Garnet Pendant

Garnet Pendant

Due to garnet’s deep red color, similar to that of a red ruby, it is very commonly found in a selection of two and three-dimensional pendants. But garnet is not only found in a deep red color. Other, more rare colors exist, and are frequently found on high-end jewelry. These include andradite, spessartine, and the basic pyrope (red) garnet.

Andradite

Andradite can come in several different colors from green, yellow, orange, and black, and is mostly mined in Russia, however it has also been found along the Arizona and Mexico border. Perfect andradite gemstones are rare, and have significant jewelry value as accent pieces to other gemstones in the garnet family, or as standalone gems.

Andradite gemstones

Spessartine

Spessartine is a very deep orange member of the garnet family. This particular garnet is mined all over the world, namely in Brazil, Africa, and in some parts of California. Mined spessartine is usually of very good jewelry quality, however the rarity of spessartine commands prices of upwards of $250 per carat for smaller size gemstones.

Pyrope

Pyrope is the classic “ruby red” garnet that most everyone knows. These are the most reasonably priced of all the garnets, however the price varies greatly with the deepness of the coloring. Deeper reds are considered more desirable and more valuable. This is the standard garnet for many birthstone pendants.

Two Dimensional Garnet Pendants

The natural red color of garnet contrasts nicely against a sterling silver or white gold setting, making it a preferred gemstone for bright …

Swarovski Drop Earrings

Swarovski Crystal Earrings

In today’s jewelry industry, there are certain elite companies that distinguish themselves by offering only the finest products, crafted solely from the highest quality raw materials. One such company is Swarovski, the brand name carrying worldwide recognition for their luxurious crystals and crystal jewelry.

Swarovski crystals are used to create crystal glass miniatures and sculptures and to adorn clothing, jewelry, chandeliers or other home decor elements. All Swarovski sculptures are inscribed with the brand’s logo, which evolved from the original edelweiss flower, to a “S.A.L.” engraving, and finally to the current swan logo.

The brand is nowadays recognized worldwide, sometimes to the point of crystal jewelry being uniquely associated with the Swarovski name. The crystals produced by Swarovski have earned their fame through their unique features: precision cuts, impressive clarity and marvelous sparkle. Swarovski crystals are used to create a wide variety of jewelry, from necklaces and pendants to rings, earrings and tiaras.

The reason why the Swarovski crystals are highly coveted in the jewelry industry is their unique appearance and brilliant refraction characteristics, as well as unparalleled cuts and innovative shapes. In order to obtain the rainbow spectrum refraction that Swarovski crystals exhibit, certain coating techniques are used. One of the most popular is called Aurora Borealis, or simply “AB”, which is a metallic coating used on some crystals to ensure that the light refracted by their surface disperses into a rainbow spectrum of colors. Such technique, in conjunction with a glass composition containing 32 percent lead, yields the …

Black-diamond-Rings

Black Diamonds

Black diamonds are also called carbonado and they date back billions of years to mediaeval times. They are known to be extremely rare and are difficult to cut. They are immensely popular and have traditionally been used as a setting for men’s rings. Black diamonds are believed to have pushed their way to the Earth’s surface approximately 1 million years ago through a series of volcanic eruptions. They are, in fact, regarded as a fairly young clear diamonds, although they were initially formed over 4 billion years ago.

Black Diamonds


Black diamonds are opaque and are typically full of scratch marks that contain sulphide deposits. They are most abundant in Brazil and are just as hard as the vast majority of clear diamonds. Black diamonds will generally appear to be grey or dark grey, although they do not commonly have a uniformed color. Black diamonds are considered to be extremely tough to cut and this is mainly due to the surface of them being pitted.



There are various myths about Black Diamonds that seem to conflict with each other. Black diamonds are regarded as a curse and a sign of death in India as they are believed to closely resemble the eyes of spiders and snakes. However, with that said, in Italy it is believed that a couple is able to save their marriage simply by touching a black diamond. This action of touching the stone would force your troubles to leave you and then enter the diamond. The world’s largest cut …

Pear Shaped Rings

Pear Shaped Engagement Rings

Pear-shaped engagement rings are a very unique and popular option today. They are also referred to as a pendeloque or teardrop shape and are basically a combination of the marquis and oval cuts. On a pear-shaped stone, one side is round in shape and the other side tapers to a small point. There are many varieties with regards to stone choice, settings and size available.

The most commonly chosen setting for pear shaped engagement rings is the diamond solitaire. The actual diamonds can be found in many sizes and carat weights and the stone is normally set lying perpendicular to the band. This enhances both the size and the length of the stone and gives it a truly brilliant shine and look. Pear stones are normally set in either a prong or a tiffany setting although there are many other settings that are available.

Other styles for pear shaped engagement ring settings include accented rings which includes other stones that are lined up on each side of the pear-shaped stone. Other, smaller stones are typically placed around the center stone. These other cuts may include pear shapes, round and marquis cuts all of which make beautiful accents for the center pear stone. Cluster settings are another very popular choice. These include smaller clusters of gems that completely surround the pear stone in the center of the ring. Cluster settings normally include smaller round diamonds or other precious gemstones to highlight the larger pear-shaped stone. Many designers also add their own …

Rings jewellery

Initial Rings for Women

Initial rings for women are a classic style of ring that is also referred to as monogram rings. Women who are fashion conscious love to have their own initial ring in their collection. Initial rings are elegant and beautiful rings that can be engraved and have a woman’s own personal initial on them. The focal point of the ring is initial. These rings come set in an array of materials and you will find them in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some initial rings will be sleek and thin in appearance and others will be thick and chunky and have a block design.

 Rings  block design

You can find initial rings for women that will have small stone embellishments but most will just have the focal point be the initial in the middle of the ring. They are made with different styles of monograms. You will be sure to find one that matches your own individual personality and style. If you are buying an initial ring for a friend or loved one you should consider their personality and style before making your selection.

Most initial rings for women have a thin band that widens in the top center. This allows room for the initial to be engraved on. The materials used to make these rings are either yellow or white gold, sterling silver, platinum, gold plated, or palladium. Sometimes you will find a heart-shaped surface for the initial but the initials are usually placed on a circle or oval surface. There are different styles that …