Jewelry 101 | | Page 8

Create a Customized Ring with Semi-Mounts from Natalie K

May 10, 2013 Jennifer

Buying an engagement ring which has already been preassembled is about as romantic as putting a quarter in a gumball machine and hoping you’ll love whatever comes out. It’s a bit of a gamble because in many cases you’ll come across a band that you’ve fallen in love with but a diamond which is not exactly what you’re looking for or vice-versa. An engagement ring should be personalized to best suit you and your tastes. A semi-mount offers that freedom to customize and build your engagement ring.

But what is a semi-mount? A semi-mount is a ring which has all of the side stones and details set, but is still missing a center stone. Semi-mounts offer you the freedom of choosing the right center stone for you. Most engagement rings are set with diamonds, but a semi-mount offers you the option of choosing something more unique and meaningful for you. Or if you already have a diamond, perhaps an heirloom piece, this alternative allows you showcase it. You have the last word in what you choose to make your focus.

There are a few things to consider before choosing a semi-mount. If you’re opting for a special shaped gem, such as heart or marquise, ask your jeweler which semi-mounts may be the best fit. Most semi-mounts are very flexible and can accommodate many different sizes and shapes but it is best to consult your jeweler first. Find out which rings can accommodate the size and shape you have your heart set on.

Learn more about semi-mounts: eHow

Choose a Metal that Will Shine as Bright as Your Diamond

May 9, 2013 Jennifer

NK28687PK-18RW_three_qrtr — NK28687PK-18RW uses both 18k rose gold and 18k white gold.

Choosing the right metal for your ring is essential as the gleam of your metal of choice will be the frame for your diamond. It is important to get to know what each kind of metal option offers and which best suits you.

Gold: The shine of gold is unmistakably the most popular choice in the way of engagement ring metals. In its purest state, 24k, gold is a beautiful yellow tint but unfortunately much too soft for jewelry. That is why it is mixed with other metals in order to strengthen it and make it more durable for long wear. 14k and 18k are the best grades of gold for luxury jewelry.

14k gold is stronger and more durable in the long run but is a lower grade of gold purity at 58.3 % gold.

18k gold is purer than 14k gold at 75% and is stunningly beautiful, but will require more maintenance and care.

White Gold: Rhodium plated, white gold offers a beautiful shine that enhances the sparkle and colorlessness of your diamond.

Rose Gold: Rose gold, an alloy of gold and copper, has a delicate blush hue and rosy undertone. Absolutely beautiful when set with pink diamond side stones. Rose gold also has the underlying meaning of “love,” perfect for romantic couples.

Platinum: A very rare and durable natural white metal which is generally 95% pure. It is naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s great for anyone with skin sensitivity. Its white tone, much like white gold will not cast any tint into a white diamond center stone.

To learn more: Gold Educator and The Knot

Choose a Setting That’s Right For Your Ring

May 8, 2013 Jennifer

We’ve gone over the Four C’s and discussed shape, you’ve selected your dream diamond, but now you have to figure out where and how it will be set. There are many different setting styles, each offering different advantages and aesthetic qualities. Remember, if you’re opting for something other than a prong-set solitaire the combinations can be endless. To get you started here’s quick glossary.

NK12110WE-W is an example of a prong set center and a channel set band.

Prong: The most popular type of engagement ring settings is by far the prong setting. It consists of 3 to six claws which hold on firmly to the crown and girdle of your diamond. The advantage of such a setting, with such thin wires, is that it allows for the most light to enter the diamond amplifying its sparkle. You will want to consider however whether you want a low or high prong set. Higher will add more emphasis to your center diamond while low is more convenient for day to day activities.

Channel: The channel setting holds a row of diamonds between two channels of metal. The diamonds do not touch one another and have every edge protected against wear and tear. This is a popular choice for wedding bands and can add a striking and modern touch to the shank of an engagement ring.

NK25814-18W_profile — NK25814-18W has five bezel set diamonds seen in profile.

Bezel: A bezel set diamond is a metal rim that usually surrounds a diamond completely. While it is one of the most secure settings, protecting the girdle of your diamond from niches and chips, it doesn’t allow as much light to enter and be reflected by the diamond. Not the ideal setting for a center stone, but can create a lovely affect with detail stones or side stones.

Pave: Tiny diamonds are set closely together and have the appearance of a paved street. The diamonds are set within tiny holes and held in place by beads at the level of the surface of the ring. It is a challenging look to accomplish because of the patience necessary to set so numerous and such small stones but offers a dazzling blanket sparkle affect.

Flush: The diamond is set within a hole in the band of the ring, the metal is then hammered around the perimeter to keep it gripped securely and create a completely smooth surface. Elegant for men’s wedding bands.

NK25537WE-W_profile — Tension set side stones add a little edge to a classic.

Tension: A tension setting creates the incredible illusion that the diamond is floating. The diamond is held on two sides by pressure. While this is not the most secure setting and doesn’t offer much in the way of protection for the diamond if your engagement ring will become a special occasion piece it offers a wow factor.

The Four Cs: Carat

May 6, 2013 Jennifer

When selecting the engagement ring of your dreams there are four important points to consider, the Four Cs. We’ve gone over Cut, Clarity and Color in previous posts the final C is Carat. The carat is the weight of your diamond. Let’s not confuse carats and Karats however. 18k gold is completely different from an 18 ct. diamond which would be a monster of a rock.

The carat is the unit of measurement which is used to designate the weight of a diamond. As defined by the metric system a “carat” is equal to 0.2grams (or about the weight of a small paperclip). The carat is then subdivided into 100 points, think of it as a dollar with 100 pennies: ½ carat is 0.50 cts. When weighed, a diamond will be assigned its weight to the closest 100^th decimal place. So a quarter carat diamond will be written out as having a weight of 0.25 cts. This helps the jeweler to be as precise as possible in weighting the diamond.

But it’s not all about the size here ladies. There are the other characteristics to consider. A larger diamond isn’t always going to be the best choice or render the most bang for your buck. When comparing two diamonds with the same color grade, cut and internal clarity yes, a larger diamond will cost considerably more than a smaller diamond. This is especially true because prices rise exponentially with size due to the fact that larger diamonds are rare. But if size is what you’re going for it is possible to find a large diamond of poor quality with less sparkle at a similar price to a smaller diamond with exquisite quality and high sparkle. It’s all about preference and priorities.

For more information on carat weight and a handy interactive chart: GIA

Your Love is One-of-a-Kind, Your Ring Should Be Too

May 5, 2013 Jennifer

An engagement ring will be an everlasting symbol of your love. It will be a token you will carry with you for the rest of your life, making it all the more essential for it to feel like it is entirely representative of you. We know how important it is to find an engagement ring that is as unique as your romance. That is why Natalie K offers a wide range of exquisite engagement rings which can be customized to reflect your personal style. Our semi-mounts allow you to choose diamond center that is right for you.

NK28057-18W is a gorgeous ring which flaunts a split shank and glittering gallery, pave-set with brilliant white diamonds. While this beautiful semi mount is in our Princesse Collection, and will flatter any square cut diamond center you also have the option of setting it with a range of other diamond shapes. All of our rings are customizable and can be transformed into something distinctively your own. Not only will you be able to select an engagement ring which feels like it is one of a kind, you will create it.