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How to evaluate your jewelry

Published on April 29, 2021

Is it necessary to have your jewelry appraised? The answer is yes: the evaluation of jewels (those of a certain value, of course) is a good idea for many reasons. Four are the most important reasons for evaluating a ring, necklace or bracelet:
1 In case of theft you can get an idea of the damage you have suffered and specify it in the police report.
2 If you want to insure your jewelry, you need to have an idea of what your value is (and if it is really worth insuring them) instead of relying completely on the insurance company.
3 Jewelery is among the most valuable items to be left to your heirs (as late as possible). Knowing how much they are worth helps in a fair sharing and avoids unpleasant quarrels.
4 If you want to sell your jewels, you must have an idea of their actual value.

I gioiellieri valutano spesso anche gli orologi

So how do you go about getting an appraisal of your jewelry?

The opinion of a jeweler. Not all jewelers can give an evaluation of a jewel. But some have the right skills and expertise. For an evaluation that is as realistic as possible it is necessary that the jeweler knows the market prices of the jewelry and that he also knows how to judge the stones that enrich the jewel. In this case it is necessary that he has obtained a diploma in gemology. What can a jeweler tell you? He will probably be able to immediately recognize the type of materials used. There is a big difference, for example, between 18-karat gold and 14-karat gold or with a lower carat. In addition, the jeweler will be able to observe whether the setting of the stones has been made in a workmanlike manner or is approximate. Finally, he will be able to weigh the jewel exactly. Attention: a jeweler can provide an opinion, not a true expert opinion. In short, the judgment of a jeweler is useful, but it does not often correspond to what could be received with the sale of a jewel. Research in the United States, for example, concluded that, in general, a jeweler’s valuation (without a purchase proposal) is always higher than the real value of the jewel.

Valutazione di un diamante di Rubin & Zonen

When to evaluate jewels? If you have already had your jewelry evaluated in the past, do you have to repeat the operation? Experts recommend checking the jewelry valuation every two to three years. But it is difficult for the value of a jewel to fluctuate strongly in a short period of time, so these terms are not to be considered rigid. But if you have jewelry of great value, periodic appraisal may be a good idea.

The estimate of an expert. In every major city there are individual professionals or companies that value jewelry and precious stones. Of course, you pay for this service. How much? It depends on the number of jewels and their value. There are also those who offer online assessments, but these services must be taken with a good dose of skepticism. Of course, a simple jewel of a well-known brand and sold in many copies will be able to obtain a fairly credible evaluation, but it will always be approximate. Furthermore, a free appraisal probably means that those who value your jewelry are also willing to buy it. And do you think it will offer you a high price? In addition, the evaluation of a jewel with a stone, for example a diamond, must contain an exact description of the piece and an identikit of the stone: weight, color, purity, cut. A serious appraisal can also cost a lot if the jewel is complicated or of great value. But it can be money well spent if you intend, for example, to insure your jewelry (read also: how to insure jewelry against theft https://gioiellis.com/come-assicurare-i-gioielli-contro-il-furto ).

Keep an eye on the auctions. If you are unsure and think you own a valuable piece of jewelry, before proceeding to an appraisal you can browse (online) the results of the many auctions held every year. The auction price of a jewel similar to yours can give you an approximate idea of what the market value is.

L'interno di una gioielleria Helzberg Diamonds — L’interno di una gioielleria Helzberg Diamonds

The offer of those who buy. A very authoritative certification, as far as stones are concerned, is a good result. A diamond ring accompanied by a certificate from a listed institution, such as the Gia in the United States or equivalent, is a starting point when you want to sell a piece of jewelry. The evaluation of those who buy, in fact, will tend to lower the value of the object. For example, in the case of a diamond, the buyer could consider the stone as a color G instead of E or F. Ditto for the degree of clarity: instead of VS1 it could become SI1 or SI2. So, if the valuation of your jewel is not “protected” by a very authoritative opinion, keep in mind that your idea could be optimistic: in short, do not expect a generic estimate to be respected at the time of sale. Among other things, keep in mind that a jeweler will never buy a diamond ring at the market price set in stores. In fact, jewelers buy stones wholesale, at a much lower price than that reserved for mere mortals. If you want to sell your jewel, take this aspect into account.

Asta di Christie's a Ginevra — Asta di Christie’s a Ginevra

What is fluorescence in a diamond

Published on April 23, 2021

Campus/Diamanti

Orecchini in oro bianco e diamanti di Luminous Diamonds con effetto fluo

One third of the diamonds have fluorescence among the characteristics. Here’s how to recognize it ♦ ︎
When you buy a jewel with diamond, for example a ring, you should observe it in the sunlight. Not only to see it spark, but also to find out if the diamond you want to buy is fluorescent. Here because.

Anello in oro bianco e diamanti con effetto fluorescenza

What is fluorescence?
Fluorescence is the reaction of a diamond to ultraviolet light. Approximately one-third of the diamonds are fluorescent and change its appearance when it is hit by UV rays. When such a stone is exposed to the UV rays of the sun, or even in the light of a fluorescent lamp, it changes color. Different fluorescence intensities have been classified: None (Nil / None), Slight / Faint, Medium (Medium), Strong (Strong), Very Strong (Strong). In most cases, however, fluorescence is weak and you can’t see it. And if the diamond is not exposed to UV rays, fluorescence does not appear.

What color does a fluorescent diamond take?
It depends. In most cases when exposed to sunlight, especially early in the morning, the diamond has a blue color. It is usually considered an advantage because it improves a diamond perhaps not of the highest quality (tending to the yellow). But in other cases the fluorescence may tend to yellow: in this case a not too white diamond may worsen its color, making it less white. On the contrary, a fancy yellow diamond, which is naturally yellow, could see its characteristic improved in the case of yellow fluorescence and decreased in the case of blue fluorescence. But fluorescence can also be white.

Diamante da 70,33 carati, con fluorescenza azzurra

Fluorescence is a defect?
No, it’s a feature of stone. The effect depends on the color of the diamond: it can exalt or depress the color.
Why is it better to look at a diamond in the sunlight?
A diamond might look better than it is if it is seen in the artificial light of a fluorescence lamp. Or, on the contrary, if it is observed in the light of a lamp that hides the fluorescence of the stone, if this worsens the coloration. The best thing is to examine the diamond with different light sources.

Anello in oro bianco e diamanti di Luminous Diamonds — Anello in oro bianco e diamanti con fluorescenza di Luminous Diamonds

Does fluorescence affect the price of diamond?
Opinions are controversial. In general, if fluorescence exalts the characteristics of a diamond, it can certainly not depress the price.
Fluorescence can affect the appearance of jewelery?
A fluorescent diamond may not fit well if mounted near other diamonds lacking this feature. Also for this it is good to look at a jewel carefully with different lights.

Spilla Cloud e Skyline in oro bianco 18 carati con diamanti fluorescenti

Which jewel to choose for Mother’s Day

Published on April 22, 2021

Campus

Mother’s Day is a happy anniversary. But do you really know which jewel to choose for Mother’s Day? Giving a jewel is one of the best ideas to celebrate the most important woman in the family. Precisely for this reason, if you want to give a jewel, you need to choose the right jewel. We assume, of course, that you know Mom well (of course). But you may not have carefully observed her jewelry choices. Before leaving, therefore, the advice is to choose in any case a jewel that adapts to the style of those who receive it. Here are some ideas, therefore, to help you identify which type of jewel may be most appreciated.

The letters. A highly personalized gift can bring immense pleasure. A classic example are jewels that have the letters of the alphabet as a stylistic motif. There are all kinds of them: pendants for necklaces, bracelets and even rings. A necklace with a pendant that includes the initial letter of the name is certainly the right idea. Jewels of this type are present in many collections and with very different prices: from expensive jewelry to more affordable silver jewelry to metal bijoux. Whatever the size of your wallet, the choice will probably be appreciated. Also consider that if the mother already has a jewel with her initials, you can opt for a jewel with the initials of the son or daughter, or of the partner.

Lettera B — Sicis, ciondolo con la lettera B

The zodiac sign. For those who believe it, the astrological sign can be significant. A jewel inspired by the mother’s zodiac sign is, therefore, an idea that should not be underestimated. Again there are jewels of all kinds, from expensive to affordable ones. But, if you don’t have much experience with the horoscope, be careful not to miss the mark: your mother may not forgive you.

Medaglia pendente con il segno del Leone by Verdura

Jewel for recurrence. Those who have some more economic possibilities should consider a more traditional gift: the classic jewel to show off on important occasions. White or yellow gold and diamonds are the perfect match, if mom loves this kind of jewel. Earrings and bracelet (but not the ring) are candidates for the perfect gift.

Bracciale a spirale in oro bianco e diamanti di Recarlo

Cheerful bijoux. Do you have a young mum who loves to dress informally and creatively? You can look for a jewel that will surprise you, a colorful bijoux with an innovative design. However, it is a difficult choice, because the jewel must adapt to the personality of the person who receives it.

