Distinctive Gold Jewelry

The History of Precious Stones

Often used as birthstones or for anniversary jewelry, precious stones make beautiful adornments. Though a number of characteristics classify gemstones, precious stones are typically indicated as a reflection of rarity and quality. Explore the histories of the most popular precious stones by reading below:

·         Sapphires: A special combination of the elements chromium and titanium, sapphires are a vibrant blue and can be found in sediments or rock formations. Sapphires have a higher resistance to erosion, meaning they can also be used for alternate purposes, like in scientific instruments and windows. In some traditions, it’s said that the Ten Commandments were made of sapphire so that even a hammer smashed against them would break. Throughout history, sapphires have been worn to symbolize good fortune, virtue, wisdom, and holiness.

·         Emeralds: Emeralds have been a prized gem for over 6,000 years. The Incas worshipped emeralds, and Aristotle believed they could prevent epilepsy. Brilliant green in color, emeralds have been heralded as a sign of fidelity, love, and well-being. Generations of royalty were known to covet the green stone, from the likes of Cleopatra, Charlemagne, and Shah Jahan, who helped build the Taj Mahal. John F. Kennedy even presented Jackie Kennedy with an emerald engagement ring that she wore for the rest of her life.

·         Rubies: Thousands of years ago, rubies were known as the king of gems. Representing the sun, courage, romance, and generosity, rubies were also thought to protect against danger and disaster. The scarcest of all gemstones, the red color of rubies invokes love and devotion, which makes rubies a perfect choice for an engagement ring.

If you’re ready to find out more about any of these precious stones, come into Distinctive Gold Jewelry. We have a huge selection of precious gemstones that can be designed to fit your needs. Call (815) 534-4446 for more information.

The 4 Cs of Diamond Selection

Known as the hardest natural material on Earth, diamonds are one of the most valued jewels in the world for a reason. Each diamond is a unique and categorized according to the four Cs: carat, cut, color, and clarity. Take a look at what each of the 4 Cs means to help you pick out your next diamond:

1.      Carat
Not to be confused with karat, a unit of measurement that indicates the purity of a metal, the term carat is reserved for noting the weight of precious stones. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, so if a diamond weighs one gram, it also weighs five carats. Because larger diamonds are rarer, they’re worth more.

2.      Cut
Determined by brilliance, light dispersion, and sparkle, the cut of the diamond illuminates its beauty. Designed to maximize the proportions of the diamond, the cut is a perfect balance of symmetry. A smaller diamond may be worth more per carat than a larger diamond if it is cut well.

3.      Color

Though diamonds can come in pink, blue, and even yellow, white diamonds are the most highly coveted. In fact, hints of other colors can lower a diamond’s value—if yellow tints exist in a white diamond, the overall worth is lower.

 4.      Clarity

Because diamonds are naturally made, they typically contain imperfections called inclusions (inside the diamond) or blemishes (surface flaws). The more imperfections that a diamond contains, the less brilliant the diamond will appear. Fewer imperfections result in a high-valued diamond based on an 11-point scale.

If you’re ready to test your four C knowledge, contact Distinctive Gold Jewelry. We can help you find the perfect diamond. Check out our website or call (815) 534-4446 for more information on our selection.

To Find Out More About Our Recent Blog Topics, Check Out These Helpful Links

Lately, we’ve discussed how to pick out diamonds based on the four Cs and the histories of a few precious stones. The following resources offer more great information on these topics. For more help picking out diamonds and precious stones, contact Distinctive Gold Jewelry at (815) 534-4446.

• The Gemological Institute of America, the laboratory that developed the four Cs for diamond grading, offers the 11-point scale that determines a diamond’s clarity.
• Explore the dozens of diamond cuts available to see which type you like best. Round brilliant accounts for more than 75% of diamonds.
• Take a look at the top ten most famous celebrity engagement rings. Princess Diana’s number one ring was recently given to Kate Middleton by Prince William.
• Learn how gemstones go from organic material to ornamentation with this interesting article.
• The American Gem Society explains which birthstone represents which month to help you pick out the appropriate jewelry.

GQ correspondent discusses what to look for when purchasing a diamond engagement ring.

Picking out an engagement ring can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. The culmination of your expressed love and a desire to please your future wife is riding on the perfect selection. Fortunately, looking for an engagement ring doesn’t have to be a hassle.

The following video explores a few tips to think about before shopping for an engagement ring. Knowing your girlfriend’s preferences and tastes is one of the best ways to pick out the right ring.

For more help picking out an engagement ring, contact Distinctive Gold Jewelry at (815) 534-4446. Check out our website for more information.

4 Tips for Engagement Ring Shopping

Most women begin thinking of their ideal engagement ring when they are little girls. In fact, before they hit their early twenties, most women have decided on the diamond cut, the type of metal, and the wedding band they prefer. However, some women are coy when it comes to dropping hints about the style of ring they want. Use the following tips when shopping for engagement rings for your bride-to-be:

1.      Look for Hints

If you and your girlfriend have already decided to get engaged, then don’t be surprised if she drops not-so-subtle hints about the type of ring she wants. Pay attention to her hints or ask her to show you pictures so you’ll have a clear idea when you’re ready to shop. 

2.      Shop Together

Many couples spend afternoons together thumbing through magazines, websites, and jewelry stores in search of the perfect ring. If you and your girlfriend don’t mind removing the element of surprise, then consider shopping together.

3.      Bring a Friend

Girls love to talk to their best friends about their ideal ring, so ask her closest friend, sister, cousin, or mom to go along on your next shopping venture. You can also contact any of her confidants and ask for hints before shopping yourself.

4.      Have Her Pick the Ring

If you don’t trust yourself to find a ring she will love, then consider proposing without a ring and then take her to the jeweler. If your girlfriend is someone who likes to be in control, then she might appreciate having a direct say in her engagement ring.

No matter how you choose to shop for the engagement ring, be sure to buy it from Distinctive Gold Jewelry. We have a wide selection of diamonds and other fine jewelry. Our expert and experienced staff can provide the guidance you need to find the ideal ring for your special someone. Call us at (815) 534-4446 or visit our website to learn more about us.