‘Jewelry 101’ Category
Posted on December 14th, 2015
Whether you’re getting engaged, a collector of fine jewelry or just routinely involved with investing in high-end custom jewelry, you may benefit from learning more about the differences between white gold and platinum. Though the two metals look fairly similar, the natural white color of the platinum will never fade. With time, the white gold’s rhodium plating can fade and give way to the slightly yellowish tinge of white gold. In order to regain that white allure again, the gold would have to be rhodium plated every so often, depending on wear and tear.
Differences in Structural Integrity
Rhodium is able to give the bright gold alloy appearance because it shares many of the same properties as platinum. The natural color of white gold is actually closer to light grey. To keep the white color from fading, most jewelers recommend replacing the rhodium plating every 12 to 18 months. Unlike white gold, which is an alloy composed of several metals, platinum is often 95 percent pure when it’s used in jewelry. When you invest in an engagement ring with the perfect stone, you’ll want to ensure that the metal in the ring is everlasting as well.
Differences in Quality
Platinum is denser than white gold, so these types of rings typically feel heavier than those made with white gold. Excluding the cost of the actual diamond, platinum and white gold rings have a price difference, with platinum being slightly more expensive than white gold. However, once white gold has been plated with rhodium, it’s nearly indiscernible from platinum by sight.
In its natural form, platinum’s color tends to be a little whiter than white gold when they are compared with one another. Because platinum maintains its white color well after years of wear and tear, you may decide it could be the right choice for you. Although platinum is most commonly used in women’s engagement rings and couples’ wedding rings, it is a much rarer metal than white gold. Ladies with platinum engagement rings are more likely to follow suit with an investment in a platinum wedding ring as well. Due to its higher retail value, platinum is seldom used on dress rings, and it’s even more rare to find on necklaces, bracelets, pendants and earrings.
Posted on December 13th, 2015
Christie’s auction house is synonymous with opulence, and it is only fitting that the organization has auctioned several record-breaking diamonds throughout the years. The diamonds in its record books represent all the colors of the rainbow, but the pink and blue paragons are the things daydreams are made of. A paragon is a perfect diamond — flawless and without inclusions. In the 16th century, a mass of twelve carats was sufficient to qualify for this designation, but today the threshold lies at 100 carats.
The Sweet Josephine
Surrounded by a halo of clear diamonds, the Sweet Josephine cushion cut pink diamond center stone is glorious enough to leave royalty in awe. Its facets reflect the light brilliantly out of the pure pink 16.08ct heart. While the band is platinum, rose gold prongs hold the stone in place while complementing its hue. 
(Photo Credit: Christie’s)
On November 10, 2015, Sweet Josephine broke the record for the highest final sale price for a pink diamond at auction. The anonymous new owner paid $28.5 million for the honor.
The Winston Blue
The world’s largest flawless blue diamond, the Winston Blue, is the color of a crisp blue. The 13.22ct diamond is pear shaped and is flanked by glittering, clear diamonds on each side. Christie’s dubbed it “The Blue,” but its new owner renamed it the “Winston Blue.”
(Photo Credit: Forbes)
On May 13, 2014, the Winston Blue sold for $23.8 million. That is a sale price of nearly $1.80 million per carat, the most a blue diamond has ever sold for. No need to dream about owning a fancy color diamond. These options below are rings that are exquisite yet attainable.
The Vivid Pink
Fancy-colored diamonds are sometimes on the small side, making them ideal for multi-stone bands like this round brilliant cut diamond wedding band from Mark Broumand. Smaller does not have to mean less extraordinary, and the Vivid Pink proves it. At 5.00ct, it is not the largest diamond Christie’s has ever sold, but the cushion cut stone astounds with its cherry blossom pink hue. Clear diamonds twinkle like snow at its sides, and yellow gold prongs add a final kiss of color to the piece.
The Vivid Pink continues to hold the highest price per carat record for a pink diamond. It sold for $10.78 million, or $2.15 million per carat, on December 3, 2009.
Many diamonds sold at Christie’s end up in a collector’s display, but your diamond engagement ring will be daily reminder of love and commitment. It does not have to break records to be worth more than all the diamonds in the world to you.
(Photo Credit: Jewels Du Jour)
Posted on November 21st, 2015
Since Princess Kate wore a sapphire engagement ring before marrying Prince William, the deep blue stone has become more popular year after year. Sapphires are gorgeous, and when it comes to hardness, these gemstones are second to the diamond. Before choosing a sapphire, however, it is important to understand how sapphires are evaluated based on color. Here are four things to look for when choosing a sapphire engagement ring:
The Hue of the Sapphire
Most people know the stunning blue color associated with sapphires, but this gemstone is available in all of the colors of the rainbow. The hue of the sapphire is the term that gemologists use to describe the actual color of the stone. The hue of many sapphires is blue, for instance, but a gemologist may also share a secondary color such as yellowish orange or bluish green.