Orecchini in argento colorato verde e zirconia cubica by Bottega Veneta

Complete a series. You can drop all the previous options and focus on the missing jewel. That is, that which is part of the collection of a Maison, but which is not present in the mother’s drawer. For example, a pair of earrings if mom already has a ring, a necklace if she already has earrings. Be careful, however, to choose the right jewel in terms of size and color. But if you know the name of the collection (it’s easy to do) you can be on the safe side.

Collezione Premiere, indossato — Collezione Premiere, by Annamaria Cammilli

Clean gold with ammonia?

Published on April 17, 2021

Campus/ORO

How to clean gold jewelry with a simple system: a bathroom with water and ammonia. Here’s how.

Your relationship as a couple has tarnished? Or, perhaps, it is only the ring that with time no longer shines? In this case the solution is quite simple and the ring will return sparkling as when it was new. For marriage (or relationship), however, it takes other systems. Anyway, here’s how to get back shining a bridal ring, the engagement ring or other. The solution is called ammonia. Followed, however, these instructions carefully.

First: when NOT to use ammonia

First of all it must be clear that this system threatens to ruin the delicate jewels, particularly those with soft stones or pearls. Even diamonds, if the solution is too strong, they could lose transparency.
If you have jewelry of this type, follow the guides on how to clean your jewelry, you find in the top menu “da sapere.” If, instead, you have to clean gold or platinum jewelry, like the wedding ring or earrings, necklaces or bracelets, you can use this method. Another warning: do not use this method with jewels that are just plated, ie not full gold.

• Pour into a container six parts of warm water and one of ammonia. Someone suggests a more concentrated solution, with only three or four parts of ammonia but, of course, is more risky and may discolor the metal. If the jewelry is also very dirty, add a few drops of liquid detergent and stir.
• Immerse the jewelry in the solution and keep them in water for ten minutes. Who is allergic is better to wear rubber gloves.
• The past ten minutes, remove the jewelry from the container and use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently clean your jewelry.
• After this first cleaning, it is better to put to soak the jewelry for another ten minutes, to remove the remaining dust.
• Brush gently again the metal.
• If dirt remains, repeat steps.
• Rinse with cold water.
• Dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
• Voila, the jewel is back to shine as when you purchased or when you have received as a gift.

5 questions to find out what is the right jewelry for you

Published on April 17, 2021

Campus/bracciale/Rings/COLLANE

How to choose the right jewelry for your personality and your appearance? Here are 5 questions to you must answer ♦ ︎

The jewel is beautiful. Do you like. It’s within reach of your bank account. But, once worn, will it really be fine? What kind of jewel enhances your appearance? How to choose a jewel that is really nice for you? These are questions that all women who buy a jewel do and, consequently, also all the men who want to give a pair of earrings, a necklace, a ring or a bracelet.
Here are the 5 questions you must answer before buying a piece of jewelry.

1 What is your hair color?

The jewels all have a color. And even the hair has one. Better if that they’re okay together, right? Of course, the color of a jewel, for example that of gold or stones, is more important for a necklace, which is close to the wearer’s hair, rather than a bracelet or a ring, which is far from the hair. In any case, a light color, such as white gold or diamond, stands out better on black or dark brown hair. The red of the rubies or the coral can revive the brown hair, while the emerald seems perfect for the blondes, since the green is a color composed of yellow and blue. The hair not too light and not too dark, hazel color, could be perfect for more nuanced colors, such as those of opal, amber, pearls. The same goes for gold: white stands out better on a dark shade of hair, pink on brown, while yellow is considered neutral and adaptable for anyone.

Collana e anello con diamanti e smeraldi di Jacobs & Co

2 What is the nuance of your skin?

We have already spoken in this article. To choose a jewel that is in contact with the skin, we must take into account the different nuances. In this case you can play with a match, as if the jewel was a part of the body: those with darker skin will see a warmer color stand out, such as yellow and pink gold, bronze, golden brass and copper. Conversely, for light skin, better to choose silver, platinum and white gold.

Pasquale Bruni, collezione Giardini Segreti, con pavé di diamanti bianchi e champagne

3 What is the shape of your face?

Do you have a round, oval face, a little squared, with high cheekbones or with smaller volumes, like the Asian ones? Before buying a pendant or a pair of earrings, think about how you want to enhance your face. A head tending to the sphere, is better matched with elongated jewels. On the contrary, those with a long and thin face can enlarge it with the choice of short, round shapes. Finally, if your features are not particularly sweet, better to avoid jewels with a too geometric and aggressive design: focus on soft lines, to soften the look.

Sutra, collana e orecchini con opali rosa e diamanti

4 What is the shape of your hands?

Young hands or older hands have different needs for choosing a ring. The women with fewer years usually tend to wear thinner and lighter rings, but it is not always a good choice. Instead, it is better to consider the shape of the hands: if you have a little short fingers do not exaggerate with the choice of rings too showy, which can draw attention to a part of the body that is not to be emphasized. On the contrary, elongated and supple hands can attract glances with colored rings, such as cocktails, or covering more than one finger.

Anello indossato della collezione Fireworks di Mattioli

5 What is your personality?

The last but, perhaps, the most important question: that jewel suits you? It seems trivial, but often it is not reflected enough on how much an accessory must be in tune with your way of coping with life. A jewel can be beautiful in the store and can be nice if you worn it, but only if it reflects your way of life. A jewel of Tamara Comolli or Daniela Villegas, for example, can be perfect for those who love nature, often dress elegantly, but informally, to those who appreciate the colors and Coachella style. But it is less suited to women who love a more classic style, not anchored to fashions. These women will prefer jewelry like those of Tiffany, Fope, Cartier.

How to know the name of the stone of your jewel

Published on April 13, 2021

Campus

How to recognize a stone used for your jewel? It seems strange, but often those who own a ring, necklace or bracelet do not know the name of the gem or the different stones that enrich their jewel. So how do you recognize a precious stone? Is it possible to know what is the name of the stones used? If you are reading this article, perhaps you have a jewel in your drawer with a stone that has no name. Here, then, how do you know which type of gem is used.

It must be said, however, that it is not easy, although sometimes the type of stones can be identified quite quickly: an opal, for example, has characteristics such as iridescence that usually make it more easily identifiable. But it is quite unlikely that your jewelry uses a very valuable stone, since the precious ones (diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds) cost a lot and usually do not go unnoticed.

Esame di un diamante a un precedente Dubai Jewellery Show — Esame di un diamante durante Dubai Jewellery Show

True or false. The first question to ask, however, is: is the stone true or false? Of course, the absolute certainty of the attribution, if unequivocal characteristics are not visible, is obtained only with a thorough gemological examination. Not only that: in many cases it is necessary to entrust the jewel, and the stone, to a laboratory equipped to distinguish a synthetic stone from a natural one. While, for example, for emeralds it is easier to identify a gem extracted from the earth (they almost always have inclusions or micro cracks), in other cases, such as for diamonds, it is very difficult to distinguish a natural stone from one created in the laboratory. lThe physical and optical properties of a synthetic ruby are identical to those of a natural stone and so on. In general, you can try to examine the stone carefully with a powerful magnifying glass or, even better, with the eyepieces that jewelers use and which are bought for a modest price online. A natural stone almost always has small imperfections, such as inclusions, variations in color or transparency. If a stone is absolutely perfect, in short, it is suspicious: it could be simple glass or synthetic. But it is also true that small imperfections are often identified only with the use of a microscope, especially if the stone is small.

Selezione dei diamanti nel laboratorio di Antwerp (Anversa) — Selezione dei diamanti nel laboratorio Tiffany di Antwerp (Anversa)

Identify the type of stone. After having ascertained that the stone used is authentic, the next step is to understand what gem it is. Obviously we start from the color, but even for a gemologist it is not easy to understand if the one mounted on your ring is a ruby or a rubellite, a tourmaline or a garnet. In some cases, however, the color is more easily identifiable: the special indigo shade of tanzanite, for example, could lead to a deeper search for that type of stone. But often the color is too vague an aspect: there are hundreds of red stones, for example, and it is easy to interchange them. Another important aspect, however, is transparency, because not all stones have the same ability to let light filter through. A very transparent stone greatly reduces the list of possibilities.

Analisi in un laboratorio Tiffany — Analisi delle gemme in un laboratorio Tiffany

To identify the name of the stone, however, always if there are no clear indications of another type, it is necessary to pass to the gemological analysis, with spectroscopic examination, of birefringence, optics, pleochroism (identify the color variation by observing the crystal from different directions ) and reaction to ultraviolet light. Only by comparing the results of these analyzes can an almost definitive answer be obtained. The “almost” concerns the human element: the experience and ability of the gemologist is required to obtain a certain result.

Ask a jeweler? If you do not know the name of the stone you will be tempted to contact your trusted jeweler. But this may not be the best choice. Most jewelers, in fact, have no experience in precious stones or even gemological expertise, unless they have followed a course of study in this specialty. Even in this case, however, it may not be enough: usually jewelers who study gemology focus on the most used stones that are most interesting for their work. But yours may be a lesser known and less common stone. In that case, all that remains is to rely on a professional gemologist.

