According to beliefs, diamonds are forever, as they have been in use since the 4th century BC and valued for their sturdiness and brilliance. It is not uncommon for potential newlyweds to procure engagement rings and wedding rings made from this precious stone as a symbol of love. Despite the all sunshine-and-rainbow story surrounding this gemstone, there is a shroud of darkness surrounding its history – and this has nothing to do with the absence of light. Diamonds have been a focal point for civil unrest, civil rights abuse, and incessant bloodsheds in their countries of origin.

Alternatives to Diamonds

Blood diamonds have less reputation in the world of jewellery, as they stem from innocent people’s sweat and blood. As a result, most people resort to using moissanite. Founded in 1893 at a meteorite crater in Arizona, this rare mineral bears similarities to diamonds. They have seemingly equal radiance and clarity. In the early 90s, it became possible for lab experts to convert the mineral constituents to precious stones. In other words, lab-grown moissanite became a thing.

Individuals who hold high ethical values prefer moissanite gemstones to their counterparts, as they have no grisly records. Additionally, they produce the same appearance, or even more, without the need to break a bank. If you are on a budget but still want to get a valuable piece of jewellery (a wedding ring), then an affordable moissanite engagement ring your best bet.

Getting the Best out of Your Moissanite Ring

It is essential to shape and design your moissanite stone based on the stone’s quality and ring band to get the best appearance and texture. A gold-coloured-band in various shades enhances the gemstone’s beauty; this can range from yellow gold to white gold. Round moissanite bears the closest similarity to a real diamond and even give more fiery spectral colours. Each carat weight for both gemstones have the same measurements; hence, you can mistake one for the other.

Moissanite measurements are in carats and millimetres. This classification implies that a gemstone of this category with a diameter of 8mm equates to a two-carat diamond. However, one thing you will notice is that the moissanite stone disperses more radiance than diamond. As a result, you will be the centre of attraction in any gathering.

So, What Would It Be?

Moissanite rings come in various sizes. Hence, there is always a wedding or engagement ring for you and your beloved spouse. You can easily afford a small moissanite stone with a top-quality metal band. All you need is the right engraved setting and voila! You’ll be rocking your gemstone in no time. It refracts more spectrums of light than the typical diamond stone, making it an ideal alternative for those who love to make a statement with their accessories. Besides, you do not have to worry about purchasing a blood diamond, as moissanite stones are lab-grown. Its affordability is something you cannot overlook, as it provides the right value for your money, whether you are proposing to your significant other or planning a wedding. You moissanite ring will leave heads turning in your direction.

How to Care After Your Silver JewelleryThings Your Shoes Say About You

Most people like to be a trendsetter or be seen as fashion forward. But sometimes old pieces that were popular many moons ago can make their comebacks once again. One particular style of antique jewellery that is getting a lot of interests lately is the Art Deco style rings - as seen on Cressida Brondas' engagement ring. Its abstract designs and geometric patterns in contrasting colours easily makes itself stand out among antique jewellery styles.

The Art Deco movement was a popular style that began in the mid-1920s, continuing throughout the 1930s.  Jewellery produced during this period are considered as antiques and as such bear significant value. But how could you identify an authentic Art Deco diamond rings from other antique rings?

First, you must be familiar with antique jewellery. For any item to qualify as an antique, the age of the item is the principal criterion. Appraisers continue to debate on the length of time necessary for such a label, with some declaring that the item must be at least 100 years old and others stating a more lenient age of at least 50 years old. Art Deco rings are now over 50 years old, approaching a century in just a few more years.

There are rings that look like antique pieces but are actually not, so be extra careful with your purchases. Check to see if these items are marked as reproductions or are modern rings designed to look a lot like antiques. If you want to be sure about the authenticity of antique jewellery, make sure that you are dealing with reputable antique dealers who can assist you in identifying authentic antiques. You can also consult qualified appraisers and gemologists for accuracy of dates to know which design period your ring belongs to.

Here are some characteristics that can help establish the age of a ring:

1. Motif - The overall style of a ring is a spot-on identifier of age. The symbolisms, the choice of embellishments, the lines and patterns on the ring reflect the spirit of the times when it was first produced. Significant events, whether historical or cultural, can also influence motif.
2. Gem Cutting Styles - With the advancements in techniques and resources, gem cutting styles also progress and change with the different time periods. The gem facet styles and the shapes of cut gemstones can help pinpoint which era the antique engagement ring belongs to.
3. Popular Gemstones - Different gemstones became available at different periods in history, and their popularity as ring stones tend to follow colour and fashion trends. For example, diamonds on engagement rings were non-existent until the Renaissance. The first of which is Archduke Maximilian of Austria’s betrothal ring for Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
4. Metal Used - The types of metals used or the combinations used to create the ring can also help date a jewellery piece.

Art Deco Jewellery

Art Deco rings are currently considered as the most popular antique engagement rings. These are also the most abundant styles in the market. You might be wondering how could you tell if they are  authentic Art Deco engagement ring? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Motif - Popular motifs are from nature, such as the sun, animals, trees, and nudes. Egyptian, African, Oriental, and American Indian art influenced their designs and enamel accents were widely used. Bold geometric patterns and colours were also in style during this period.
2. Gem Cutting Styles - A distinctive characteristic of Art Deco rings is its choice of intricate cuts, ranging from Old European to calibre cuts.
3. Popular Gemstones - Diamonds were huge hits during the Art Deco era, but other precious gemstones such as emerald, sapphire and ruby were also used.
4. Metal Used - Majority of jewellery made in the Art Deco era were fashioned in either platinum or white gold. In fact, white gold was first introduced at around 1915, bumping yellow gold down the popularity scale. Plus, in the late 1920s, jewellers had perfected the art of filigree, which made it another feature typical of Art Deco jewellery.

Follow the above tips and they should help you spot an authentic Art Deco jewellery piece to start your collection.


How to Care After Your Silver Jewellery