Despite an individual or couple’s reasoning behind their decision, there are numerous reasons why other gemstones should be considered for engagement rings, promise rings, and other forms of fine jewelry. The first, and most obvious reason, is the expense. Diamonds are expensive. This is an undisputed fact. The size of the diamond, the setting it is placed in, and the use of other diamonds or gemstones in a ring can often drive the ring’s price into the thousands of dollars.

Secondly, as the green lifestyle becomes the lifestyle choice of increasing amounts of people, the monetary value of a diamond is seen as less and less important. More individuals begin to view the use of diamonds as a depletion of a natural resource and as source for the destruction of natural habitats. Concern for the environment also gives way, for many people, for the methods in which diamonds are mined. Unfortunately, in many unstable countries, controls of diamond mines are used as a means of funding illicit terrorist activities. Similarly, there are couples who view the purchase of diamond jewelry, engagement or otherwise, as more of a societal expectation, rather than a personal choice.

Engagement and wedding rings are most commonly made of a gemstone set in a precious metal. However, they can be constructed from a variety of different natural materials, such as jade, coral, or even wood. If a couple decides that they would like to have a traditional ring though, they may wish to purchase an antique ring or to purchase a secondhand ring from a pawn shop or estate sale. Popular alternatives for traditional wedding rings include the use of rings that have are significant of a cultural heritage. For example, the use of Celtic jewelry is a popular alternative for those who have Irish ancestry. There are even couples who choose to get tattoos around their ring fingers in lieu of a wedding ring. Regardless of the type of engagement or wedding ring that a couple chooses, it is meant to be a symbol of their lifelong commitment to one another.

Product Spotlight:

The 2.5 carat Asscher Petite solitaire features a 2.5 carat asscher inspired center stone with a single row of pave` set rounds accenting the slopes of the shank. The shank measures 3mm at the widest point. The total carat weight is approximately 3 carats.

Price: $450.00

Synthetic diamonds are generally constructed from one of three different types of materials. The most popular material in the construction of synthetic diamonds is cubic zirconia. These types of synthetic diamonds are distinguishable from the genuine item by its considerably heavier weight and a noticeable lack of flaws in the diamond. Cubic zirconia diamonds are available in a wide range of colors, and they are well known for their durability. The second commonly used type of synthetic diamond is constructed from moissanite. Although it does occur naturally in the wild, the substance is rather hard to obtain. Therefore, the vast majority of moissanite diamonds are manufactured. Its appearance resembles that of a colorless diamond.

The third type of substance commonly used to create synthetic diamonds is rose quartz. This material can be treated through heat processes in order to more closely resemble a true diamond. Quartz rings most closely resemble pink and yellow colored diamonds.  Although its appearance will never resemble a colorless diamond, it is the most economical and affordable option for a synthetic diamond.

In order to ensure that one’s synthetic diamond closely resembles an authentic diamond, it is important to have the synthetic diamond set in a high quality band. Although there are couples who opt to have the synthetic diamond placed in a cheap setting, this can actually undermine the appearance of the stone. Synthetic diamonds can also be placed in setting where they are accentuated by authentic diamonds or other gemstones. Synthetic diamonds are more affordable than true diamonds; however, if a couple wishes to upgrade to authentic diamonds at a later date, they can always do so. The upgrade could be performed on a significant date in their history, like a fifth or tenth wedding anniversary.

Product Spotlight:

The Ziamond Suspended Princess Solitaire. A 1 carat princess cut stone is suspended and hovers above a river of channel set princess cut stones. It has a total carat weight of 2 carats.

Price: $325.00

The company often sets the stones they produce in settings of 18K gold, platinum, and even titanium, in order to enhance the natural beauty of these stones. Additionally, the company offers over 1,500 different types of jewelry featuring cubic zirconia. This extensive list includes earrings, rings, necklaces, brooches, and watches. Furthermore, the company offers a lifetime warranty on all purchases to guard against defects and potential damage.

The company strives to model its jewelry after the latest trends in designer jewelry. The company also offers a wide selection of other imitation stones, including yellow diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. The plethora of options ensures that an individual or couple will be able to find the piece of jewelry that they will most enjoy. With the costs of diamonds continually rising into the thousands of dollars, Ziamond cubic zirconia jewelry offers a more affordable alternative. The price of a ring or other piece of jewelry featuring this stone will be determined by the size of the stone used and the intricacy of the ring’s design. However, the cost of a piece of Ziamond jewelry will generally not exceed $1,000.00 in price. The company also offers affordable replicas of pieces of jewelry worn by celebrities.

