Women Favor Jewelry for Valentine's Day But Aren't All Getting It

Source: JCK, Rob Bates Senior Editor

"Nearly one-third of women (29 percent) would choose jewelry if they could receive only one gift for Valentine's Day this year, according to a new survey by Sentient Decision Science for Sears.

Ranking second to jewelry were the other Valentine's Day staples, flowers or chocolate, favored by 20 percent. Some 9 percent of women preferred perfume, and only 8 percent said the “latest technology product.”

Yet, despite this preference, another survey predicts that not every woman will receive the jewelry she wants on Feb. 14."

You & Your Wedding features Icecooldiamonds.com

20 gorgeous gold engagement rings and wedding bands.

To create your very own gold diamond engagement ring, like the ones featured in You & Your Wedding visit our create your own ring service.

We realise how daunting and confusing a diamond purchase can be so here are some step by step diamond basics to help you.

Budget

It is always a good idea to try and first set a budget and stick as closely to this as possible. A recognised guide to purchasing a diamond engagement ring is that your budget should be at least 3 months' salary!! But we feel that you should find what's comfortable for you and that special someone in your life. It doesn't always need to be expensive to be beautiful. At Icecool diamonds we can give you all the help and advice you need on the best diamond engagement ring or jewel for you. 

Basics

Before we move onto the all important 4cs, a very important point (which is often forgotten by clients and jewellers alike when purchasing a diamond) is to find the shape that suits the wearer, as it is surprising how often the shape of a diamond can alter appearances, especially on the hand in which it is to be worn. Remember a diamond will last forever, so be sure it is just perfect.

Our tips on finding that all important shape & style  

Look at what your loved one is currently wearing, perhaps in a necklace or earrings they already own.

Do they like gold, white gold or platinum?  Always go with the style she wears more often.

Pay close attention when friends purchase jewellery and the comments your partner makes.

Perhaps ask a friend or family member if they know what she would like. Or perhaps you could orchestrate for them to take your loved one shopping and discretely find out.

The Four Cs

A diamond's value is based on the 4cs - Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat Weight. Together these four factors determine the value & quality of a diamond.

You don't need to be an expert to know when looking at a diamond which one you like, but it is important to understand how the 4cs will determine the value of the stone. In the end however it is the perceived beauty of the diamond that really counts. 

Cut

The cut of a diamond is very different to the shape of a diamond and the two are often confused. The cut determines how well the diamond performs when light interacts with the stone, creating a magnificent display of brilliance, fire and scintillation.  The cut of a diamond has the greatest influence on the beauty of the stone which when cut with exacting proportions of symmetry and polish will allow the stone to interact with the light and will be brighter, have more fire and sparkle.

Clarity

Clarity is a measure of the number, size and position of tiny characteristics present in almost all diamonds. These are often referred to as inclusions (within a diamond) or a blemish (on the surface of a stone). Some people like to refer to them as fingerprints, but we like to call them “birthmarks” as no two diamonds are ever the same and these natural inclusions or minerals which have become trapped within the stone during crystallisation gives each diamond its own individual mark. 

Diamonds which have few clarity characteristics receive a higher clarity grade. The very best clarity grade is FL (Flawless). Flawless diamonds show no inclusions or blemishes of any kind when examined under a 10X magnification, however these stones are very rare and extremely valuable, therefore like the rest of the 4cs, clarity's influence on value is directly related to the concept of rarity.  Using the International Diamond Grading System created by GIA, diamonds are given a clarity grade ranging from Flawless (FL) to diamonds with more obvious inclusions (I3). Most readily available gem quality diamonds fall into the VS or SI category. 

Colour

The colour of a diamond is graded on a scale of D-Z , D representing colourless. The less colour the higher the value. To the untrained observer most diamonds will appear to have no tint of colour, but most are slightly coloured and evaluated from pure white diamonds (colourless), which are rare, to near-colourless which have slight hints of yellow or brown. These slight colour differences make an impact on the value of the stone.  Diamonds can also be found in colours of the rainbow, but these diamonds are outside the D-Z colour scale and are referred to as Fancy Coloured Diamonds, in shades of red, blue, yellow and pink. Fancy coloured diamonds are extremely rare and valuable.