How to choose the right bracelet

Published on April 10, 2021

Campus/bracciale

Anne Hathaway con bracciale Panthère di Cartier

How to choose the bracelet? There are so many types, but only one bracelet will really be perfect for you. Here’s how to choose the perfect bracelet ♦ ︎

What bracelet are you wearing? And what kind of bracelet does it really do for you? Not all bracelets are the same. And not all bracelets are good: it depends on the body structure, but also on your style. If you do not know which bracelet to choose, read this brief guide.

Bracciale rigido in oro 18 carati by Georg Jensen

Consigli per la scelta

Advice for choosing

Many women, perhaps all, find it difficult to close the bracelet. The solution? Use a magnetic closure. If you have a bracelet that you are particularly fond of, ask your jeweler to modify it by adding a magnetic closure. Just bring the two final parts together and … clack.
If you have many thin bracelets, try wearing them all together. But be careful not to create tangles that can damage the jewel. The secret? Wear only bracelets of the same size together.
Don’t be afraid to wear silver and gold or other metals together. But be careful not to damage the jewels: steel is much harder than gold, especially 18-carat gold, and can scratch the surface.

Tennis Bracelet
The tennis bracelets are usually made with white, yellow or rose gold, with so many little diamonds set alongside each other (if you want to know why they are so called, read about Tennis Bracelets, a game history). They are soft, sparkling, sporty, but elegant, bracelets. Some tennis bracelets have a closure, others no, but in this case you should be careful that the circumference is not too wide: there is a risk that the bracelets will slide from the wrist to the hand. There are also tennis bracelets made of simple crystals, cubic zirconia, or double or triple dimensions.

They are advised to… The tennis bracelet also fits well to those who do not have a thin wrist. You can wear it safely during the day.

Cuff bracelet
The bracelets that cover the entire wrist are very rigid and retain their shape: in this case they are open to allow to be inserted the hand easily. But there are also soft cuff that fit the size of the arm.
They are advised to… This type of bracelet fits well with those with arms and thin wrists. It is less well-known for a very elegant evening, unless the bracelet is particularly precious.

Bracciale in oro e pavé di diamanti indossato da Odile Vuillemin — Alex Soldier, bracciale in oro e pavé di diamanti indossato da Odile Vuillemin

Bracelet with charms
From years charms, or pendants, are cool bracelets. They are made with a main bracelet to which pendants are added that are purchased separately, according to taste and economic availability. Often bracelets and pendants are in silver. This type of jewel has the advantage of being able to be compounded gradually.
They are advised to… Sporty, elegant, or very cheap: the charms bracelet is more of a jewel to wear in the day than in the night. It is a good solution for those who want to buy a bespoke jewel, since it is possible to personalize the jewel by choosing the favorite charms, that often have meaning for the wearer.

Bracciale in oro giallo, con diamanti e perle, charms. Prezzo: 25.000 dollari — Ippolita Rostagno, bracciale in oro giallo, con diamanti e perle, charms. Prezzo: 25.000 dollari

Traditional bracelet
A line of small pearls or a golden chain: traditional bracelets are still present. In this case, however, it is good to choose a top quality material. Gold for chains is the preferred metal, preferably 18-carat, to be customized with a nameplate bearing a date or name. In 20 years it will still be worn.
They are advised to… Bracelets are so good for official occasions, for any age, at any time. In short, with a string of pearls or a small gold chain you always go on the safe side. Be careful not to wrong the choice of dimensions: too large chains or pearls with a wide circumference do not fit large wrists.

Bracciale collezione Mosaico, oro rosa e diamanti — Treemme, bracciale collezione Mosaico, oro rosa e diamanti

Bracciale Pandora Disney venduto sul mercato Usa

Bracciale in oro rosa con diamanti e onice — Picchiotti, bracciale in oro rosa con diamanti e onice

Bracciale Ventaglio di de Grisogono, in oro rosa e diamanti icy e bianchi

Allison Lou, bracciale con charm ispirati al gioco del Monopoli. Prezzo: 3355 dollari

Bracciale in oro rosa. Prezzo: 7.550 euro — Tiffany, bracciale in oro rosa. Prezzo a maggio 2017: 7.550 euro

Bracciale della linea Milano con perle Akoya gialle indossato — Alessio Boschi, bracciale della linea Milano con perle Akoya gialle indossato

Engagement ring: 5 steps

Published on March 21, 2021

Campus

x

Five things you need to know first to buy an engagement ring ♦ ︎

When you’re sure you’ve found the right woman, the one you will not regret after a few months or a few years (and you assume that after she will not regret the decision), when you’ve chosen the strategy to ask her to marry you, when you assume she says “ok”, with some tears sticking out of his eyes, means that it is time to think about the ring.

1 When do you give an engagement ring as a gift?
2 The 10 etiquette rules for the engagement ring
3 How to choose the engagement ring
4 Engagement ring: 5 things to know
5 Women dissatisfied with the engagement ring
6 Women willing to pay for their engagement ring
7 Colored Engagement Rings

It is not something to be taken lightly. The ring will remain on her finger for the rest of her life (hopefully). And it will always remind you of the moment when you asked her if she wanted to marry you. So, it is better to make the best choice.

Anello Tiffany Setting e fede Tiffany Embrace in platino e diamanti

Unfortunately, the problem is the cost. Almost always, those who get married are also at the beginning of their working career or at least have less income than those who already have more years of job behind them. How to choose an appropriate ring? Here are five tips for making the right decision.

Damiani, Minou, anello solitario in oro bianco. Prezzo: a partire da 1490 euro

1 Decide the shape of the ring

The first decision you need to make concerns the type of ring. Ok, the classic choice is the solitaire, the band of gold with a small or large diamond. In 90% of cases it will be fine. But are you sure it’s the right choice? Maybe she don’t want a traditional jewel: there are endless variations of engagement rings, maybe not with the diamond, but with colored gemstones, like sapphires and rubies. Kate Middleton and Princess Eugenia, for example, received engagement rings with sapphires at the center. It’s a more difficult choice, but keep in mind that generally, a sapphire costs less than a diamond.

Blake Lively con l'anello di fidanzamento — Blake Lively con l’anello di fidanzamento

2 Decide your budget

After identifying the type of ring you are looking for, set the amount you are willing to spend. Even better is to identify a minimum and a maximum, so that the research is wider. Time ago the cost of an engagement ring was based on the monthly income. For example, anyone who earns 2,000 euros or dollars a month can buy a ring for $ 6,000, three times the monthly income. But it is a rule that few continue to follow. The cost of a marriage is high and, therefore, we must not engage in expenses that then prevent other necessary choices. There are also those on the topic involving their partner, especially if they have a lot of confidence in the matter of money. But of course this ruins the surprise and it is not said that the topic is appreciated. Given this, it is good to remember that an engagement ring is an important jewel …

Britney Spears Engagement Ring — L’anello di findanzamento di Breatney Spears. Ha un diamante bianco rotondo incastonato nel platino, con una mini-corona e 90 piccoli diamanti rotondi intorno, Firmato da Neil Lane, era costato 200mila dollari

3 Go in search

First, to do is consult the pages of gioiellis.com. We have talked about engagement rings in many articles: for sure you will find interesting suggestions and suggestions. Then, search on the internet: you can easily compare prices and offers from many different brands. But before buying you should go to some jewelry store (at least three) to get an idea. Seeing a ring closely is always a good idea. By the way: please note that the engagement ring will often be worn together with the wedding ring, usually the classic gold circle. So the two rings must be combined fine.

L'anello di fidanzamento di Meghan Markle — L’anello di fidanzamento di Meghan Markle

4 Check the quality

Almost always the choice for an engagement ring is that of a solitaire, gold band and diamond, or more diamonds together. In this case check the classification of the diamonds: it is from their weight and their quality that the value of the jewel is established. Diamonds are classified taking into account the four “C”. Find all the explanations here. Keep in mind, however, that you do not have to choose a diamond of the best quality, that is color D. A F or G diamond will look great too.

Anello di fidanzamento regalato da Brad Pitt ad Angelina Jolie

5 Choose the weight

A ring with a large diamond will certainly have greater success. But it is not said that it is the best choice. First of all, the weight of the diamonds is measured in carats (1 carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams) but it is not said that it corresponds to the size. It depends on the cutting of the stone: the classic is the brilliant, round cut with 58 facets. But there are shapes that make more, such as oval or pear cuts, but rarer for diamonds of small dimensions. But more than the weight, the value of the diamond is measured above all on the quality of the stone, determined in large part by the famous four “C”. What to do? A good compromise is to choose a smaller, but very good diamond, surrounded by a crown of micro-diamonds, which will make the ring brighter.

Beyoncé con l'anello di fidanzamento — Beyoncé con l’anello di fidanzamento

Amal Clooney e l'anello di fidanzamento — Amal Clooney e l’anello di fidanzamento

Kate con l'anello di fidanzamento appartenuto a Diana, con zaffiro centrale — Kate con l’anello di fidanzamento appartenuto a Diana, con zaffiro centrale

How to discover the ring size

Published on March 16, 2021

Rings/Campus

x

The tips to measure the circumference of a finger of your partner when you want donate a ring ♦ ︎

The time has come: there is Valentine’s Day, or you want to get engaged, or it’s a birthday, or an anniversary, a wedding, you want celebrate the first Nutella together … In short, the reason to give a ring (to her or to him) only you know it. But what you do not know and want to know is the right size of the ring. Because you want to give a gift, but it must be a surprise. Do not be discouraged: millions of men and women have experienced moments of panic like yours.