Ziamond jewelry has been worn by many celebrities, including Kelly Clarkson and Jamie Foxx. However, it is primarily designed for the average individual. There are a variety of reasons as to why a person or a couple would choose cubic zirconia as an alternative to an authentic diamond. Individuals who embrace a “green” lifestyle view the mining of diamonds as an unnecessary means of disturbing animals’ natural habitats. Others express concern over how the profits from diamond mines in Africa fund illegal terrorist activities. In order to alleviate their concerns for humanity and the environment, the individual or couple can choose to purchase a Ziamond jewelry piece.

Product Spotlight:

The Gisella Ring© will take her breath away with a 1 carat prong set round center stone floating amongst a circle of brilliant rounds. A split shank is created by two rows of pave set rounds, half way down the band, which adds an incredible sparkle. The total carat weight is over approximately 2 carats. The shank measures approximately 4.25mm. Larger and smaller ring sizes available via special order.

Price: $595.00

Diamond nexus labs offer you all the look, luxury and glamor of a diamond but without the fancy price tag. Let me put it in layman’s terms….they sell you perfectly simulated diamonds… The naked eye can’t tell the difference between these gems and the ones that cost 10 times as much. Diamond simulants actually cut glass and have massive fire and brilliance as well as perfect clarity and color. In other words, you wont get any yellowish, mishaped stones. Nexus labs claims that in almost all measurable tests, their diamond simulants match or are superior to natural diamonds. Most gemologists require scientific testing equipment to tell the difference between diamonds and diamond simulants.

Diamond Nexus Labs jewels are ensconced in 14k white and yellow gold….which means your jewelery isn’t going to turn green and leave black marks on your engagement ring finger or worse, make your finger itchy and leave a bright red rash. If you don’t see what you like in their vast selection of choices, not too worry…they will custom make the piece that you desire. You can also buy loose stones if you like in every possible shape and size. They have both one and thee ring diamond engagement rings as well as simple and more ornate settings. The engagement rings range in price from $100-$2,000. They also sell bracelets, pendants, earrings, watches, and men’s jewelery

Diamond nexus lab sells jewelery that looks very tasteful and classy. You know how sometimes when you spot a faux handbag or faux jewelry, you can tell right off the bat because it looks incredibly gaudy? This concern won’t even enter you mind when you see what Diamond nexus is offering. The jewelry looks like you will have spent thousands when you’ve actually have only spent hundreds. You can then take you massive savings and put it into something that you really need as a couple, like a down payment for a house. This year, I have actually decided to stop paying insurance on my engagement ring ($150 a year). I figure if anything happens to the ring (and knock on wood that nothing will), I’ll replace it with a diamond simulant and no one will be the wiser. In the long run, it will help me save a bundle on the expense of engagement ring insurance. They sell an ascher cut sem-bezel ring that looks very similar to mine with the exception of the price-tag ($545) for theirs (over $5,000) for mine.

I have never purchased anything from Diamond Nexus Lab but they give off the appearance of a company that’s got its act together. The detailed website offers and information and education center where you can learn all about how their diamonds are created. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offer a secure website for making purchases. They offer an awesome guarantee…..you have thirty days to test out your purchase and decide if you want to keep it for good. There is a lifetime guarantee that if anything should happen to your diamond (fading, discoloration, chipping) they will replace it free of charge. If you lose your diamond because it falls out of the setting, they will replace it for a minimal remounting fee.

We all know that packaging and presentation is important. Diamond Nexus Labs hits the mark with their beautiful cherry wood and royal blue gift boxes and big wrapping bows. The boxes merely say 14k on them and don’t have the lab’s imprint…making them beautiful to display. Their marketing catalog is just as impressive, with thick pages and tasteful photographs.

If your the kind of person whose conscious keeps you up at night….diamond nexus labs may be right for you. You don’t have to worry that your gem came to fruition via child/slave labor or human bloodshed. With simulant diamonds, you don’t have to worry that any harm came to anyone involved in the making of your jewelry. No conflict here.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

I didn’t know this but not all cubic zirconias are created alike. There is such a thing as an upscale cubic zirconia. Ziamond is an upscale cubic zirconia retailer. Apparently, there are many different grades of cubic zirconias. Who knew? The different grades are based on the temperature and pressure in which the elements are combined, how pure the various ingredients are, as well as the secret cz formula. How well the different stages are executed in creating a cz, determines the ultimate outcome. Ziamond claims to utilize the finest quality man made gems, in all of their jewelry designs. The use only hand cut and hand polished gems, all cut to exact diamond specifications.

