract from the appearance of the gem. Engagement rings that feature large solitaire diamonds should have the highest clarity since they are the focus of the ring. Slight imperfections are common in almost all but the most expensive diamonds and in small diamonds they are often so slight as to be virtually invisible. It is also important to choose ring settings that compliment a solitaire diamond rather than compete with the diamond.

Facets in the cut of the diamond create the ability of the diamond to reflect light within its center. This reflection causes the fire or shimming color qualities of a good diamond. Engagement rings with perfect cut will capture all aspects of light and really enhance the appearance of the diamonds, regardless of their carat size. This aspect of diamonds is very important in making a selection.

One option for learning about the 4 c’s of diamonds is to spend some time looking at new and antique engagement rings with someone experienced in grading diamonds. This will help you understand what to look for and what to avoid when buying a ring, regardless of the style you select.

Selecting engagement rings that feature diamonds with the best possible cut, color, clarity and carat takes some time and a lot of learning. Talking with professionals that work with diamonds can help you determine just what to look for in engagement rings and diamonds .

There are almost as many different styles and types of engagement rings as there are couples planning to get married. Finding the right types of engagement rings is an important step along the path to marriage. Looking beyond the common, traditional types of diamond engagement rings may be just the opportunity you have been searching for to find a really unique style.

A popular twist on the traditional engagement rings and wedding band sets is to use unique types of metals and gems. Engagement rings can now be made of the standard gold and silver, but platinum, titanium and palladium are also becoming more popular. There is also the option to use pink gold or combine different colors of gold and silver or other types of metals . Flatter, traditional simple bands are always elegant, however there are other styles available. Curved bands or bands that interlock or fit into each other are wonderful options for something out of the ordinary .

The type of cut of the stone, usually a diamond, in the engagement ring can also add to the originality of the ring designs. Many engagement rings feature the more traditional round, heart or oval shapes of diamonds, but just a small change on the shape of the diamond can give a completely new look to a traditional band and ring .

One very popular and beautiful option is the use of princess cut diamonds in the ring setting. Princess cut is square when viewed from the top but it is triangular in shape from the side. This allows lots of facets for light reflection within the ring, adding flash and color to the ring .

For a stunning and striking solitaire ring the elongated marquis cut is a great match. Engagement rings featuring a marquis cut diamond are ideal for women with longer fingers or those with longer, thinner hands. The tapered ends of the marquis shape make even a small diamond look larger.

Ascher, princess cut diamonds and Marquise cut diamonds can be stand-alone stones in solitaire engagement rings but they can also be used in three stone engagement rings. The natural shape of both these cuts lends to being bordered on either side with smaller baguette style gems or diamonds. Other shapes that do well in three stone bands and rings include round cut, oval and princess cut diamonds.

Before shopping for engagement rings it is important to look at the options you have. Comparing engagement rings with regards to diamond shape, bands and appearance will help you select the perfect ring .

Traditionally engagement rings tended to be similar in appearance rather than very unique and individual. Often just a small twist on an old classic can take engagement rings in a completely new direction, making them unique and original without straying too far from the traditional.  Brides that want a slightly different look for engagement rings that match their personal taste and style have lots of options to consider.

Diamond engagement rings offer a wide range of customization options. Most high quality jewelry stores and diamond merchants now offer the possibility of matching particular diamonds with settings, rather than buying the diamond already set in the band.

Another way to move engagement rings away from the traditional and into the more original is to add colored or fancy diamonds. Although the majority of diamonds are considered white or colorless, there are also colored diamonds including rare blue or green colors the slightly more common yellow to brown colored natural diamonds.  Even clear diamonds can be color enhanced through specific processes resulting in amazing, lasting colors .

Cut, one of the four c’s of diamond grading, can be used to enhance the color and natural reflectivity of the diamond.  Engagement rings that feature diamonds with multi-faceted cuts will have more sparkle and inner fire than those with fewer facets.

The cut and facets not only have to be perfect, but the shape of the diamond also impacts the cut. Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are longer, rectangular shapes with blunted corners. They can be used for the main diamond in engagement rings or as accent diamonds.

Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are both traditional as well as very modern. Since the stone has the unique stepped faceting it tends to reflect light deep within the center, really bringing attention to the ring itself. A simple band often enhances the beauty of this cut.