There is nothing worse, in fact, to donate a ring that does not slip on the finger or rotates around like a rescue donut. So here are some tips on how to get the right size of the ring. The simplest idea is, of course, to go to the jeweler with a ring usually worn by the partner. Easy. But it is not always possible. The alternative is:

get a tapered candle.

That is, one of those candles that end almost like a point. A candle of this type closely resembles the tool that jewelers use to measure the circumference of a ring. When you have the opportunity, put a ring with the right size on the candle. Mark where it stops and, as soon as possible, measure the circumference.
To measure the circumference exactly, use a small length of rope or wool thread.

Utilizzate un filo per misurare la circonferenza del dito. Ma non lasciate il filo troppo largo né stretto

With a pencil, mark the exact point where the rope or thread overlaps. At that point, just unroll the wire and measure the length with a flat ruler. Stretch the thread well and be careful. If you want to buy a ring using the internet, know that many retailers publish tables with measures. In any case, you can immediately see the measurements in this table.

Circonferenza interna		Taglie dell'anello
(inch)	(Mm)	Usa, Canada, Messico	Gb, Irlanda, Australia, Nuova Zelanda	Cina, Giappone, Sud America	India	Europa continentale
1.44	36.5	0
1.46	37.2	¼
1.49	37.8	½	UN
1.51	38.5	¾	Â½
1.54	39.1	1	B	1
1.56	39.7	1 ¼	B½
1.59	40.4	1½	C			0.5
1.61	41	1¾	C½		1	1
1.64	41.7	2	D	2	2	1.75
1.67	42.3	2¼	D½			2.25
1.69	42.9	2½	E	3	3	3
1.72	43.6	2¾	E½		4	3.5
1.74	44.2	3	F	4		4.25
1.77	44.8	3¼	F½	5	5	4.75
1.79	45.5	3½	sol			5.5
1.82	46.1	3¾	G½	6	6	6
1.84	46.8	4	H	7		6.75
1.87	47.4	4¼	H½		7	7.5
1.89	48	4½	io	8	8	8
1.92	48.7	4¾	J		9	8.75
1.94	49.3	5	J½	9		9.25
1.97	50	5 ¼	K		10	10
1.99	50.6	5½	K½	10		10.5
2.02	51.2	5¾	L		11	11.25
2.04	51.9	6	L½	11	12	11.75
2.07	52.5	6¼	M	12		12.5
2.09	53.1	6½	M½	13	13	13.25
2.12	53.8	6¾	N			13.75
2.14	54.4	7	N½	14	14	14.5
2.17	55.1	7¼	O		15	15
2.19	55.7	7½	Ø½	15		15.75
2.22	56.3	7¾	P		16	16.25
2.24	57	8	P½	16	17	17
2.27	57.6	8¼	Q			17.5
2.29	58.3	8½	Q½	17	18	18.25
2.32	58.9	8¾	R		19	19
2.34	59.5	9	R½	18		19.5
2.37	60.2	9 ¼	S		20	20.25
2.39	60.8	9½	S½	19	21	20.75
2.42	61.4	9¾	T			21.5
2.44	62.1	10	T½	20	22	22
2.47	62.7	10¼	U	21	23	22.75
2.49	63.4	10½	U½	22		23.25
2.52	64	10¾	V		24	24
2.54	64.6	11	V½	23	25	24.75
2.57	65.3	11¼	W			25.25
2.59	65.9	11½	W½	24	26	26
2.62	66.6	11 ¾	X			26.5
2.65	67.2	12	X½	25	27	27.25
2.67	67.8	12¼	Y		28	27.75
2.7	68.5	12½	Z	26		28.5
2.72	69.1	12¾	Z½		29	29
2.75	69.7	13		27	30	29.75
2.77	70.4	13¼	Z1			30.5
2.8	71	13½			31	31
2.82	71.7	13¾	Z2		32	31.75
2.85	72.3	14	Z3			32.25
2.87	72.9	14¼			33	33
2.9	73.6	14½	Z4			33.5
2.92	74.2	14¾			34	34.25
2.95	74.8	15			35	34.75
2.97	75.5	15¼				35.5
3	76.1	15½			36	36.25
3.02	76.8	15¾				36.75
3.05	77.4	16			37	37.5

If the person you want to give a ring to has already been in a jewels store, it is likely that he recorded the size of his fingers. You just have to go to the same jeweler to find out, but of course it would be embarrassing not to buy a jewel there.

If you can measure directly the circumference of the fingers (but then there isn’t surprise) choose the right time anyway: in the evening. It is the time of day when the fingers are more swollen and, therefore, you do not have risk of choosing a too tight ring size. And more it would be even better to take two measurements: one in the morning and one in the evening.

Another option, especially if you are going to buy other rings, is to buy a tool suitable for measuring the circumference. On Amazon they sell different types: be careful that they show the European measurements (if you are in Europe) or the US ones (if you are in America). There are also kits that allow you to measure rings with both scales. A spindle (the instrument that looks like the candle) and a series of metal rings are a perfect tool to identify exactly the size of the ring. The kit or the single tools (the spindle and the rings) cost a few euros or dollars: a small, very useful investment.

L'anello con acquamarina indossato da Merghan Markle — L’anello con acquamarina indossato da Merghan Markle

How to establish the age of pearls

Published on March 13, 2021

Campus/perle

Le perle sono tra i materiali più delicati

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The importance of age to establish their true value of pearls. And even if they are false ♦

Do you want to know how old your pearl necklace is? Maybe it’s interesting information if you want to buy or sell the jewel of particular value. Also because some cultivated pearls, and artificially treated, with time lose luster and, therefore, their value not only aesthetic, but also commercial. The value of the pearls, in fact, is determined by a combination of brightness, color, size, lack of surface defects and symmetry. All things being equal, however, the bigger the pearl, the more precious it is. Large, perfectly round pearls are rare and much appreciated, while teardrop-shaped pearls are often used in pendants.

The problem of age remains. On average, pearls are harvested after one year for Akoya, grown in Japan and China, while it takes two to four years for the dark ones of Tahiti and the white or golden ones of the South Seas. It takes two to seven years. to get those of fresh water.

Orecchini in oro bianco e perle — Autore, orecchini in oro bianco e perle

If you need to know the age of your pearls more precisely, you should contact a specialized laboratory. But they are few: the SSEF, the Swiss Gemological Institute, can boast of being the first gemological laboratory in the world able to introduce, as an additional service for customers, the dating of the pearls.

The method used is the one played in the scientific field for the dating of archaeological finds, using the 14 (14C) carbon method. In fact, pearls are made of calcium carbonate: for this in contact with vinegar or with acidic materials they melt (be careful).

Yoko London, 10mm South Sea pearls, 10.10cts diamonds, set in 18ct white gold. Price on application

The system is interesting especially if it is necessary to determine the historical background of antique jewelry, of particular value. Not only that: the analysis system can also be used to identify frauds, for example, when younger beads are mounted on antique jewelry, or have been treated to look older. An opportunity that can become fundamental, for example, for some pieces that are auctioned. The method has already been successful in some symbolic cases. For example, to date the natural pearls recovered from a ship wrecked in Indonesia and dating back to 1200. Federico Graglia

Le perle Cowdray, vendute per 7,5 milioni di dollari

Collana di perle coltivate a quattro fili venduta per 40.0000 euro

Ornamento per turbante, Hyderabad, 1800-1850. Set di diamanti, perle e spinello

Women dissatisfied with the engagement ring

Published on March 1, 2021

Campus

Anelli di fidanzamento della Maison Asscher

Bad news for boyfriends, husbands and suitors. Some time ago, the British Professional Jeweller website has published a study by the London Jeweler of London Queensmith, which is located in the Hatton Area Garden. The result of the research indicates that a third (32%) of women is disappointed by the engagement ring chosen by their partner. An unhappy conclusion to the fateful moment of the delivery of the ring. It is true, receiving the marriage proposal together with the classic engagement ring can be rewarding for most women. But it is the ring, often, the disappointing aspect of this moment.

1 When do you give an engagement ring as a gift?
2 The 10 etiquette rules for the engagement ring
3 How to choose the engagement ring
4 Engagement ring: 5 things to know
5 Women dissatisfied with the engagement ring
6 Women willing to pay for their engagement ring
7 Colored Engagement Rings

Why are women so disappointed? Also according to the survey of the London jeweler, 11% of women expect a larger diamond than the one received (perhaps without being aware of the cost of the brilliant). In fact, this is not surprising: most of the rings with diamond purchased for a declaration are with very small stones. We also consider that the wedding request usually, accompanied by the engagement ring takes place when the age of the couple is young. A boy will be unlikely to earn enough to afford to buy a ring with a tiny diamond. For this reason, the jewelers offer rings that around a very small diamond have a special frame that makes the ring brighter. A diamond pavé (less expensive) or simply a white gold crown can be used.