Ziamond states that they use only the best grade cubic zirconias, which are created with their original Russian formula. The special formula that they use was originally concocted by the Russians for their space program. Apparently, the formula was developed as an alternative to diamonds and the end product was utilized as part of their lasers. The resulting stones are very hard (approximately 8.9 in hardness.) They have most of the same physical and optical characteristics of a diamond.

You cannot see the difference between Ziamonds and diamonds with the naked eye and neither can your local jeweler. In order to differentiate between the two, you must subject them to either a heat conductivity test (diamonds conduct more heat than cubic zirconias) or a weigh-in (cubic zirconias weigh 1.8 times more than diamonds).

The Ziamond collection is extensive and offers many choices and options. They have a traditional wedding collection featuring tons of different shaped stones set in 14k, 18k, or platinum. They’ve got designer replica rings, including powerhouses such as Tiffanys and Cartier. They’ve got celebrity inspired jewelry like copies of TomKat and Britney’s ring. You can buy loose stones and have them mounted at your local jewelry store. They even do special orders…if you give them a design that you would like to replicate, they will do it for you.

In addition to simulating diamonds, Ziamond also simulates emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Their rubies and sapphires are chemically, physically and optically the same as natural rubies or sapphires. They are also just as hard, a 9.0 on the Mohs hardness scale. Their emerald simulants are harder than natural emeralds and are of course, much less expensive.

Ziamond gems come with a lifetime guarantee that they will maintain their original brilliance and luster. They are also guaranteed against cracking or chipping under normal wear. Should your gemstone display signs of damage, they will provide a replacement gem at no charge.

My diamond engagement ring is real…but if god forbid, something ever happened to it, buying a ziamond replacement would be awfully tempting.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Moissanite is fast becoming the new diamonds. The newest jewelry stone on the market, moissanite is fashionable. Moissanite stones are manufactured to exacting standards, and so produce fine quality jewelry. And loose moissanite stones, being cheaper, can offer a choice of much larger stone sizes than diamonds.

Just witness the number of “stars” who have been seen recently wearing stunning moissanite jewelry. Moissanite jewelry is the new jewelry for the discriminating buyer.

Not only does moissanite look as good as diamonds, it’s much cheaper.

However before you decide to rush out and buy some moissanite jewelry, think about the range of options available to you for your jewelry purchase. And think about buying loose moissanite stones.

Lets say you want to buy a stunning moissanite engagement ring.
Firstly, shop on the net. Moissanite is more easily sourced on the net than at your regular stores, and you usually get a bigger range. Online stores can be much cheaper when buying moissanite than your normal offline store. There are several reasons for this, but it generally boils down to overheads.

Regular stores need to bring their customers to the store. So the store needs to be near the customers. So there need to be lots of stores to be near lots of customers. So high overheads.

However on the net the customers come to the store. So there is only one location needed, and it can be located on cheaper real estate.

So, lower overheads equals lower prices.

When shopping on the net there are usually a range of settings to
choose from. And whilst women love their moissanite jewelry, they
usually have exact ideas about the setting they want. Sometimes the merchants offer the setting they want, sometimes they don’t.

There is, however, the perfect solution. Loose moissanite stones. The stone is usually the more expensive part of the ring. The setting is usually cheaper than the stone.

It is perfectly possible to buy loose moissanite stones on the net. Why would you buy loose moissanite stones? One reason.

If you buy the stone on the net you take advantage of the prices and availability. If you then take your moissanite stone to your local store you can browse at your leisure and pick out the exact setting that suits you and get your jeweller to set the stone for you.

It’s the best of both worlds. The low price of buying a moissanite stone on the net, and the range of choice and the enjoyment of browsing in your local store for the perfect setting. And the option of getting your favourite jeweller to set it for you.

So for those who are looking for that perfect moissanite engagement ring, look for moissanite stones on the net. You will get a stone that compares very favourably to a diamond at a much cheaper price.

And select your favourite setting from your favourite jeweller.

