Jewelry lovers are often confused between simulated diamonds and created diamonds. These two terms mean the same thing to most people but you’d better think twice. As an educated consumer, you should know the difference.

Simulated diamonds are quite popular and most sellers and distributors claim that the diamonds are the same as created diamonds. A created diamond is like mined diamonds physically, visually, and chemically. It is also sometimes called lab created diamond because it makes use of technological processes like the CVD and HPHT. A simulated diamond has similar gemological characteristics as the mined diamond and it can be natural, artificial, or a combination of the two. Typical examples are rhinestones and white sapphire. The latest creation is hybrid diamonds which was launched this year.

If you want to own a simulated diamond, you need to be aware that it possesses properties that are very much similar to diamonds although there are notable differences. Diamond simulant have flaws and are not as hard as the diamond. The real diamond is the hardest according to the Mohs scale. Poor polish is another external difference. In terms of brilliance and fire, the simulated diamonds comes close to mined diamonds especially the all new hybrid diamonds. According to studies, most diamond simulants are more brilliant than diamonds which makes them quite popular.

Aside from rhinestones and the new hybrid diamonds, other materials include glasses, white sapphire, spinel, rutile, Strontium titanate, YAG, and GGG. So take a closer look at the two most popular simulated diamonds.

Hybrid diamonds – this is the newest simulated diamond available in the market. It can’t be called a created diamond because it did not undergo the CVD or HPHT process. It was created using the FCVA-Ion Jet Beam Diamond Seeding which resulted to an affordable alternative. The current price of the hybrid diamond is $800/carat and it is sold in artisan designs. If you’re looking for jewelry with unmatched brilliance, this may be an excellent choice. The price is still reasonable as compared to the very expensive diamonds. You can get it at major jewelry stores worldwide.Synthetic rutile – this was first introduced in 1948 and is quite popular for its brilliance. It resembles low-color grade diamonds because of its high refractive index and 6.5-dispersion that causes the exceptional fire display. However, if you observe the stone closely, the back facets tend to double. Yellowish body color usually remains on the stone.

YAG – this is different from garnet. It is created using the flux melt method and was launched way back in 1969. Like diamonds, it loups clean, hard, and singly refractive. It lacks fire but when cut properly, it can look like real diamonds.

As long as you know the difference between the two terms, you can surely shop for the perfect jewelry. Sellers often claim that simulated is the same as created. It doesn’t really matter how the sellers and distributors call them as long as you know how to purchase wisely.

What do you do if you want to are interested in finding unusual diamond ring ideas? It is so easy to jump in the car and drive to your local jeweler’s shop. That takes no creativity at all. However, if you are someone who is interested in dancing to a different tune, perhaps a jewelry designer is the way to go.

Most cities have designers that create specialty pieces. They are probably in the yellow pages. Ask you local jeweler if he does specialty pieces. If not, visit the ones he recommends and find out what kind of work they produce. See if their ideas match what you have in mind. You can be wonderfully creative with your choice of gems while adding sapphires, rubies or perhaps, pearls.

Steer away from the designers that only do gold or silver necklaces. They may not have an inventory of gems for you to choose from and you would be having to work with two jewelers. It is better to work with one that can produce your vision.

If you are unsuccessful with local designers, boot up the Internet. You can find unusual diamond ring ideas everywhere. It is literally a playground of inviting choices. There are thousands of artists displaying their work, and the images they have of both vintage and modern designs. This is a wonderful way to get ideas of what you are attracted to as well as what you want to make sure you don’t invest good money in.

Email some of the creators. They usually have a “contact us” button somewhere. If you like some but they aren’t “just right”, you can still print out the designs that attract you. Understand some of these designs are on-of-a-kind and it would be inappropriate to have someone other than the original designer replicate them. Respect their hard work and creativity.

However, if you find someone who dances to the same tune you do, tell them what you want. Have them estimate hind out how expensive it will be to make. Understand from the get-go that having a piece made for you is going to be costly. Determine how costly before the work begins. If everything is a go, be patient.

It takes time to create an individual diamond ring setting. Have them keep you informed and perhaps send you photos of the work as it is being done. That would be fun, wouldn’t it? Watching something come together so similar to what you had in your mind would be incredible.

It’s done. You head over to the jeweler’s shop and you wait for the finished ring. When he puts it on your finger, you will know you have fought the battle of how to find unusual diamond ring ideas, and won!

Nearly every person in the world has old gold and used jewelry laying around in their dresser drawers, safety deposit box, or jewelry box. Some of these things have not been worn in years or are simply out of date. Perhaps somebody gave you a piece of jewelry and you don’t wear it anymore. Now more than ever you can turn this used, old and outdated jewelry into real cash. Did you know that you can do this over the Internet safely and securely? There are just a few things you need to keep mindful when doing so:

1. How long has the buyer of your gold been operating on the Internet? Minimum of 5 years would be good.

2. Does the buyer have a physical mailing address as opposed to a PO BOX and where your package can be signed for with proof of receipt?

3. Does the buyer belong to the BBBOnLine program run by the Better Business Bureau?

4. Can the buyer turn the transaction around in a few days (3 days maximum) as opposed to a few weeks?

5. Does the buyer have the means to pay you quickly through an online payment system directly to you?

6. Does the buyer track your order and keep you up to date via email?

7. Does the buyer offer a fair price for your scrap and used gold or unused gold and jewelry? As of January 8, 2008, about $15.00 ppw is fair and reasonable.