Anello in oro bianco a cuore e diamanti di Salvini — Anello in oro bianco e diamanti di Salvini

However, there are also other reasons for dissatisfaction, of which you have to take into account before buying an engagement ring. For example, the same percentage of interviewees (11%) expressed the desire for the ring to be more unusual instead of the classic solitaire. More women said they expected a tailor -made engagement ring by a jeweler. So, renouncing the surprise in order to put on the finger the type of ring that you really want.

There is, however, a solution that almost all men do not think: many women prefer to do it alone. Of course, perhaps the moment of the declaration makes less romantic, there will be no classic image to post on Facebook or Instagram kneeling with him that brings the box with the ring. Yet, to avoid disappointments, almost half of British women (46%) choose the ring by themselves, or rather in the company of the partner (and his credit card).

So what to do to prevent women from being dissatisfied with the engagement ring? The rules to follow are quite simple. The first advice is to observe carefully what his tastes are: does he love the classic? He will not mind a ring with lone diamond. Do you prefer to always dress informally, even during parties or ceremonies? Then avoid the solitaire and prefer a ring with a more recognizable frame, perhaps with a colored gem instead of the white diamond. Of course, another good strategies is to observe well the type of jewelry that she has purchased: they are the best clue of the style that the partner prefers. Finally, if you are still uncertain, you just have to ask some questions, direct or more veiled, choose you.

Anello di fidanzamento indossato assieme alla fede matrimoniale

Kate Middleton con l'anello appartenuto a Diana — Kate Middleton con l’anello di fidanzamento appartenuto a Diana

What jewelry to wear at the wedding

Published on February 27, 2021

Campus

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What jewelry to wear on your wedding day? If you are thinking about what to choose besides the wedding ring, read this article. The first rule is … ♦

You have identified the dress. You decided the banquet room. You have found an agreement (tiring) about the guest list. One question remains: which jewels to wear on the wedding day? All right, there’s the wedding ring, but then? If you have any doubts here are 9 useful tips.

Anello nuziale sulla mano sinistra — Anello nuziale

1 Match fabrics and gold. Gold also has a color: it can be white, yellow or pink. If the gold color matches that of the dress the effect will be better. Did you think about it? The ivory color of a fabric, for example, is best combined with yellow gold, because it is in nuance with the shade of the fabric. If the dress is candid without shades, it is best combined with white gold or platinum and maybe even with silver, provided it is of design. Beware of pearls: even those small balls can be more or less white and match with the dress. Pink gold goes better with a colorful dress: not all of them are married in white, right? Another thing to keep an eye on: often the wedding dresses are adorned with beads or silver decorations: in this case the jewels must be coordinated with the type of precious decor chosen.

Gioielli abbinati con il colore del tessuto

2 We must not overdo it. Even if you have lots of jewels in your drawer, or you have the option to buy them at will, on your wedding day, it’s best not to look like a Christmas tree. It is not necessary to wear diadem, earrings, necklace, bracelet and perhaps other rings at the same time. Better to choose one or two quality jewels, but that are appropriate with the dress. The old “less si more” is also valid when you get married.

Per i gioielli nel giorno del matrimonio vince sempre la semplicità

3 Earrings only if … You must pay attention to the earrings: not only must they be in tone with the rest of the clothing, but also to the shape of the face. They could also be too much, for example, if you have opted for a very rich tiara.

Read also: How choose earrings

Orecchini pendenti molto vistosi, ma niente collana né diadema

4 Simple necklace. A necklace is almost obligatory along with a dress with a neckline. A thin chain with a not too big pendant is as good as the classic string of pearls, single or double. Those who have a thin and slender neck can also venture into the choice of a choker, provided that it is coordinated with the dress and does not seem to be found by chance in the jeweltrunk of the grandmother. No necklace, however, in the case of a one-shoulder dress.

Collana, orecchini e diadema con piccole perle: perfettamente coordinati

5 No watches. The time has come to say “yes”. But just this day is not the case to consult the watch, do you agree? Others will think of telling you not to go too early or late. If you feel the need to wear something on your wrist, better a bracelet that matches your dress. Remember that the hands are very photographed on the wedding day: one more reason for a reasoned choice of the bracelet that must be in tune with the ring.

Parure di collana e bracciale. Niente orologio

6 Respect the times. There is nothing worse than to be at the last moment for the choice of jewels: they are a fundamental part of the look for an equally fundamental day of life. Choose and try the pairings at least three months before.

Il rischio di arrivare alla vigilia del matrimonio senza l'anello — Il rischio di arrivare alla vigilia del matrimonio senza l’anello

7 Budget. It is not the case to wear so many cheap jewels. If your wallet does not allow you a large expense, better to choose one only, but of quality: it will remain with you the rest of your life and it is a small investment.

Fede di Cartier, oro bianco e diamanti. Prezzo: 19.900 euro

8 Tiara yes or not? The diadem in the shape of a small circle or crown, decorated with pearls, precious stones or flowers, is the jewel that is more visible than others. Therefore, great caution is needed in the choice, also because a tiara risks overwhelming the effect of the dress. First of all, the diadem should be coordinated with the dress: for example, if the dress has beads, even the diadem will use pearls. Moreover, it is certainly combined with other jewels: usually a tiara is in silver or white gold. Pay attention that the color corresponds to that of earrings or of the bracelet, if you wear one. Another important point: the diadem must correspond to the quantity and type of hair. Needless to wear a small circle between a mass of curly hair: it will disappear. Finally: it is absolutely necessary to try the tiara first, and with the type of hairstyle of the hair that will be used on the wedding day. When you do the test, wear it for a while, to see if it’s comfortable or turn into a mechanism that causes a headache.

Una tiara può anche essere un semplice cerchio con perline — Un diadema può anche essere un semplice cerchio con perline

9 Choose the ring. It seems obvious, yet there are those who are reduced at the last moment in choosing the ring to be exchanged at the time of “yes”. It is a mistake: that ring will be the most worn jewel in the years to come, better to weigh well the purchase. It is said that the ring should be a simple yellow gold faith: now there are wedding rings in all three colors of gold. There are also those who choose a ring with colored stones but, in that case, it is more difficult to combine with the dress and everything else. A useful tip: consider the type of work or habitual occupation and choose a ring that allows you freedom of movement or do not risk ruining yourself with daily use.

How to choose a brooch

Published on February 20, 2021

Campus

How to choose a brooch? Here are the things you should know before choosing a brooch and advice on how to wear it ♦

For a long time they have been little considered. The broochs were reminded of the jewels of the grandmother, because once the brooch was an inevitable element of a scarf or pinned to the dress of a lady. Sure, there have been pieces of sublime jewelry but, in general, the pins were left in shadow. Now, however, the broochs are back. Of class or simply amusing, they can be a creativity more element in clothing: in winter to stop the wool scarves, in summer to pinned on cotton clothes or on a hat, or to enrich in the lapel of a jacket.

Delfina Delettrez con una spilla in diamanti e smeraldi

An ancient history. On the other hand, that the brooch was not destined to go down it’s also indicates by its long life: the ancient Romans called it fibula, it’s an ornament that has been appreciated for millennia. And not only by the ancient Romans: the fibula (fibulae to plural) was a closure used to stop the fabrics also by Greeks, Germanic peoples and the Celts, up from the early Bronze Age. The buckles and oldest pins were made of bones, then it was the turn of the bronze, iron and gold.

Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick Wolfenbüttel Bevern con spilla, ritratto del 1740

The shapes. In general, the pins are composed of four elements: the body, the pin, the spring and hinge. The body is the part decorated, one immediately visible. The other elements, instead, used to make practical the locking mechanism, both in the case that the jewel will serve as a simple ornament, is that its use is practical, that is, to secure the cloth of clothes.

Evolution. From simple fibulae in antiquity, the brooch has evolved especially since the Middle Ages, with the introduction of more complex shapes. The two most common from 1200 onwards are the ring brooch, with designs square and lobed, or with flowers. Have been introduced, in addition, the flat pins (badges), which reported figures of people or animals. These pins are also used as instrument of recognition or belonging to a class or category. The badge of the pilgrims or service workers in stately homes were simpler and poor materials, such as lead. The pins were then also used to report the honors and, in this case, are obviously more elaborate and composed of noble materials.

Ritratto della collezionista Barbara Berger, che indossa una spilla a forma di peonia disaegnata da lei

Styles. The pins have followed the evolution of style jewelry. There are so elaborate brooches old Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco style, geometric designs, with animals, human figures, flowers, fruits: there is no limit to what can be represented on a brooch.

