Keep in mind when selecting a setting for an engagement ring that tradition does not have to dictate this important purchase. A bride and groom are absolutely free to select what their hearts desire. In fact, it is best for the groom to be sure the bride’s personal tastes are reflected in the chosen ring since it will be worn for a lifetime.

There are plenty of ways to make sure an engagement ring is unusual. Some of the options include:

• Going for a distinct cut for the centerpiece stone – Even if a solitaire is ultimately desired, there are ways to make this type of setting distinct. Rather than opting for a traditional round-cut diamond, a pear-shaped, marquise or even a trillion can be used instead. There are many different types of cuts available and each offers its own style and beauty.
• Picking an unusual setting – Just about any type of setting is acceptable for an engagement ring. While solitaires are the norm, there is nothing wrong with opting for a three-stone or multi-stone setting. These settings, in fact, can prove to be particularly stunning if the center stone is offset with other diamonds or gemstones.

• Adding in some color – Diamonds are traditional for engagement rings, but they do not have to be the only stone considered. Other precious and semi-precious gemstones can also be used for the centerpiece or as additional stones in a multi-stone setting. Some brides, for example, like having a diamond for the center stone, but choose rubies, emeralds or sapphires as complements in a three-stone setting.
• Picking a favorite metal – Another way to distinguish a ring is to select a favorite metal. While white gold and yellow gold are standard, platinum provides a distinctly different alternative.
• Designing a customized ring – It is also possible to design a completely distinct ring online. When this option is exercised, the groom and/or bride can personalize not only the stones, but also the setting and metal. This gives rise to a ring that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Design your own ring – Select your setting design and your center stone or browse a large variety of ring designs.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/tips-for-selecting-a-unique-engagement-ring-1734957.html

There is not doubt about the value of a diamond jewelry. Over the centuries, man are trying to create the perfect synthetic diamond, something that will look like a diamond jewelry on the naked eye.

As early as 1893, there are already attempts in creating substitutes to diamonds. The first attempt to make a man made diamond was done by Frederic Henri Moissan which involved heating charcoal and adding pressure that caused changes from the graphite into a diamond.   But it was 1979 when mass production of diamond imitations became possible.  

De Beers was the first to coin the term, “ A Diamond is Forever” during the 1940s.   With this kind of advertising, diamond became the usual stone for engagement rings.  Before, during 1930s, engagement rings would usually have opals, rubies and sapphires for their stone.  The value of diamonds started to increase, so was the attempts to create a perfect synthetic diamond.

By 1955, General Electric produced small artificial diamonds which where of the same quality as industrial diamonds.  Synthetic diamonds were created by exposing carbon dioxide to heat over a metal surface.  The heat was created or generated by several lasers. Today, they are mass produced with production reaching as much as 100 tons every year.

Here are some lists of diamond imitating stones:  

• Rock crystals or rhinestones are crystallized quartz which can look like a diamond, however, they could get easily scratched.  

• Zircon is another kind of stone which could pose as a diamond.  By exposing the stone to heat, it could turn colorless making it look like quartz and diamond.  Just like rhinestones they could get easily scratched.  
• Cubic zirconia is called the grandfather of artificial diamonds.  As a diamond copy, it is synonymous with low-cot jewelry and not as a decent fashion accessory.  

• Russian diamonds are also cubic zirconia stones.  The difference is that they are of high quality and can cause about $280 per carat.  These stones are usually mounted in metal settings that are worth real stones.

• Moissanite is another kind of stone which is created or made inside the laboratory.  Just like a diamond, it is a hard kind of stone.  Although they are relatively more affordable than diamonds, they are still expensive.  Moissanite tends to give a greenish shade in natural light and may sparkle too much because its light reflection characteristics. These characteristics make it easier for some expert to differentiate a moissanite from a real diamond.

• Another best imitation of the diamond would be from the Diamond Nexus.  The Nexus and the real diamond’s characteristics are so close together.  The Diamond Nexus could cut glass due to its hardness and sparkle and can be just as brilliant as the real diamond.  Because they are just being introduced in the market, they considerably cost lower.

• Gemisis cultured diamond is another diamond copy.  The difference with the real diamond is that they cannot be made into a clear and white color.  

• Other synthetic diamonds would be strontium titanate, artificial rutile and spinel.  

There’s quite a number of synthetic or man made diamonds available.  Buying them is not illegal, but if the jeweller is trying to sell of man-made diamonds as real diamonds, then there will be a problem.  Which is why when buying diamond jewelry always ask for certification. If you would like to buy a nice present for a loved one but would like to stay within budget, then buying man-made diamond jewelry is not a bad idea.

Get more complete tips on choosing diamond jewelry, visit: www.diamondjewelry.getmytips.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/new-best-friend-man-made-diamond-jewelry-1625939.html