Carat weight

Carat is the unit of weight for diamonds, but remember diamonds of the same weight can be different sizes depending on the proportions. If it is cut deep and narrow, it will look much smaller than a diamond of the same weight which is cut shallow and wide.  There are a number of online measuring charts which will give you the average mm diamond size of the carat weight you are looking to buy.

A carat weighs 0.20 of a gram and is divided into 100 points, therefore a three quarter carat diamond is 75 points, a half carat diamond is 50 points and a quarter carat diamond is 25 points and so on.

The weight of a diamond is fixed and precise, the bigger the stone, the greater the rarity and therefore the higher the price per carat. A one carat diamond is one in a million diamonds. Two diamonds of equal weight can have very different values depending on the three previous value factors: colour, clarity and cut.    

 Fifth C

One of the most important of all the above mentioned factors is Confidence. We at Icecool diamonds can guide you towards the perfect diamond, diamond engagement ring or diamond jewel. Giving you the confidence to indulge and enjoy the experience. We are here to help, giving you the best possible advice and shopping experience at the touch of a button or a phone call away. Email us or why not come and see us for a free consultation, we are here to help.

Icecool diamond is the diamond jewellery division of diamond brokers H. Goldie & Company. With over 100 years experience in the diamond world, we are one of the oldest and most established diamond brokers with a worldwide reputation for dedicated excellence.

With our wealth of experience and expertise in both diamonds and precious jewellery we understand that just as each diamond is individual, with its own personality, so should your diamond jewel be a precious, personal custom made piece.

Visit www.icecooldiamonds.com or call 020 7831 7648 to speak with a diamond expert. At Icecool diamonds we know how to make diamond dreams come true.

Gold, Platinum and Rhodium are the most well know precious metals used to create some of the finest jewels in the world.

Rhodium is the rarest and most expensive of all metals used in jewellery and was discovered in 1803. Less than 4 tonnes of Rhodium is mined each year. Rhodium is a hard, white durable metal which is part of the Platinum family. Because of its rarity Rhodium is by and large used in jewellery as a coating to enhance and protect white gold and silver. In white gold it is used to enhance its white appearance and in silver as a tarnish protector.

Gold has been one of earth's most precious metals for centuries. Gold is naturally found in yellow but is widely available in white and rose gold; these different colours are created by adding other alloys. Gold is the most ductile and malleable of all metals making it ideal for use in Jewellery. The purity of gold is expressed in carats. Pure gold has a purity rating of 24 carats (24 parts), but is often alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, zinc or silicon to influence its workability and colour. The carat rating measures the proportions of pure gold mixed with other metal alloys, therefore 18ct gold contains 18 parts gold (18ct) and 6 parts of one or more alloys, making it 75% gold. 14ct contains 14 parts gold (14ct) and 10 parts of one or more alloys making it 58.3% gold and so on. The higher the carat number the higher percentage of gold.

Platinum is a precious, rare and noble metal which is 95% pure and 30 times rarer than gold. If all the platinum ever mined were poured into an Olympic swimming pool, it wouldn't even be deep enough to cover your ankles! Platinum is a naturally white metal making it ideal for use in diamond jewellery. It will not fade or tarnish like other metals and will keep its white luster for a lifetime. Platinum is more hard wearing and does not change shape or wear away, so precious gemstones are held firmly and securely. It is also more dense than gold, so a platinum ring weighs approx 40% more than the same design in gold. Platinum is also hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin.

When choosing the right metal for you or a loved one it is just as important as picking the right diamond or gemstone, as most items of jewellery are intended on being kept for a lifetime. Take into consideration the type of lifestyle that you or the receiver leads, as some metals will be more durable than others. 18ct gold and platinum are by far the most popular metals used in jewellery.

For further advice please email nina@icecooldiamonds.comor call us on 020 7831 7648. http://www.icecooldiamonds.com/

Each diamond is the result of an amazing natural journey which has turned an ancient element into the world's most precious and mystical gem. Diamonds were pure carbon crystallized at high temperatures and pressures, 100 miles beneath the earth's crust. There they remained, keeping their precious secrets, until powerful forces carried them upward within volcanic molten lava, only to be concealed again by falling ash and rock.