A loose moissanite stone plus your favourite ring setting makes for the perfect moissanite engagement ring!

Find out more about Moissanite stones as well as Moissanite Engagement Rings at Peter’s website, The Magic of Moissanite

Sporting a moissanite jewelry set on a bride’s wedding day is just about one of the most profound statements she can make. The effect that this set will have puts even diamonds to shame. On this day, a bride loves to show off – and nothing can showcase her better than the exuberant sparkle of a complete moissanite ensemble.

Moissanite can be cut to perfect specifications. The extreme refractive properties of the stone allow an experienced jeweler to design wedding jewelry sets with stone alignments that literally radiate fire in all directions. Such wedding sets are usually crafted in either 14 or 22 carat white gold or platinum, since these perfectly complement the moissanite and lend it a dramatic backdrop.

Moissanite wedding sets are eminently adaptable to individual budgets. Most of them are half the cost of a comparable diamond ensemble. A bride can flaunt an extravagant set on her wedding trousseau for a comparatively modest price.

The appeal of moissanite on the most significant day of a couple’s life is not just limited to women’s jewelry. Men’s wedding rings, tie pins and cufflinks sporting the moissanite are becoming increasingly popular. This is not surprising – moissanite is being cleverly marketed as the stone that most reflects a man’s most desirable qualities in relationships. It is among the hardest substances known, is literally “forever”, shines forth uninhibitedly, is economical, and can be molded according to desire. What woman could ask for more?

Men’s moissanite wedding rings are usually made with two tone white gold/yellow gold, said to be the perfect “male” blend. The wedding ring is invariably the only piece of jewelry a man can wear during his wedding; considering this limitation, it is only proper that it features a brilliant moissanite for maximum effect.

Moissanite provides detailed information about moissanite, moissanite bracelets and more. Moissanite is affiliated with Mens Diamond Wedding Bands.

Silicon carbide is the mineral used in the production of the synthetic diamond more widely known as Moissanite. After being misidentified as a diamond in 1998, the Moissanite became a popular alternative to the diamond. In comparison to it’s sometimes gaudy cubic zirconia, the Moissanite is considered one of the top man made alternatives to a real diamond. It is virtually undetectable to the naked eye, and even some well trained jewelers have trouble identifying the differences between a moissanite and a real diamond.

The moissanite price point is very desirable, with a cost at roughly an eight of the price of a natural diamond. However if you’re considering a moissanite, keep in mind that because of it’s high quality, it will be more expensive than other lab created diamonds like the Cubic Zirconia. Visually, the moissanite is so similar to the diamond – that once again, that even those with a trained eye will be fooled. But it is worth noting that with larger carat sizes the color does change to a slightly yellowish tint. Moissanite stones are the equivalent to the H-J grades in the white Diamond Color scale which further adds to it’s believability. Known for their hardness, natural diamonds measure a 10.0 on Mohs scale. Moissanite stones measure a 9.5, harder than most natural gemstones and other man made diamonds, like the Diamonique for example.

Moissanite also has a higher index of refraction (brilliance) and a greater dispersion (fire) than the diamond. Depending on your preference, this can be seen as either a pro or a con. Due to its greater dispersion, the moissanite is able to maintain its fire even when it gets dirty. Surprisingly, some people regard that trait as a sign of being fake or cheap looking.  But once again, that’s really a personal preference.

If you are thinking about purchasing a Moissanite stone engagement ring, it is important to note that the stone holds no long term value like the diamond. Do not allow that to take away from it’s beauty and sentimental value. For couples looking to stay within a certain budget, the moissanite allows for the elegance, beauty, and grace of a diamond but at a fraction of the cost.

If you are looking to expand your current jewelry collection but have the valid concern of  blood diamonds, once again – moissanite is an excellent option for you as well.

Diamonds may be a woman’s best friend, but modern man made diamonds are so good as to be indistinguishable from real diamonds. And when you look at the huge savings on price, man made diamonds may be a woman’s best decision.

Increasingly, engaged couples are considering the cost of some wedding jewelry. In today’s high pressure high cost lifestyle couples are really wondering whether or not it is appropriate to spend big on, say, a diamond engagement ring.

The more spent on wedding jewelry the less available later for the important things in the marriage, like a house. Or the kids when they arrive. Is it responsible to spend so much to buy a diamond engagement ring when these more important things may need to be compromised later?