La regina Elisabetta con spilla di diamanti

How to choose a brooch. A pin can draw attention to the person wearing it, but it should be carefully chosen. Better not to wear a pin that does lay eyes on one side of the not perfect fit body. Nothing pins too close to a large neck: in this case better wear a brooch on the hat, or down on the lapel of his jacket. A large brooch is a brilliant idea if it is not disproportionate to the wearer: the size must be proportional to the size and shape of the body. An unexceptional dress can be revitalized by a pin, as long as the jewel does not stress a poor fabric. Make a distinction between the daytime pins (the liveliest) and those for the evening: they are two completely different jewelry. They are ok, however, for the pins that indicate a group identity or social identity, which contain a message, an attitude or a hobby. In short, a pin can also be a nice business card to show who you meet.

Elizabeth von Thurn und Taxis indossa una spilla e e una tiara con diamanti e smeraldi (immagine dal catalogo Sotheby's) — Elizabeth von Thurn und Taxis indossa una spilla e e una tiara con diamanti e smeraldi (immagine dal catalogo Sotheby’s)

Modella con spilla e orecchino di alta gioielleria Dauphin

How to choose a diamond ring

Published on February 15, 2021

Rings/Campus

Does an engagement ring always have a diamond? When choosing an engagement ring (but the same thing is valid if the jewel is intended to celebrate an anniversary), the first image that comes to mind is the solitaire, with a beautiful diamond on top. In short, the diamond ring is a classic. But what is the reason? The first reason is that the diamond is a special stone. It is the hardest substance found in nature and also capable of giving off an unparalleled brightness. In addition, a diamond ring is also a guarantee of durability. A diamond engagement ring will look gorgeous even after so many decades. It will be the memory of an important moment in life and also a solid value from a patrimonial point of view.

The maintenance. But, beware: remember that even a diamond can be damaged if it is hit against a hard surface, such as rock, steel or marble. Also, it can be scratched by another diamond. For this reason, the diamond engagement ring must always be kept with care, and when not worn it must be stored individually in a soft bag.

The frame. As you know, not all diamonds are created equal. But also the way in which the ring stops the diamond is not always the same. The number of points with which the ring blocks the stone is very important. Two different types of diamond locking are usually used for an engagement rings: four-pointed or six-pointed. It is not a minor detail. First of all, it is good to check that the prongs are not protruding at some point: the risk, in fact, is that the tips can get caught on the clothes with the result of loosening the closure, with subsequent loss of the diamond. In addition, the prongs must be thin to show the stone as much as possible, but not so much that it risks breaking. Verification is particularly important if you decide to buy a used ring, for example at an auction (it could turn out to be a real deal). Today, however, the bezel setting (with the stone surrounded by metal) is almost never used, which hides a considerable surface of the diamond.

Anello solitario in platino e diamante con il Tiffany Setting a sei griffe

Anello di fidanzamento Luce in platino, con diamante fermato con quattro rebbi

The quality. As we have already written more extensively here diamonds are evaluated with the four C: color, clarity, cut and carat, which are the standards for judging the quality of any diamond. Is there a particular aspect to check more than the others? No, the whole counts. The best thing, at this point, is to compare the diamond with others at the time of purchase. In general, a diamond does not need to be of the highest quality (for example, color D) to be pleasing to the eye. The price between one class and another, however, can change a lot. Another important aspect is graining: it concerns the internal optical discontinuities, which are observable with a standard lens or gemological microscope. It is not visible to the naked eye, but in reality too much grain affects the overall transparency of a diamond.

Diamante incolore, impeccabile, con taglio rettangolare a gradino da 17,95 carati

The certificate. It is important that the diamond is accompanied by a certificate describing its quality. A certificate (provided it is produced by a reputable company) documents the statistics of a diamond. The four Cs, first of all, but also the proportions of the stone, the cutting and polishing. Finally, it can indicate if the diamond has fluorescence (it is usually considered a defect).

Un esempio di certificato, quello dell'IGI, Istituto Gemmologico Italiano — Un esempio di certificato, quello dell’IGI, Istituto Gemmologico Italiano

Cutting. Why do most engagement rings use a brilliant cut diamond? The round cut usually has a greater brilliance than other shapes but, above all, it has the advantage of having no corners and this favors its durability: in short, it is more difficult for it to break or be damaged by hitting it. This is important when you consider that an engagement ring is meant to last for many years. Indeed, forever.

Anello con diamante chiarezza VVs2, taglio brillante, da 10,78 carati. Venduto per 251.175 dollari

Cartier, solitario in Platino e diamanti — Cartier, solitario in Platino e diamante

Anello in oro bianco e diamanti di Damiani

The secrets of champagne diamonds

Published on February 13, 2021

Campus

Spilla in oro giallo e rosa con diamanti champagne, brown, zaffiri orange

Diamonds, but in a color ranging from caramel to cognac. They are champagne diamonds, very fashionable. Here’s how to recognize them and how they are ranked ♦

They are a new classic, but it is “forbidden” to call them brown diamonds. Rather, better the definition of champagne or cognac: these diamonds now accompany the jewels of celebrities and trend setters. The credit (or responsibility, it depends on the point of view) goes to the Rio Tinto mining company, the world’s largest producer of this type of gems, and to its market awareness operation, since almost no one until thirty years ago he knew or, rather, used this type of stone.

Anello chevalier con diamanti champagne — Colette Jewelry, anello chevalier con diamanti champagne

Of course, the road to convincing jewelers and professionals to use stones of softer and more golden tones as an alternative to colorless diamond, the classic one. But the idea of associating the hue with a fine wine, champagne, and a luxury liqueur, cognac, was successful. In addition, the increase in demand for diamonds has actually widened the market and now these stones with golden shades are one of the main choices for making designer jewelry or in any case with a very contemporary taste. So much so as to push Argyle Diamonds (Australian mine owned by Rio Tinto) to certify for colorless stones a chromatic scale from C1 to C7, similar to that drawn up by Gia (Gemological Institute of America). In short, now even colored diamonds are scientifically cataloged and their evaluation does not depend only on the discretion of the jeweler. And this is a plus for all buyers. Here is the classification of Australian diamonds.

Orecchini in oro rosa con diamanti champagne by Pasquale Bruni

Is it worth buying a champagne diamond jewel? While not perfectly colorless diamonds were once considered second-rate gems, now that is no longer the opinion. Of course, traditional, colorless diamonds are still valued more than champagne ones. But the overall evaluation of the jewel weighs more. A simple ring with a small champagne diamond will still be valued a little less than a matching one, but perfectly colorless. But a well-made jewel and, above all, of a well-known and established brand, will be able to maintain its value over time and, with a little luck, even re-evaluate a lot.

Bracciale in oro rosa 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e champagne

The quality. Be careful, however, with the choice. As mentioned, quality also counts for champagne diamonds. In short, they are not all the same. Perfect clarity, the absence or almost the absence of inclusions, in addition of course to the carat weight, are elements to be carefully evaluated before buying a jewel. In short, a jewel with champagne diamonds must be a choice, not a fallback with second quality diamonds.

Origin. South Africa, Siberia and Australia. The Argyle mine in the remote East Kimberley region of Western Australia is the largest source in the world.

Color. comes from the heat and pressure exerted by the depths of the earth on the crystal lattice. In practice, this mechanism causes distortions in the diamond which absorbs them giving it a brown color. A phenomenon visible inside the stone as in parallel bands. Their natural color can be changed in the laboratory to orange, yellow or pink.

Diamanti naturali nelle sfumature champagne e cognac

Orecchini a forma di elmetto romano, in oro e diamanti champagne e bianchi

Orecchini in oro bianco, diamanti champagne — Mary Esses, orecchini in oro bianco, diamanti champagne

Anello con diamanti champagne — Etho Maria, anello con diamanti champagne

How to invest in jewelry

Published on February 12, 2021

Campus

Invest in jewelry? Allocate your savings to rings, necklaces and bracelets? It is a question that repeats itself. The reason is: the stock markets go up, go up, go up. Then, at a certain point, they fall. The yields on bonds are at their lowest and when they are at their highest it is because there is inflation that decreases their yield. In short, for those with savings to invest, choosing is never easy. So, is it a good idea to invest in jewelry? And is investment in jewelry right for you?

Collier con ametiste e turchesi messo all'asta — Collier con ametiste e turchesi messo all’asta

The idea of investing in jewelry has a basis: in recent years (even if 2020 was conditioned by covid) the jewelry auctions of large companies such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s have shown rising prices. But be careful: the jewelry market is volatile and, in some cases, opaque. According to experts, large jewels and precious stones may be a good choice in the long run, but they do not guarantee an increase in value. According to what Laurence Nicolas, global managing director of jewelry and watches for the Sotheby’s auction house said some time ago, what has changed in recent years is the level of prices they reach.

Il diamante ovale da 88 carati messo all'asta — Diamante ovale da 88 carati messo all’asta da Sotheby’s

Invest in diamonds
In 2017, global demand for diamonds hit a record high of $ 82 billion, according to the De Beers annual diamond report, up from $ 80 billion in 2016. Alrosa, in 2020 the online sales of diamond jewelry have almost doubled, reaching about 20% of the total. Diamonds are considered, like gold, a safe haven asset. But beware, their value doesn’t always grow. As with other materials, their value can also drop. Then there is the problem of selling. While gold is easily sold to specialized shops or to a goldsmith, for diamonds it is generally a bit more complicated.
Furthermore, even diamonds are subject to fashions: today consumers are increasingly eager to buy rare and colored diamonds, fancy, and a little less traditional colorless gems. There is only one problem: the most precious ones (pink, blue, yellow) cost a lot. Also because only one in 10,000 diamonds is colored, according to the Gia diamond classification laboratory.