The Tone of the Sapphire
Another aspect of a sapphire’s color is its tone. Gemologists use the term tone to describe how dark or light the sapphire is. Tone is an important factor when it comes to determining the value of a sapphire, and stones that are too dark or light are valued lower than their medium-colored counterparts. Since not all sapphires are naturally medium in tone, they may be heat treated in order to darken or lighten the gemstone.
The Saturation of the Sapphire
The third way to describe the color of a sapphire is the saturation of the gemstone. This refers to how intense the color is. To determine the saturation, a gemologist must use a saturation modifier. In sapphires that are green, violet or blue, for instance, a gray modifier is usually used, but in pink, yellow or orange sapphires, a brown modifier is used. You’re able to see the modifying color when saturation is low, which is when you’ll notice hints of brown or grey. Saturation is another vital element that contributes to the value of a sapphire.
The Cut of the Sapphire
Since the cut of a gemstone affects the color, gemologists use this element to bring out the brilliance and color of the stone. There are a number of cuts that can bring out the color of a sapphire, such as a radiant cut. The cut will also affect the brilliance and luster of the gemstone.
Though there are other aspects to consider before buying a sapphire, most consumers are concerned with the most important feature of the gemstone, the eye-catching, breathtaking color.
Posted on November 20th, 2015
We know how important it is for today’s brides to have engagement rings that reflect their personal tastes and styles. Of course, the diamond is what sets each ring apart as unique. Whether you or your fiancé is choosing the ring, start with this helpful guide to some of the most popular contemporary diamond cuts.
The Timeless Option
The brilliant round cut diamond features the first modern diamond cut, although it mimics some older European cuts. First designed in 1919, today’s round cut design continues to be perfected. Its numerous facets and angles create unsurpassed brilliance in catching and reflecting light. You may prefer it because it works well in virtually all ring settings.
The Newer Rival
Some contemporary brides prefer the more subdued brilliance of the symmetrical princess cut diamond, first designed in the 1960s. This diamond is typically a perfect square but can occasionally be a rectangle and is perfect in settings that protect its pointed edges. Princess cut diamonds also reflect light superbly.
Other Popular Contenders
While round and princess cut diamonds dominate the top spots on the modern bride’s wish list, you may be interested in some of the other, more luxurious options. The emerald cut diamond is loved for its simplicity and hall-of-mirrors effect. With a large table, it is the perfect choice for extremely clear diamonds.
Another choice for the sophisticated bride is the cushion cut diamond. Resembling a square, this diamond has rounded corners, which soften its effect. Most of these diamonds have numerous facets and reflect the light with a crushed ice look. Although this cut was most popular in the early 1900s, it has gone through a revival with an increasingly modern look.
As you shop for the perfect diamond engagement ring, you’ll have numerous choices available. However, the choice of diamond cut is one of the most personal of all and should be made with much thought. Our wide selection of all the most popular modern and retro cuts will give you just the look you have always craved.
Posted on November 17th, 2015
Shopping for an engagement ring is one of the most exciting moments that couples share. If you want to pop the question in an unexpected way and get her to say yes, you might consider buying the ring long before you ask her to marry you. While you will find a number of different rings available in stores, you may want to look at the benefits of a custom-designed ring that you make just for her or that you design together.
A Ring Like No Other
Designing a custom engagement ring lets you create a ring she’s never seen before. Though professional
designers work hard to produce rings that appeal to different types of shoppers, designing your own ring puts you in complete control. You can add in small elements that remind her of important moments you shared together, a colored diamond that appeals to her sense of style or other details to showcase her personality.
Cut, Clarity and More
When designing a custom engagement ring, the decision as o how the final ring looks is up to you. Though you might think you can’t afford an elaborate ring, your designer can work with you to make the finished ring look amazing and still fit within your budget. You can draw inspiration from antique-style engagement rings that you see online or from specific shapes like oval-cut rings. Not only do you get to decide on the cut you want to use, but you can also select the clarity and the number of karats used in the diamond as well.
Show Your Commitment
Proposing to your loved one shows your commitment. It shows that you took the time to think about your relationship and choose a ring that is just as special as your future spouse. Whether you use a princess cut ring as your inspiration or any other type of design, the right ring makes it even more special when you pop the question. She’ll look forward to telling everyone about the time you spent designing the perfect ring just for her.
Posted on November 16th, 2015
The Millennial generation represents a large number of the people getting married today as more begin to settle down. Although Millennials still have many of the same engagement and wedding traditions as previous generations, some have come up with new unique traditions, from staging proposal photography to designing unique engagement rings.
Mutual Proposals
One trend that many couples follow is mutual proposals that are planned. Women feel more involved in the engagement process, and both work to plan a memorable event. Some couples, rather than focusing on the proposal itself, enjoy treating their engagement as a day-long event with a lot of surprises for each other.