8. Does the buyer assure your confidentiality? That your sale will be keep completely confidential?

If the answer is NO to any of these questions, run to the next internet buyer and ask the same questions again until you get YES answers to each and every question.

Selling your old and scrap gold has never been easier and safer through the Internet once you have found a “qualified buyer”. Again, a qualified buyer answers yes, to each and every question above.

Selling your old, used and scrap gold through the Internet will help you to yield a higher payout than if you sold to your local pawn shop or local jewelry store. Word of advice. DO NOT SELL YOUR SCRAP GOLD TO ANY PAWN SHOP. You will receive only pennies on the dollar and will have to fill out extensive paperwork. On the Internet, there is NO paperwork to fill out and since there is lower overhead to process your scrap gold, you will receive a much higher payout.

Once you have found a qualified buyer for your scrap, used or old gold and jewelry, the process for redemption (getting your cash) should be easy.

Go to any office supply store and purchase a reinforced and secure mailer. This is a mailing envelope that is reinforced to prevent tearing or easy access by anyone after you have sealed it. Anybody at the office supply store can help you locate this type of envelope or we will send you one for FREE.

1. Place all of your scrap into the mailer, after you have addressed it to the buyer. Make sure you always have a return address on the mailer.

2. Always use the United States Postal Service (USPS) when shipping your package. We have never lost a package through the United States Postal Service. Why? It is a federal crime for anyone to take possession (even touch it, except by postal workers) of US Mail other than the recipient (Company being mailed to). This is not the case with FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Obviously, never disclose what is inside any valuable package. Insure for $100.00 (a little added security) and then mail it to the buyer.

3. You should receive confirmation within 3-5 business days after you have mailed your scrap gold.

4. The buyer will send you an email confirming receipt of your scrap gold and jewelry.

5. The buyer will do some tests on your old and used gold, weigh it and make you an offer for purchase. You either accept the price or decline the price offered to you. If you decline, your package will be sent back to you.

6. If you accept the price offered to you for your old, used and scrap gold, the buyer will send you your payment by company check or instant payment through your valid email address. It should be that simple!

Why not turn unused and old gold jewelry into cash through the Internet? There is no better time than right now. Use the cash for some new jewelry or use the cash for a vacation or maybe some new furniture! Whatever you use the money for, it is safer and easier now than ever to trade your old gold and jewelry for cash today through the advances and safeguards of the Internet.

Okay, you are ready to “pop” the question, and you need to get a good deal on a diamond engagement ring. Of course, you have a limited budget. So how do you figure out what to buy?

Here are five shopping tips that will help you get the right diamond ring at the right price.

1. Shop for the Diamond First. Whether you shop online or in-store, first select the diamond and then the setting (the ring itself). Avoid buying pre-packaged, diamond engagement ring products. Diamonds already set in a ring are usually lower quality and overpriced. By shopping for a loose diamond first, you can get a better quality diamond and still stay within your budget. At your local jeweler’s shop, you can more easily examine a loose diamond under a microscope or 10X magnifying glass (called a jeweler’s loupe), than one already in a setting. The diamond’s size and shape will also often dictate what type of setting to get.
2. Read the Grading Report. Only buy a diamond of.23 carat or greater if it comes with a diamond grading report or certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) which grades over 75{b684a1c6d8fa4ecab1dc97042a200d78c5673afb14c4d0099bf015f263e1ee6a} of the fine jewelry quality diamonds, or AGSL (American Gem Society Laboratories) a leading grader of higher quality stones. The grading report/certificate will verify the diamond’s carat weight and quality, including the color grade, clarity grade, cut grade, and other important characteristics that affect the diamond’s value. Reputable retailers will allow you to inspect the grading report/certificate before purchasing the diamond.
3. Find Out What You Can Afford. Even before heading to your local jeweler or surfing over the Internet to find one of the leading on-line diamond
4. Compare Diamond Prices and Verify Before You Buy. Diamond prices vary not only by a diamond’s size (carat weight) and quality, but by retailer as well. You should expect to pay 5 to 45{b684a1c6d8fa4ecab1dc97042a200d78c5673afb14c4d0099bf015f263e1ee6a} more for a diamond at your local jeweler, department store or jewelry chain store than if you buy over the Internet, depending on the diamond. But for that extra price you should expect to get individual customer service and will not have to wait for your purchase to arrive by FEDEX or UPS. Take charge of your diamond shopping and don’t be pushed into buying something you can’t afford or don’t want. Search online and compare prices, and visit several stores before deciding on a diamond. Then, before you buy, verify the price is fair by checking the blue book value for the diamond online.
5. Buy With Her in Mind When Choosing the Shape and Setting. If you get the chance, window shop with her to see what shape of diamond and type of setting she would prefer. If you want to surprise her, you may need to ask her friends or a family member if she would prefer a yellow gold, white gold or a platinum setting. If she has thin long fingers, a Marquise shape may be better than an Emerald shape diamond. The most popular shape is the Round Brilliant, but it is also the most expensive on a per-carat basis. The Princess shape is currently a popular diamond for engagement rings and can be up to 10{b684a1c6d8fa4ecab1dc97042a200d78c5673afb14c4d0099bf015f263e1ee6a} less per carat than a Round Brilliant. More important than saving a few dollars is insuring she is happy with the shape of the diamond and type of setting, so do your homework before you buy.