Especially when you consider that good quality man made diamonds cannot be distinguished from real diamonds, even by jewellers.

Faux diamonds are big business. The pearl jewelry industry was revolutionised by the advent of cultured pearls. Synthetic diamonds are doing the same thing to the wedding jewelry business.

There are a range of ways to produce synthetic diamonds. Modern technology is very adept at making any product which will sell well and faux diamonds are no exception. And the quality is so good that many of the alternatives to diamonds perform exceedingly well when compared to diamond using the common diamond quality tests.

In such tests as hardness, refractive index, fire, brilliance, luster and others the man made diamonds perform admirably. Sometimes even better.

Brilliance is a test of the amount of light which enters the stone and gets reflected back. It is affected by the quality of the cut of the stone.

Fire is the ability of the stone to break light down into it’s component colors and is also affected by the cut. “Fire” can
be seen as color coming out of the stone.

Luster is the amount of light reflected back from the surface of the stone.

Moissanite, for example, outperforms diamond in brilliance, fire and luster and is only very slightly lower on the hardness scale. In fact a special piece of testing equipment had to be designed so that jewellers could tell moissanite from diamond as so many were unable to.

And, of course, moissanite is much cheaper than diamonds. And if most jewellers cannot tell it apart from diamonds, could you?

There are a range of different processes used to produce a stone which is a good diamond alternative. Most produce fine quality stones which produce stunning quality jewelry which any woman would be proud to wear.

Moissanite is not strictly a man made diamond though, as it is, in fact, naturally occurring. Unfortunately it doesn’t occur in sufficient quantities to be commercially viable for mining. But technology has come to the rescue by devising a method of producing high quality crystals.

Our preference for the best alternative to diamonds? Moissanite. A fine jewelry stone which will make a stunning engagement ring, or other jewelry piece. And you can buy moissanite wedding jewelry at a fraction of the price of diamond wedding jewelry.

And when the kids come along, buy them something extra from us from the money you’ve saved.

Find out more about Moissanite as well as Moissanite Engagement Rings at Peter’s website, The Magic of Moissanite.

© 2005 Peter Crump

The decision to purchase an engagement ring is as a major investment, similar to purchasing a new home. Costs aside, it also indicates that you are ready to take the next step towards a major change in your lifestyle. This time should be a celebratory moment in a couples life together, but due to societal pressures, many men feel stressed with regards to how much they have to spend and the type of stone they must buy. As the country is in the middle of an economic crisis, couples are deciding to put aside such silly guidelines. Synthetic diamonds are becoming more popular, and most of them find the QVC trademarked Diamonique to be the best option available.. Not only are Diamonique rings virtually undetectable by the naked eye, but they are also very inexpensive – costing thousands of dollars less than their counterparts.

This artificial diamond is branded (and owned) by the QVC shopping channel. You won’t find the Diamonique brand sold in your local mall, it is sold exclusively through QVC.

There are many unique traits that make the Diamonique brand stand out amongst other diamond alternatives. Science tells us that a real diamond is the hardest natural mineral known to man. A diamond measures at a 10 on Moh’s scale, the Diamonique brand stone measures 8.5 which is very similar to sapphires and rubies.

Diamonique rings are for sale in gold, white gold, silver and platinum clad silver. Platinum cladding is the same as plating, therefore these rings are silver with a platinum plate. The rings are available in a wide range of sizes, and as with other jewelry, they can be re-sized by a reputable jeweler. . When it comes to personal flair and preference, you won’t be limited by Diamonique stones. they are available in all the traditional diamond cuts and shapes.

Diamonique offers a variety of styles from colored stones, classic rings and even the more modern and glitzy styles. If you’re looking for a band to match your engagement ring – Diamonique by QVC also has eternity bands which make for a pretty bridal set..

QVC sells Diamonique rings and other jewelry with a 30 day money back guarantee, giving customers peace of mind. When buying Diamonique jewelry QVC refer to the 6 Cs. Diamond buyers will be familiar with the 4 Cs of diamond quality which are clarity, color, cut and carat. In addition to this QVC has included cost and confidence.

While Diamonique can be a good low cost alternative to diamonds, it must be remembered that they are artificial and do not hold the long term value of real diamonds. If a simulated diamond sounds like the perfect alternative for you – let Diamonique be at the top of that list. You will save a ton of money without sacrificing style or sophistication.