Unique Ring Ideas
Because there are so many ring options available today, many couples like to add new twists to classic ideas. Handcrafted rings offer the flexibility that many couples want. Some of the popular options that many couples choose include heart-shaped rings and custom engagement rings in bright colors.
Photo Opportunities
There are many photo-sharing sites available that provide opportunities for showcasing a new engagement ring. Many couples forgo a traditional studio portrait and choose an outdoor photo shoot instead. Some of the top highlights from a photo shoot might include the proposal as well as other events that will happen during the engagement.
Selfies have become a major part of announcing the happy news surrounding a couple’s engagement. Selfies provide easy ways for brides-to-be to showcase their rings for distant family members and friends. Many brides-to-be use extra creativity when taking selfies with their rings, including getting a manicure or using glitter polish on their nails to highlight the sparkle of the brand-new ring.
The Future of Engagements
Millennials live in an age where treasured traditions and exciting new trends come together, and the entire experience can be shared with friends and family at the touch of a button. Selecting the perfect ring for an engagement is one step on an exciting journey toward a happy future, and couples today have more options than ever for custom-designing a ring that reflects their style and history together.
Posted on November 15th, 2015
People in all cultures have worn jewelry since before time was recorded. In fact, our ancestors may have decorated themselves with jewelry before they wore clothes. They made their ornamentation from bones, feathers, seeds and other natural materials. Rings today are just as unique, especially when custom designed by expert jewelers.
Rings Represent Eternity
Historians believe rings were the first types of formal jewelry. Because circles have no beginning and no end, they came to symbolize eternity. The first rings were likely worn as talismans and may have had magical powers attributed to them. Later, rings were used for identification as well as religious and commemorative purposes. They were even sometimes intended to be seen by the public and convey a message of eternity.
An Engagement Ring Is a Promise
Prior to the second century B.C., one ring sufficed for both engagement and marriage. Around this time,
ancient Romans began giving their brides-to-be two rings. One was a gold band to be worn in public, and the other was an iron band to be worn at home. Whether gold or iron, the betrothal ring represented a pledge to marry. Historians once thought that ancient engagement rings served as part of the bride price in which girls were purchased and owned by their husbands-to-be, but that is now regarded as a fallacy.
Engagement rings came into greater use in the Middle Ages as church authorities mandated that couples wait until marriage banns had been posted. As wearing an engagement ring spread to other cultures through the ages, the rings evolved from simple bands of metal. Colored gemstones were fashionable until contemporary times when beautiful, clear diamonds became signs of love and promise.
The Promise of Diamonds
Now, nearly all engagement rings include one or more diamonds. Each diamond is unique, but it takes an expert to facet the uncut stone so that it flashes with light. The faceted diamond is then placed in a setting that further enhances its beauty. The sparkling engagement ring is then given to another as a promise of lasting love.
Posted on December 27th, 2012
Diamonds continue to hold their market as investments despite a slow economic turn around for America.
Since October of 2011 the United States jewelry industry has increased profit by 8.3%. This is a sharp increase considering that department store sales have fallen 0.9%.
According to Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction, white diamonds continue to hold strength. The auction sells any white diamond over 10 carats, regardless of quality. Fancy colored diamonds and gemstones continue to increase in popularity as well. A large reddish-orange diamond sold for a record per-carat price of $666,200.
The report states that investors are turning to jewels as a secure investment, particularly the larger stones that are less touched by inflation. Jewelry settings that are created as once in a lifetime pieces also hold value on the jewelry market.
As you grow your own white or fancy colored diamond collection let Mark Broumand help you. We have access to a large supply of loose diamonds and complex or unique settings for your collection. Visit our inventory today to start a new investment division or add to your current competitive jewelry.
Posted on December 7th, 2012
Rose gold is a popular and unique formula that adds personality to your jewelry collection. It is also known as pink gold or red gold.
Rose gold gets its color because it is a mix of yellow gold and copper. The difference between pink, red, and rose coloring is the amount of copper content mixed with pure gold. The standard mixture is 50% gold, 50% copper to create red gold. A higher gold content with the addition of silver may be used in the mixture to provide a rose appearance. It is this mixture that adds the beautiful hue to your collection. A higher carat rating will provide you with a higher percentage of pure gold in your investment.
If you are shopping for upcoming fashion or a unique jewelry piece browse your options online or consult with an experienced jeweler to create your own style.
Posted on December 7th, 2012
Lace has been in our history since the 15th century. The original word “kant” means border or edge. While lace was traditionally made with linen, silk, gold, or silver, in modern days it is made with cotton threading.
2012/13 fashion is embracing lace to compliment all attire from shoes to dresses. We are seeing lace grace the runway in wedding attire such as in the Spring 2013 Bridal Fashion Week. Check out Huntington Post’s report on 2013 Top Trends for Bridal Fashion HERE.
If you are looking for just the right jewelry to match your perfect lace wedding attire Mark Broumand can help. Here is a sample of our lace complimentary jewelry.