Over millions of years, the wrath of nature in the form of winds, water, heat and cold would rework the landscape time and time again. Only a small number of diamonds managed to survive this remarkable journey. Of those that did, only a tiny proportion that have been found are of a size and quality that can be cut, polished and set into jewellery. The diamond is a true miracle.

Sotheby's has announced the sale of one of the largest known fancy vivid yellow pear shaped diamond in the world, weighing 110.03cts. This impressive stone will be auctioned on the 15^th November 2011 as part of their Magnificent Jewels in Geneva, with a pre-sale estimate of $11-15 million.

The Sun-Drop Diamond, as it is known, has been graded Fancy Vivid, the highest colour grading for a yellow diamond, by the GIA and is ranked as the largest known pear shape fancy vivid yellow diamond in the world, with a purity of VVS1. 'A diamond such as the 110.03 carat Sun-Drop can almost be said to exude a magical aura. Its magnificent colour combined with impressive and uncommon cut makes it a paragon in the world of diamonds' GIA monograph, 2011.

Sotheby's Geneva has a distinguished and successful history for selling exceptional diamonds. In November 2010 at Sotheby's Geneva, The Graff Pink – a Fancy Intense Pink Diamond weighting 24.87 carats, sold for $46,158,674 and established a new world record for a diamond and any jewel.

The current world auction record for a fancy vivid yellow diamond was achieved by a marquise-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 13.83cts, which sold for $3,302,500 at Sotheby's New York in 1997.

How to love & care for your diamond jewels

It is important to love and care for your jewels and to keep them looking at their absolute best.

At Icecooldiamonds.com we recommend you clean your jewels at least once every month to keep the brilliant shine to the metal and the radiance and lustre to your diamond.

Keeping your jewels clean will stop everyday oils and grime becoming trapped under your diamond, making the stone appear dull and lifeless.

Cleaning Tips.

• Soak your diamond jewellery for around 10-15 minutes in a warm bowl of mild detergent.
• Use a soft brush/toothbrush to remove any dirt from around and inside the setting.
• Rinse the items thoroughly in warm water – Always use a bowl, never rinse over the sink!
• Dry with a lint free-cloth.
• Always remember to check your jewels when cleaning for any signs of wear and tear

Storing your diamond jewels.

Although diamonds are the hardest material known to man, special care should always be given to protecting your diamond jewellery. We highly recommend storing your diamond jewels separately, as one diamond can scratch another and cause abrasions to appear on the finish of your metal.

Caring for your metal

To keep your metal looking brighter for longer, polish regularly with a soft lint free cloth to bring back to life its brightness and shine.

It is always best to remove and protect your fine jewellery from harsh chemicals such as chlorine, perfume, hairspray and cleaning products which can tarnish gold.

All white gold is rhodium plated. Rhodium is applied to white gold to give the surface a brighter and more reflective lustre. Over time this will fade and will need to be re-plated, at Icecooldiamonds.com we can restore your white gold jewellery to it former sparkle.

Platinum is a naturally white metal which keeps its pure white colour, and is perfect for a lifetime of everyday wear. Platinum is more durable than other metal and is heat and acid resistant.

Like all precious metals, platinum and gold will scratch and dent when it comes into contact with harder elements. Therefore we recommend removing any jewels when carrying out heavy chores. However with everyday life scratches and dents will always occur over a period of time. Icecooldiamonds.com will remove all marks and restore your jewels by re-polishing and brining them back to their original beauty.

Caring for you

No matter how tired or worn your jewels may look, at Icecool diamonds we are here to help and can make any jewel look brand new. So don't hide away those tired or worn jewels send them to us and let us restore them for you. Icecooldiamonds.com will help bring back that sparkle and have your jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

* It is always a good idea to have your jewellery professionally cleaned, polished and checked every now and then, so please do get in touch.