Investing in precious stones
There are not only diamonds. Gemstones are increasingly popular. Rubies, emeralds and sapphires have seen sharp price increases in recent years, according to the Bonhams auction house. There are particularly rare and in demand stones. Based on the auction results, it turns out that Kashmiri sapphires reported a 970% increase in price in the ten years to July 2018. And a similar increase, of 1,100%, concerns some examples of Burmese rubies. The same goes for Colombian emeralds, the most precious. The problem is that these stones now cost a lot. But it may be nice to know that if you have a ring with a Kashmiri sapphire at home you can sell it at a high price.

The Hope Spinel ha stabilito un nuovo record mondiale a un'asta di Bonhams — The Hope Spinel ha stabilito un nuovo record mondiale a un’asta di Bonhams

Invest in jewelry
Jewelery is also subject to cyclical trends. For ten years, according to Knight Frank’s Luxury Investment Index, the performance of jewelry assets outperformed that of the New York real estate market, gold and US equities. But in 2018, the index fell by 5%. Also because global sales of jewelry partly follow the global economic trend. And it is precisely when money is scarce that those who have jewels try to sell them: the moment, however, is the wrong one.
The weak point, however, when considering jewelry as an investment, concerns modern jewelry. Maybe in 30 years they will be in great demand at auctions, but for now it can be very difficult to recover an investment. In short, modern jewels can be worn and enjoyed, but it is rare to sell them even just to receive the money spent on the purchase. Excluding from this reasoning pieces with stones of exceptional value. This does not mean that one should not buy contemporary jewelry, but only that it is more difficult for a bracelet or a ring made today to be re-evaluated soon.

Gioielli all'asta da Sotheby's — Gioielli all’asta da Sotheby’s

Investing in vintage jewelry
As for the jewels of the recent past, certain eras are more attractive. Art Deco jewelery from the 1920s and 1930s and those of the following decades are in fashion. Jewelery from that period signed by prestigious Maison such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are highly appreciated and are less subject to the whims of fashion. Even the jewels of the sixties and seventies begin to be considered period pieces and revalued, provided they are of excellent quality. Also according to the evaluation of auction house experts, the prices of Art Déco and Belle Époque jewels (from 1890 to 1915) increased by 72% between 2007 and 2018. Antecedent pieces, i.e. late nineteenth century, are less considered , at least in recent years.

Spilla art déco del 1925 con lapislazzuli, corallo, giada, onice, diamanti

How to buy jewelry for investment?
Let’s start from a concept: a jewelry store obviously adds a mark-up on the cost of the jewel. In short, it’s fine to buy a jewel to give as a gift, but don’t expect to close a good deal. And this also applies to vintage jewelry purchased in the store: in this case too, the markup of the jeweler can be high. The alternative is to choose a jewel in the many auctions held every year. But in this case the problem is finding the right price. To embark on a jewelry purchase at auction, you need to be an expert. If you are not, the best thing is to consult the auction catalog well in advance and conduct a preliminary research on the pieces that interest you regarding the prices of similar jewels beaten in the most recent auctions: they can offer an idea of the market valuation. But be careful: remember that auction houses also charge a commission, which will increase the final sale price. In short, the true cost is not the one established at the time the beater’s hammer drops. Another way to understand the true value of a jewel is to rely on insurance companies, even if the price provided by an independent appraiser employed by an auction house is not an absolute guide to determining how much the jewel might sell later. . In short, the ingredients of the recipe for investing in jewelry are many: it takes an eye, choosing high quality jewelry, with beautiful precious stones. And a little luck.

The jewels? They are home to 23,000 bacteria

Published on January 22, 2021

Campus

Your ring? It is a den of bacteria. Your earrings? They are a danger. Not to mention the watch … Est1897 is a British brand that retails jewelery and watches that come from the main UK pawnbrokers. But, in addition to this, Est 1897 also offers news and analysis on the world of jewelry. Among these, there is an alarming one: Est1897, in fact, conducted a study to find out how much your jewelry can carry bacteria. It was a serious study looking at how many bacteria grew after just one week of use. Result: 23,000 bacteria were identified. They are largely not too harmful bacteria. But among these there is also the dangerous Staphylococcus Aureus, which is resistant to methicillin (an antibiotic), or fungi that can cause oral candidiasis. In short, we need to take the topic seriously.

Again according to the survey by Est1897, the dangers are greater considering that, on average, a person touches his face 16 times per hour. And that every day the hands are in contact with a myriad of objects literally covered with bacteria. The analysis, therefore, used gels for the culture of bacteria at room temperature for over 74 hours and a sterile technique to measure the result. And, as mentioned, while most bacteria aren’t particularly dangerous, jewelry is also home to micro organisms that can be very harmful. On the rings, for example, five different types of bacteria and 504 bacterial colonies were found that grew after a week of using the ring. And this after only seven days.

Collezione Ink, anello in oro — Peruffo, collezione Ink, anello in oro indossato sul dito indice

In the rings, for example, a colony of penicillin-resistant staph bacteria has been identified, which can cause infections in different parts of the body. Or corynebacterium diphtheriae, bacteria that produce poisonous toxins, which can cause diphtheria, have been detected, with difficulty in breathing, heart failure, paralysis and, in some cases, even death. Another danger comes from micrococcus, which could cause pneumonia, septic arthritis, peritonitis, meningitis, and more. In addition to Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Micrococcus, the rings also showed traces of black fungus and mold, which can cause dry, flaky skin and rashes.

In addition to the rings, the experiment included an analysis on watches (identified four different types of bacteria and 20,000 colonies grown in a week) and earrings (four different types of bacteria and 485 bacterial colonies after one week). The earrings, in particular, also had Bacillus, a diverse group of bacteria which, for example, causes food poisoning if ingested. Just fiddle with the earrings and then grab a cookie and, voila, the bacteria come right into your mouth. The conclusion of the experiment is obvious: in order to avoid any dangers, you need to wash the jewels often and adequately.

Tennis bracelet, who started the game?

Published on January 16, 2021

Campus/bracciale

Tennis bracelets are one of the most successful jewels: they are elegant and easy to wear. But do you know why they are called tennis bracelets? Their name comes from … ♦ ︎

Things to know: from time to time tennis bracelets appear in the collections. It is a type of bracelet that is usually made of gold and a row of diamonds, sometimes with other precious stones as well. The line of stones of the tennis bracelet is continuous even if, over time, other versions have also been proposed. But why is it called a tennis bracelet? Is it a piece of jewelry you need to play with rackets and balls? Who decided to call them that? What does Grand Slam sport have to do with it? Here is the answer: the tennis-like bracelet has a rather recent history. That is, it does not belong to those great traditions of jewelery, codified starting from the nineteenth century, but it established itself relatively recently. The tennis bracelet, in fact, was born in 1987, thanks to a tennis player.

The line of diamonds that has no beginning or end was actually associated with the desire for eternal love. In fact, originally, its name was just eternity bracelet, in analogy with the same type of ring. What does tennis have to do with it, then? Simple, this bracelet became famous because it was always worn by one of the best (some say even the best) tennis player, the American Chris Evert. To give an idea, Chris Evert remained consistently at the top of world tennis in the 1970s and 1980s, and was number one in the official rankings for seven years. Well, she loved eternity bracelets, which she often wore even during games. Indeed, we remember a funny episode: during a US Open match Chris lost a diamond bracelet signed Coronet. The game was then suspended to recover the precious jewel. Since that time the diamond bracelet has been called a tennis bracelet. In short, tennis has replaced eternity with a hit of the racket.

Chris evert in una recente esibizione per beneficenza — Chris Evert in una recente esibizione per beneficenza

Pisa Diamanti, bracciale tennis in oro rosa e diamanti

The 6 things to ask before buying a jewel

Published on January 4, 2021

Campus/Rings

Here are 6 things to ask your jeweler before buying jewelry. You will surprise him ♦ ︎

Do you need to buy a jewel to give as a gift? For example, a ring with the classic diamond, or with another precious stone? Are you worried? Of course, you can ask your jeweler for advice. But have you ever met a farmer who doesn’t say his pears are the best? In short, it is obvious that a jeweler does not underline the possible defects of a jewel, but he tends to highlight its merits. So, if you have yet to buy jewelry with an expensive stone, read this article first: it will advise you what to ask for when you are in jewelry.

Unfortunately it happens, in fact, that in good or bad faith, misunderstandings, wrong choices, or even scams can occur even in jewelry.

Most jewelers will not try to cheat you, because they know that guaranteeing transparency and quality also means winning over a customer, who will come back to him. But, unfortunately, in rare cases the opposite happens. Also because the jeweler starts from an assumption: you don’t understand anything about jewels and he can tell you what he wants without fear. And if you don’t usually read what we write on gioiellis.com you could be right.

