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Choosing Your Diamond Shape


 by: Keith Thompson

Choosing the shape of your diamond jewelry is one of the key elements in determining the overall appearance of your ring or other diamond jewelry. There are many shapes and variations from which to choose, but first off do not confuse "shape" with "cut". A diamond's shape is just that: the outward appearance of the stone, whether it is round, oval etc.; while the cut refers to how the diamond itself is fashioned, how many facets and so on. Below I'll examine the various diamond shapes and tell a little about each of them, in order to help you make that all-important choice.

Round Brilliant Diamonds - By far the most popular, accounting for more than 75% of diamonds purchased today, they are also the most expensive. Most coveted as an engagement ring, they also find their way into earrings and pendants. Round Brilliant Diamonds are noted for their fire and brilliance.

Oval Diamonds - A perfectly symmetrical design yields a large surface area that gives the impression of a much larger diamond, oval diamonds are favored by women with smaller hands or shorter fingers, it's shape giving an elongated look to the hand.

Princess Cut Diamonds - Though in appearance the smallest of diamonds, a Princess Cut Diamond is basically an inverted pyramid which puts most of the carat weight near the bottom. Princess cut diamonds are most often sought as solitaires, and are a relatively recent shape.

Marquise Diamonds - Another diamond shape that looks larger than it actually is, the Marquise diamond is elongated with points on each end, though sometimes altered to a "French tip" where the end point is excised. A great choice for a solitaire.

Emerald Cut - Rectangular with corner cuts, this diamond is also called a step cut, because of the shape that resembles stair steps. Large, open facets on this diamond make it imperative to choose a stone of greater clarity and higher color, as inclusions and weak color are more noticeable in this cut.

Pear Shape Diamond - Exactly as it says, this diamond is pear-shaped, or sometimes reminding one of a teardrop. Most often found on pendants and earrings.

Heart Shaped Diamonds - A brilliant cut, the heart shaped diamond is a romantic choice that varies from jeweler to jeweler as it's shape can be greatly influenced by the skill of whimsy of the gem cutter, as well as variable facet configurations. Seek out a perfectly symmetrical stone.

Trillion Cut Diamonds - A newcomer, born in the late seventies, this diamond is a triangle stone with equal sides. These can make stunning earrings.

Baguette Cut Diamonds - Another step cut diamond shape that is most frequently employed as side stones. Because it has few facets, quality and color come into play more here as imperfections become more visible in these uncomplicated, though elegant diamonds.

Radiant Diamonds - A square or rectangularly shaped diamond, the Radiant resembles the emerald shape but has 70 facets, making it much more brilliant and dazzling than the Emerald shape.

Asscher Cut Diamonds - A rectangular shaped diamond with high crown step facets, this shape was patented in 1902 and is know for it's fire and ability to return light.

Cushion Cut Diamonds - Sometimes referred to as "pillow cut", this shape was popular in the 1800's. Cut with candle light in mind, (nothing else available at the time!) the cushion cut is a rectangular/squarish shape, with more than a touch of old world elegance about it.

Kite, Trapezoid & Half-Moon diamonds - Lesser know shapes used mainly for side stones.

Choosing the right diamond shape can be more easily accomplished with a little information and the help of a professional jeweler. Here's hoping you find that perfect diamond!

Copyright 2005 Keith Thompson

About The Author

Keith Thompson is very fond of diamonds, and runs http://www.engagement-ring-deals.info which can help in your search for the perfect diamond engagement ring.



More Than Your Average Valentine's Gift

More Than Your Average Valentine's Gift

 by: Amanda Trevino

Valentine?s Day is approaching, and you have no idea what to get your special someone.
Sure, you could try chocolates, flowers, or another plush gorilla singing ?Wild Thing,? but for a valentines gift that is fun, personal, and says more than just ?wild thing, you make my heart sing,? consider jewelry.

What could be more exciting on February 14th than taking your special someone to your local jeweler and letting them choose their very own valentines gift?
This would be an exceptionally enjoyable way to bond over Valentine?s Day, but if you?d rather keep your gift a surprise, there are plenty of ideas to create a fun way for your partner to open her gift.
You could take her out for a romantic dinner and have the waiter bring the ring with dessert, or you could lead her on a scavenger hunt through all the places that are significant to you, with the final...

More Than Your Average Valentine's Gift
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Hemoglobin Around The Globe

Hemoglobin Around The Globe


 by: Tyler Brooker

Commonly abbreviated as Hb, Hemoglobin, or Heamoglobin, is the iron containing oxygen in our red blood cells which transport metalloproteins. All mammals on earth have hemoglobin, as it is a necessary function in the blood. It contains globin, apoprotien, and four heme groups (organic molecules with one atom of iron attached to each).The gene for the hemoglobin protien can sometimes mutate. This occurence results in one or more of many diseases, but most commonly turns into Thalassemia or Sickle-cell disease.

