Diamond

The Alluring Tradition And Symbolism Of The Diamond

The diamond is quite probably the most well-known and most popular of the precious stones. If there is a sure-bet in jewelry buying, whether for man or woman, it is a piece of diamond jewelry. The diamond is also the birthstone of the month of April, and as such is even more eagerly sought by April’s babes.

There are few people left who are not familiar with the advertising clichés the diamond industry has built upon over the years. Clichés so commonplace they have become part of pop culture themselves – Diamonds being a girl’s best friend, diamonds being forever. There is a reason for our easy acceptance and assimilation of such catch phrases, however. The reason – our love of diamonds.

Diamond Jewelry

Diamonds are symbolic in many ways. The status and symbolism that accompanies diamond ownership makes diamonds much sought after.

Diamond engagement rings are recognized world wide as symbols of love and promise. A diamond engagement ring worn on the left ring finger is recognized as a sign that a woman is promised in marriage. The wide range of diamond sizes and qualities makes it possible for almost everyone to purchase and give diamond engagement rings.

Diamond rings are given for other purposes, too. A diamond ring might be given as a symbol of promise of bigger, better things to come (such as a precursor to a diamond engagement ring, a promise ring). A diamond ring is also a popular gift as an anniversary present (ten years is one norm) as a sign of continued devotion and love. Diamond rings are not only for women, either. A diamond ring is also a nice gift, a devotional symbol, for a man. Diamond wedding bands have also become very popular.

Any type of diamond jewelry is a welcome gift. Diamond watches, diamond earrings, a diamond necklace…all are excellent gift options. In fact, many women hope to have at least one of each piece to build a matched set before their jewelry collections are felt complete.

engagement rings styles

The popularity of diamonds has given birth to a number of diamond buying options and price ranges. Among the more economical choices in diamond buying are man made diamonds. The quality of a man made diamond is well-matched to its natural cousin, fooling, at times, even highly experienced diamond appraisers.

Loose diamonds offer buyers the ability to match the cut, quality, and affordability of a diamond to their budget and their desired setting. Loose diamonds open up greater versatility in matching diamonds to settings and styles.

Increasingly, colored diamonds are reaching more mainstream diamond markets. Colored diamonds in nature are even rarer than the clear, sparkling gems we value so highly. Yellow diamonds, pink diamonds, blue diamonds…diamonds exist in nature in almost every color hue. It is becoming a better known fact that colored diamonds are valuable; the famed Hope diamond is a colored diamond. Their rarity, however, makes some fancy color diamonds even more valuable than the highest quality white diamonds. As more people recognize diamond color as a feature and not a flaw, fancy color diamonds, color manipulated diamonds, and synthetic colored diamonds are enjoying increased demand, further increasing their worth.

It’s a given that people, with scant few exceptions, seek to own at least one piece of diamond jewelry. Buying diamonds is a lesson in itself as there is much to be known about buying diamonds. Dubbed popularly as the 4 c’s, diamond cut, clarity, color, and carat are all determining factors when choosing a loose or set diamond jewel. Learning about those 4 c’s ensures the diamond purchased is everything the buyer hoped for it to be, the best value for the money, and the best styles to suit the bearer of such a treasured gift.