What does the shape of a diamond say about you? All diamonds are mystical, magical, symbolic and brilliant. The most popular choice by far is the round brilliant. But the shape that you do chose is a true reflection of you. Here is a guide to what your diamond choice says about you.

• Round Brilliant - Symbolises tradtional values. The round diamond is understated and classic.
• Princess Cut - Trendy and fashion conscious.
• Oval - You are influenced by opinion.
• Marqusie - You are adventurous.
• Heart - A real romantic.
• Emerald Cut - You love vintage.
• Pear - You are creative, a perfectionist who likes to stand out from a crowd.

The Magnificent Jewels Auction is set to take place on the 18^th October and will be lead by a 32.77 carat, vivid fancy yellow diamond estimated to sell for more than $6 million (£3.6 million).

The yellow hue of this 32.77ct pear shape diamond is so intense that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks it amongst the rarest of gemstones in its class.

Rahul Kadakia, head of the jewellery for Christies America said: 'The Vivid Yellow literally blazes with colour, unlike any yellow diamond I've ever seen. In the world of diamonds, a naturally coloured stone of this incredible colour and size represents a freak occurrence -an extremely rare geological phenomenon. The appearance of this extraordinary gemstone on the market truly represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for top jewellery collectors.'

The stone is expected to achieve in excess of $6 million. The stone also has the potential to surpass the per-carat price of $203,000 achieved for the Golden Drop, a pear-shape 18.49 ct yellow diamond sold in June 1990 at Christie's London.

ICECOOL DIAMONDS LAUNCHES WEDDING DAY DIAMOND RINGS

A marriage made in heaven

The Bride looked stunning as she walked down the aisle wearing a white lace and stain Alexander McQueen gown designed by Sarah Burton.

And to compliment the stunning dress the bride wore a delicate display of diamonds. The tiara was her 'something borrowed' and was loaned to her by the Queen. The bride's earrings, which were a gift from Kate's parents, for her wedding day, was the bride's 'something new'. The handmade diamond-set oak leaf pear shaped diamond drop earrings, with a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the centre.

Overall, we witnessed, as we would expect, a delicate diamond display. Mrs. Middleton wore a tourmaline and diamond pendant with matching earrings and Miss Philippa Middleton wore floral diamond set earrings.

Icecooldiamonds.com have put together a collection of diamond jewels from our all new 'Ready to wear' designer diamond collection, so that you too can create your very own Royal style.

Get the look with Icecooldiamonds.com or why not create your very own delicate diamond set drop stud earrings with our exclusive Bespoke Diamond service, You Dream We Create.

Visit Icecooldiamonds.com or call 020 7831 7648 and speak with a diamond expert.

 

Create your own Kate Middleton Royal style 18ct white gold diamond drop stud earrings with central pear shape droplet. From £1400.00	Create your own Kate Middleton Royal style 18ct white gold pear shape diamond drop earrings. From £1685.00
Similar style to pendant worn by Mrs Middleton. Set with your choice of diamond or coloured gemstone.18ct white gold diamond necklace. From £850.00	Similar style to earrings worn by Miss Pippa Middelton. 18ct white gold diamond 1.00ct diamond droplets.From £1200

Speculation continues over the Tiara to be worn by Kate Middleton on her big day.

It was earlier speculated that Kate Middleton was set to wear the 'Lovers Knot Tiara', previously worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.

However with the recent £6,000 bet placed on Kate wearing the diamond encrusted tiara, known as the Russian Fringe Tiara, speculation has somewhat changed with the unknown gambler standing to win £72,000 if Kate Middleton becomes the first 'commoner' to wear the Queen's diamond tiara on her wedding day.

The diamond tiara, from the Queen's personal gems collection, has previously been worn by Queen Mary, the Queen Mum, the Princess Royal and Her Majesty herself. The tiara, made in 1919 for Queen Mary, is formally known as the George III Tiara.

Create your very own wedding day diamonds at Icecooldiamonds.com. Visit us or call 020 7831 7648 to discuss your wedding day jewels. When it comes to choosing the prefect diamond jewellery for the most important day of your life, you can indulge in complete confidence knowing that Icecooldiamonds.com will guide you towards the perfect diamonds for your big day.