Heme groups are located in each sub-unit of a hemoglobin molecule. A heme group consists of a single iron atom, held in a heterocyclic ring, commonly known as a "porphyrin". Oxygen binding takes place in this iron atom. The one iron atom binds itself equally to all four nitrogens in the center of the heterocyclic ring, which lies on one plane. In addition, two bonds perpendicular to the plane...

Hemoglobin Around The Globe
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Online Retail Sales: Online Loyalty Equals Retail Gold

Online Retail Sales: Online Loyalty Equals Retail Gold


 by: Joseph Pratt

As an employee of an online advertising agency, ICMediaDirect.com, I?ve got a sweet vantage for observing the latest online retail numbers tumble in - and they?re spectacular.
Third Quarter online retail sales were up almost 27% from the same period last year, while these first 20 days of January were up 33% from the same period in 2005.
This surge is neither cyclical nor an aberration, but indicative of the continuing and permanent shift of retail consumers to ecommerce instead.

Naturally this is great news for online advertisers and retailers.
But it?s important to remember that ecommerce has outgrown its infancy.
The big players in online retail have established themselves and seem to know what they?re doing.
It is important for advertising agencies and marketers to...

Online Retail Sales: Online Loyalty Equals Retail Gold
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The Sunny Northwest Territories

The Sunny Northwest Territories


 by: Ashton Billesberger

The capital of The Northwest Territories is Yellowknife. It became the capital in 1967. The Northwest Territories are located west of Nunavut, east of Yukon, and north of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. There is a lot of industry mining activity up here. There is an abundance of diamonds, gold, coal, and oil. So most of the towns and citys are booming with industrial activity. Some of the mines will let you take a tour through the mines, which is an awesome experience.



There are eight official languages in the province of The Northwest Territories, which is the most in Canada, they are as follows


-Chipewyan


-Cree


-Dogrib or Tlicho


-English


-French


-Gwich'in


-Inuktitut, includingInuktitut proper


-Inuvialuktun, Inuinnaqtun



Quick facts about The Northwest Territories



-Largest...

The Sunny Northwest Territories
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Why You Need To Buy and Sell Gold Coins (Part 4)

Why You Need To Buy and Sell Gold Coins (Part 4)


 by: Steve Renner

Top Investment Performance

Throughout history, many coin collections have produced substantial long-term profits for their owners. This is particularly true for coin collectors of this century. Indeed, Harold Bareford reportedly purchased a collection of U.S. gold coins for $13,832 in the early 1950s which was resold at auction in 1978 for $1.2 million. A more substantial collector, Louis Eliasberg, built a collection that cost about $300,000. In 1982, it brought $12.4 million at auction.

This investment performance has been well documented by sources as diverse as The Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports and a host of industry periodicals and guidesheets. What these reports have shown is that carefully selected portfolios of rare coins have had a high rate of long-term appreciation.

Of course, past performance is no guarantee of future results and investments in...

Why You Need To Buy and Sell Gold Coins (Part 4)
Gold ring > Why You Need To Buy and Sell Gold Coins (Part 4)

Understanding the Different Cuts of Diamonds

Understanding the Different Cuts of Diamonds


 by: Amanti Leddar

Diamonds are hot favorites all over the world not only because of their dazzling beauty, but also because they are so versatile; they look good on anyone and match everything. Diamonds come in many styles and varieties, called cuts. The value of a diamond in terms of price and popularity depends on the various cuts. The more popular cuts are more expensive than the less popular cuts. This is because the cut of the diamond enhances its beauty. So, you can see two diamonds of equal weight but cut differently with a price difference of hundreds of dollars.

The most popular cut in diamonds is the round cut. When diamonds are cut to look like circles they sparkle brightly. A round brilliant cut is one of the most expensive cuts of diamond. Round cut diamonds are very popular on engagement rings because they look beautiful as part of a multi-stone ring or as a solitaire. The round cut...

Understanding the Different Cuts of Diamonds
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Jewelry As A Father?s Day Gift

Jewelry As A Father?s Day Gift

 by: Sam Serio

It is widely known that many men enjoy fine jewelry. So, why not present Dad with a gift of jewelry this Father?s Day.

Jewelry gifts that you might consider for that special Father in your life could include a gold or silver watch, a handsome sterling silver or 14kt gold chain or masculine link bracelet. With a chain you might include a manly pendant with a nautical or sports theme.

As for rings, there are many rugged designs available in 14kt gold or sterling silver with stones like turquoise, onyx, malachite and lapis. Also, many men are fond of masculine settings of small diamonds and other gemstones.

Celtic jewelry designs, such as Celtic crosses, Celtic knots, etc? are great choices for Dad on Father?s Day.

If your Dad has a pierced ear maybe he would appreciate a small stud earring; the choices here are endless.

Remember this, men tend to avoid interchanging jewelry in...

Jewelry As A Father?s Day Gift
Gold ring > Jewelry As A Father?s Day Gift