Engagement rings aren’t all about the size of the diamond, the overall design is just as important. Bands that curve, interlock or fit into each other are perfect as engagement rings and later as matching wedding rings. Some rings allow for bands over and under the engagement rings, adding a whole new dimension to the wedding set.

Unique looking engagement rings may not be brand new and modern. There are some wonderful art deco and antique styles of rings that are making a comeback, largely because of their very one of a kind shapes and designs . 

Narrowing down choices for engagement rings is always important especially since this ring is more than just a piece of jewelry. From this narrower choice you can then move forward in picking the absolute best that is based on the personal taste and preference of the couple. Since engagement rings are used to show your commitment to each other, getting the right ring is a big decision

Single diamond styles of engagement rings, know as solitaire rings, are very classic and timeless. The central diamond is the focus of the ring and the band is typically very delicate and simple, allowing the diamond to really shine and take center stage. The diamond can have different shapes however it is important that the cut and clarity of the diamond be good quality since it is the main focus.

Princess cut engagement rings are a good match with solitaire rings if you want to try something different than the more traditional round cut. This cut is square in shape and has many different facets or angles within the cut that make light reflect, giving a dazzling appearance to the stone.

For narrower band engagement rings a small stone often makes a perfect match and tends to make the ring more understated in appearance. For women with small hands and fingers these more delicate rings are much more balanced in appearance. Smaller diamond of gemstones surrounding the ring can also enhance the sparkle of the center stone without adding a heavy or bulky appearance .

Other options for making smaller stones look bigger include considering one of the more distinctive cuts. Pear shaped diamonds, marquis cut and emerald cuts are ideal for many types of engagement rings and look larger than the same carat of diamond in a round stone.

The band, which is another important aspect of engagement rings, can be very traditional or it too can be unique and very stylized. The classic gold, thinner band is commonly seen with larger stones, however it also can be used with groups of stones to accentuate the color and cut. Non-traditional types of metals such as titanium and palladium are becoming popular options for engagement ring bands .

Matching the band and the diamond will make the perfection combination for any style of engagement rings. To get a hint on what the bride-to-be likes, consider asking her about ring styles or checking the types of rings she currently wears to get an idea .

Bands and engagement rings don’t have to be a matched or sold as a set to work together. Many of the engagement rings that are sold separately are designed to match to any type of wedding band. Finding what you want is really a matter of taking the time to look at what is available .

When you are getting married it is important to have the right accessories to go along with that special day. One of the most important types of accessories a bride must have is bridal jewelry. Luckily, there are many different types of bridal jewelry out there, that you can find anything to fit your dress and personality. There are many different haute styles to choose from as well. One of my favorite bridal jewelry collections is haute jewelry. Below is a list of haute jewelry that you may want to consider for that special day. Depending on the type of person you are, will determine what haute jewelry is appropriate for you.

First, there are the Haute bracelets. There is such a wide selection of bracelets to choose from, that you are sure to find one that matches your dress. You can get anything from a simple rhinestone bangle to a large pearl brooch bracelet.

Next, there are the haute brooches. You can choose from several different shaped brooches filled with different colored rhinestones and designs.

There is also jewelry for your neck. You can either get a choker or a necklace. Chokers and necklaces are a perfect accessory to any bridal outfit. They are great pieces of bridal jewelry, especially if you have a haute low cut dress. It will bring color to your assembly and make you glow, as you should on your wedding day. Like the bracelets and brooches, there are a lot of different types of chokers to choose from.

Of course, the perfect pair of earrings can really make or break any bride's haute dress. This is one type of bridal jewelry that almost every bride cannot go without. Haute jewelry offers both timeless earrings and chandelier earrings for your bridal jewelry collection.

Last, and maybe the most important type of bridal jewelry is for the hair. Haute jewelry offers a wide selection of hair bridal jewelry. You can get everything from feathers to tiaras. Depending on what your hairstyle is for the wedding day, will help determine the type of bridal jewelry you should be wearing.

As you can see there are so many choices when it comes to bridal jewelry. You may choose one type of jewelry, or all of them to add to your special outfit for that important day in your life.

This article was written by Nena Hill. As always, I am looking for the whole mind/ body approach when it comes to solving life’s problems. My comprehensive jewelry site can be found at www.amazingjewellery.com