Factors Consumers Should Consider When Buying Estate Jewelry

Estate jewelry is a beautifully crafted type of accessory which has a loyal following. This type of item goes by a few different names and some may know it more by another name such as antique jewelry. People purchase estate jewelry for many reasons such as for historical value, wonderful craftsmanship and overall aesthetic qualities. If one is hoping to start collecting items of the estate variety or has been doing so yet wishes to add more to the collection, there are a few factors which they should consider when buying this type of accessory.

Authenticity of the Item

Although not everyone is purchasing estate jewelry simply to have an authentic piece of the past in their collection, many wish for the jewelry which they do purchase to be authentic in nature. It is wise to read up on the subject of estate jewelry to become more well versed with this type of item if one is not already. In addition, it never hurts to have the item appraised prior to purchasing it. This will make the authenticity factor more concrete since it has been looked over by someone who is knowledgeable in that area of collections.

Cost of the Estate Jewelry Piece

The price for which the estate jewelry is listed is another important factor to consider. For some, money is no object and paying a large amount for an estate item may not seem like a big deal. However, for those who wish to carefully spend their funds on accessories of this type, ensuring that the price is comparable to the quality and authenticity of the item is important. This too can be gauged after having learned about the different values of estate jewelry and one who has a good grasp on costs of various century pieces will know how much is too much to spend on an item.

Condition of the Accessory

The condition of the estate jewelry piece is another important factor to keep in mind when browsing the selections. Although estate jewelry has an antique quality about it, this does not mean that it should look like it has been overused throughout the generations. This type of jewelry should be in a condition often referred to as gently used which means it has that antique flair to it yet will still stand the test of time in the years to come.

Uniqueness of Estate Jewelry

Consumers should also determine what they are looking for in an estate jewelry piece. Many like this type of jewelry for its unique qualities. Therefore, it might be desirable to browse around until one finds a piece that is extremely unique in nature. Not only will this present the best look for the purchaser to enjoy but it may also make it more valuable in the end if there are not many other pieces around which are similar to it.

Keep in mind that estate jewelry simply means jewelry that was previously owned. In order to be classified as an antique piece the FTC (Federal trade Commission) requires that it must be over 100 years old.

Bezel - A Unique Diamond Setting

Most people focus on the gems or metal used in necklaces, but what about certain settings? The Bezel setting is unique and brings out the look you want with diamonds.

Diamonds are one of the world's most popular gemstones. With the diamond symbolizing many things in Western culture – such as love, fidelity and eternity, it's no wonder that many men choose to buy their women diamond jewelry for special occasions. Throughout the years, different styles of diamonds have been popular, from ornate settings including filigree to simple four pronged settings that let the diamond speak for itself. One of the most popular settings today is the bezel setting.

A bezel setting does not use prongs to hold in the diamond. Instead, as is the case in bezel diamond necklaces, the diamond is held into the piece of jewelry by tension created when the stone is popped into the setting. The bezel setting is sized exactly for the carat weight of a particular diamond – there is no way to "squeeze" a one carat diamond into a setting meant for a diamond that is only one half carat. A hole is usually left at the bottom of the bezel, in order to allow light to fully pass through the diamond and showcase its fire.

Any bezel setting is ideal for those who have a fear of snagging their diamond on cloth or other materials. Bezel settings do not have the diamond sticking up in any way, it is set flush with the metal that is holding it. There are no prongs or other pieces above the stone that may get caught on sweaters and other fabric. This setting is also ideal for those who are afraid of losing their diamond – the bezel is generally thought of as more secure than a prong set diamond.

These jewelry pieces are found in many different price ranges and styles, with the bezel setting being popular with all ages and classes. Bezel diamond necklaces can be found with stones that are as little as .10 carat in weight, or as much as tens of carats. Many of the necklaces have just one stone, showcasing the brilliance of that one diamond as a singular pendant. Others have a few bezel set stones spaced around the necklace chain for added sparkle and effect.

The size of your diamond may not matter as much as the reason it was given to you, and these necklaces are often given as tokens of love or important gifts. These beautiful, contemporary necklaces are great for the woman in your life, or as a gift to yourself.

Clarity Enhanced Diamonds - Is This Treatment Permanent and How Does It Affect the Value?

Diamonds are gemstones which come in many forms. Some are naturally brilliant whereas others may be a little bit cloudy to the eye. The clarity of a diamond relates to how brilliant and sparkly a diamond really is. These days' consumers are able to purchase clarity enhanced diamonds where the original diamond may not have been quite as superior in clarity terms but has since been altered to be more so. Prospective diamond purchasers should learn a bit about clarity enhanced diamonds prior to purchasing these types of gemstones so that they can determine if this type of diamond is what they really wish to buy.

Procedures Used for Enhancing Diamond Clarity

There are two main types of procedures which are used to enhance the clarity of a diamond. The first process is known as laser treatment or laser drilling. With the permanent treatment known as laser drilling, a laser is used to perforate the surface of the diamond and a tiny hole is drilled into the stone itself. Once this has been done, any inclusions or marks within the diamond are drilled out by the laser. Sometimes acid is used to flush out imperfections within the diamond. Diamonds which have undergone laser drilling may have small trails within the diamond although they can look natural and go undetected by consumers.

A second procedure associated with clarity enhanced diamonds is fracture filling. Fracture filling entails having cracks within the diamond filled in with a clear substance. Although laypersons will most likely be unable to see these fillings, the treatment is not permanent like the laser drilling is and future deterioration may be imminent throughout the life of the diamond.

Do Clarity Enhancements Affect the Overall Value of the Diamond?