1 Is the price right?

Let’s start with the price: small diamonds, or small precious stones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds, under 1,000 euros or dollars are very rarely of high quality. And that’s precisely why they don’t cost much. Of course, who will notice if a small diamond is classified as color E or F? Virtually none. However, asking the jeweler for the certificate certifying the classification of the stone can make it clear to the jeweler that you are not exactly inexperienced. Diamonds, in particular, must have a certificate that guarantees their weight and quality. That’s a good place to start. Of course, first read this article which explains what is important to judge a diamond.

2 Beware of diamonds

So, if you have read our quick guide on diamonds you will also know what to observe. For example, any inclusions in the stone, or the color. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lens to be able to better observe the jewel, of course if it is a piece that has a certain price. A tip: in the case of a diamond ring, the defects are usually hidden at the bottom, for example where the prongs that hold the stone are located.

3 The hidden part

Looking where you don’t usually look is the third important thing. Look carefully at the lower part, the less visible part of a jewel, not only in the case of a ring, but also of a necklace or bracelet. For these two types of jewelry, for example, it is good to carefully check the closure system: it must be sturdy, but elegant, to allow you to fasten or unfasten the jewel with ease, but without the fear of it accidentally opening. In short, the quality of a jewel must be impeccable even in the invisible parts.

Anello in oro con pietre che compongono la parola Damiani

4 Look for the numbers

Another aspect to check: the engraving (punching) that identifies the type of metal used, usually expressed in thousandths. For example, 999 is used for pure silver, while 925S stands for sterling silver, that is 92.5% pure, while the remaining 7.5% is copper. Plat or Pt is instead the acronym that identifies platinum: also here 999 means that the metal is pure. Also for gold, pay attention to the numbers: for example, 750 means it is 18-karat gold, 585 means 14-karat gold, 375 9-karat gold, the least precious alloy of all. This is also important because it indicates that the jewel is composed of other metals, for example nickel (for vintage jewelry), which can cause allergies.

All'interno dell'anello in argento è visibile la punzonatura con il 925 — All’interno dell’anello in argento è visibile la punzonatura con il 925

5 The color trick

To improve the appearance of the jewel, manufacturers use many tricks (usually legitimate). One of them is to associate a colored metal with a stone of a similar color. For example, a rose gold ring will make the color stand out more than a simple rose quartz. A brown diamond, which is the least valuable type, may appear more lemon-colored, therefore more expensive, if it is set in a yellow gold ring. So, pay attention to the combinations. Another trick to making jewelry more desirable is to combine different stones or materials in layers. For example, increase the volume of a cabochon by inserting a layer of mother-of-pearl or a less precious gem under the stone. It can be done legitimately, but it is correct that it is communicated to those who buy the jewel.

Anello della collezione Wired in oro con calcedonio rosa e diamanti bianchi — Roule & Co, anello della collezione Wired in oro con calcedonio rosa e diamanti bianchi

6 Prongs or bezel?

For a ring it is easier that the stones set (ie surrounded by a metal band that hides the edge and the lower part) can hide some defects. On the contrary, a beautiful stone is usually mounted keeping every part of it in view as much as possible, even the lower one, as in the case of solitaire rings set whit prongs. This is not a general rule, but it is good to know.

Anello con quattro griffe — Recarlo, anello con quattro griffe

Match different earrings in 4 moves

Published on December 31, 2020

Campus/Orecchini

Orecchini con diamanti bianchi e neri, rubino

Wear different earrings: you can. Here are the tips on how to wear different earrings with success ♦

Have you lost half of a pair of your favorite or precious earrings and sadly wondered what to do with the surviving earring? Well, you are in luck. On the red carpet, there have been many unmatched pairs of jewels. Not only in the ears of the stars, but also in the shows of big names in French fashion, from Dior to Louis Vuitton to Céline. Fortunately, it is not necessary to be a model or an actress to be able to afford to mix circles, solitaires and chandeliers without inducing others to assume that you have dressed in the dark. Indeed, to have an original look here are four simple tips.

Nina tra nuovole, orecchini Baroque pearls

1 Use the same metal

Gold with gold, silver with silver, copper with copper … better to wear jewelry made with the same metal, even if different shades. Nuances, however, not the colors: in general, it is better not to choose, for example, to wear rose gold with yellow gold. More freedom, however, in the choice of glazes and stones. Everything is simpler, however, if the earrings are small in size: in this case you will notice less possible not nice pairings.

Anita Ko, orecchino spilla con diamanti e orecchino con perla coltivata

2 Long live the contrast

Another way to wear different earrings is to focus on the contrast. For example, punk style along with romantic style. A steel horn or fake tortoise with a classic stone, a safety pin with a pearl, or a skull with a flower. In short, contrasting symbols, shapes that screech, even opposite colors: the important thing is that they notice. But, of course, do a mirror test first: ok to diversity, but the opposites must have a pleasant effect.

Givenchy, orecchino corno in acciaio e orecchino in oro e diamanti

3 Look for singles

Now many jewelry companies also sell single earrings: a good starting point for those who want to wear different earrings and spend less. In this case you can opt for an earring of great value, while on the other ear you can wear a less expensive jewel, provided you know how to combine it well. An piece with a pendant, for example, is fine with another stud earring.

Orecchino in oro giallo e bianco, 160 diamanti bianchi, diamanti neri, 122 zaffiri blu, tsavorite — Federico Primiceri, orecchino in oro giallo e bianco, 160 diamanti bianchi, diamanti neri,
122 zaffiri blu, tsavorite

4 The game of couples

Buy the various sets of fashion jewelry in the big clothing chains and mix them: they are cheap and are designed for this. It’s the easiest way to try a new look. In this case you can wear together, with a strange mix, even very distant brands, such as Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Ferragamo. Monica Battistoni

A sinistra, orecchino di Emporio Armani. A destra, orecchino Ferragamo in oro e zaffiri rosa

Orecchino con diamante baguette — Maria Tash, orecchino con diamante baguette

Orecchino Ogiva Meditation di Lucia Odescalchi

Rayan Storer, orecchino singolo in metallo e cristalli e solitario di diamante

Orecchino della collezione Universe (immagine da Facebook) — Nikos Koulis, orecchino della collezione Universe (immagine da Facebook)

Marion Cotillard con orecchino Chopard nella passata edizione del Festival di Cannes — Marion Cotillard con orecchino Chopard in una passata edizione del Festival di Cannes

coppia di diamanti a taglio brillante modificati a goccia blu brillante (8,85 carati) e rosa orangy da 8,79 carati, su platino e oro. — Coppia di diamanti a taglio brillante modificati a goccia blu brillante (8,85 carati) e rosa orangy da 8,79 carati, su platino e oro

Orecchini Mirto e Leaf — Caterina Murino, orecchini Mirto e Leaf

Orecchini in oro con ametiste, zaffiri e diamanti di de Grisogono

Orecchini in oro, titanio, calcedonio, rodocrosite, 387 zaffiri, 238 spinelli — Arteau, orecchini in oro, titanio, calcedonio, rodocrosite, 387 zaffiri, 238 spinelli

Orecchini Orangerie Diamant — Dior, orecchini Orangerie Diamant

Orecchino a forma di teschio e orecchino a forma di fiore

Pamela Love, orecchino five spike in oro 14 carati e diamante e orecchino a stella in oro

Delfina Deletterz orecchino con bocca in smalto rosso e perla e orecchino con simbolo V per Etsy

Campus - Page 13

How to clean gold jewelry with a simple system: a bathroom with water and ammonia. Here’s how.

How to choose the right jewelry for your personality and your appearance? Here are 5 questions to you must answer ♦ ︎

1 What is your hair color?

2 What is the nuance of your skin?

3 What is the shape of your face?

4 What is the shape of your hands?

5 What is your personality?

How to choose the bracelet? There are so many types, but only one bracelet will really be perfect for you. Here’s how to choose the perfect bracelet ♦ ︎

Five things you need to know first to buy an engagement ring ♦ ︎

It is not something to be taken lightly. The ring will remain on her finger for the rest of her life (hopefully). And it will always remind you of the moment when you asked her if she wanted to marry you. So, it is better to make the best choice.

1 Decide the shape of the ring

2 Decide your budget

3 Go in search

4 Check the quality

5 Choose the weight

The tips to measure the circumference of a finger of your partner when you want donate a ring ♦ ︎

get a tapered candle.

The importance of age to establish their true value of pearls. And even if they are false ♦

The problem of age remains. On average, pearls are harvested after one year for Akoya, grown in Japan and China, while it takes two to four years for the dark ones of Tahiti and the white or golden ones of the South Seas. It takes two to seven years. to get those of fresh water.

The method used is the one played in the scientific field for the dating of archaeological finds, using the 14 (14C) carbon method. In fact, pearls are made of calcium carbonate: for this in contact with vinegar or with acidic materials they melt (be careful).

How to choose a brooch? Here are the things you should know before choosing a brooch and advice on how to wear it ♦

Wear different earrings: you can. Here are the tips on how to wear different earrings with success ♦

1 Use the same metal

2 Long live the contrast

3 Look for singles

4 The game of couples