The value of a diamond is an extremely important concept for many individuals. Since they are supposed to last forever, those who buy these beautiful gemstones hope that the value of the diamond is good as well. With both of these aforementioned treatment procedures, one who buys a clarity enhanced diamond should not pay the same price for such as a naturally perfect one. Since the diamond did not start out as perfect, the consumer should not pay the same amount for an enhanced diamond as one which was not enhanced.

With that said, a laser treated diamond will often be worth much more than a fracture filled diamond for a few different reasons. First, the laser treated stone is one which has undergone a more state of the art, specialized treatment and will therefore produce greater results. Secondly, the diamond which has been treated by lasers will see permanent, lasting results unlike the fracture filled diamond which may erode or darken over time. Therefore, one will find that the overall value of a laser treated diamond is much better than a fracture filled diamond.

Should Consumers Buy Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

When trying to decide whether or not to buy clarity enhanced diamonds, the purchaser needs to consider a few things. First, if one is looking for a naturally perfect diamond, then buying one which has undergone clarity enhancement treatments may not be right for them. Secondly, if a buyer wishes to get a good deal on a diamond then perhaps considering a clarity enhanced diamond is not a bad idea after all. In the end, the product which they are purchasing is one that although it may be imperfect to begin with, the finished result is a brilliant shiny diamond.

A Balenciaga Handbag Signifies Real Style

Balenciaga handbags are some of the most sought after handbags in the world. Balenciaga handbags are produced by one of the most respected designers in the industry, Cristobal Balenciaga. He created the world of Balenciaga in the early 1900s in San Sebastian, Spain and then spread worldwide from there. By the mid 1900s, Balenciaga had spread to the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona and even into Paris. With its esteemed history, Balenciaga continues to produce quality fashionable handbags today.

The Elegance of Balenciaga Handbags

A Balenciaga handbag is one of the most sought after commodities in the fashion world. Each Balenciaga handbag is hand made by skilled Balenciaga craftsman and is an exclusive purchase. Most people, including some of the most famous names in the world, receive their Balenciaga handbag after being on a waiting list for a time. The flurry of interest surrounding each new Balenciaga handbag design begins as it is being created as the fashion world cannot wait until its release.

Fulfill the Dream of Balenciaga

Balenciaga employs the use of goat leather that has a naturally worn look. Balenciaga handbags are surprisingly designed to boast a blend of fashion, quality and function. Each Balenciaga handbag is roomy enough to hold everything you will ever need for your day, yet fashionable enough to be a desired accessory even if it were empty. Notables such as Nicky Hilton are often seen with a Balenciaga handbag on their arms.

Balenciaga's upscale handbags are a great addition to any outfit, casual or dressy. Any woman who carries a Balenciaga handbag is immediately viewed with envy by every other woman who can only dream of owning one of these beautiful masterpieces. In short, to own a Balenciaga handbag is to gain the reputation of being a stylish woman. The popularity of Balenciaga handbags have often led to pirating of the styles and the name, and the creation of cheap Balenciaga handbag knockoffs.

The cost of quality is evidenced in the prices of Balenciaga handbags. Because these bags are quite expensive, many women have attempted to find low cost versions that are nothing but cheap imitations and do not reflect either the quality or the stylishness of an authentic Balenciaga handbag. Women who know the difference invest in the real thing -- a quality Balenciaga bag made with the care and quality invested into every authentic Balenciaga handbag. One look at the style and one touch of the buttery soft leather earns Balenciaga a customer for life.

Diamond Cut Grade - Why Is the Cut of a Diamond So Important?

Choosing the perfect diamond for one's needs is a task which takes time, consideration and a bit of knowledge on the subject of this beautiful gemstone. Whether one is looking for that special diamond engagement ring for a loved one or another piece of diamond jewelry, there are various things one should look for when selecting a stone of this nature. There are many key components of a diamond which enable the consumer to know exactly how good of a diamond they are purchasing. The 4 C's known as cut, clarity, color and carat are characteristics which describe the stone in great detail. One of the 4 C's, cut, relates to the overall quality of a diamond as detected through the use of a number of varying measurements. The cut of a diamond will determine the sheer brilliance which one is treated to when viewing a diamond.

Proportions of the Diamond Will Speak Volumes

One of the determining factors relating to diamond cut grade is the proportions of the diamond being evaluated. Certain proportions are necessary in order for the diamond to exhibit a particular cut grade. The proper proportions will determine how much a diamond sparkles and shines in a piece of jewelry. Each laboratory which reviews one's diamond and issues a grading report on it should establish the proportions of the diamond in order to determine cut grade.

Polish of the Diamond Helps Determine Cut Grade

Another factor in determining the cut grade of a diamond is the polish of a particular stone. The polish relates to how easily light can enter and exit the diamond, the result of which will reflect either a brilliant or a not so brilliant stone. Polish usually always comes into play when a diamond is being evaluated for its cut grade level.

Symmetry of the Diamond

Lastly, symmetry of the gemstone has an important role to play when evaluating diamond cut grade. A diamond has to have symmetrical facets in order for its cut grade to be the best that it can possibly be. This too must be taken into consideration in order for the cut grade to be perfect and determine whether the end result will be an exquisite diamond or one which is lackluster in nature.

Reasons to Consider Diamond Cut Grade When Selecting a Stone

Some may consider factors such as size and style to be most important to them when shopping for a diamond. However, it is the diamond cut grade which will really make a world of a difference between having a diamond that stops passersby in their tracks or does not make a real impression one way or the other. First, diamond cut grade determines the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond. Secondly, it will ultimately determine the true value of a gemstone of this type and relay its worth in these terms. If one wishes to have a diamond which captures the light beautifully and can be seen by all as an absolute treasure to wear, then taking the diamond cut grade into consideration when purchasing this type of stone is a wise thing to do.