Diamond is a mineral and is the hardest known substance to man, but one of the simplest being composed of carbon and the first recorded history dates back to some 3000 years ago to India. Throughout history diamonds have been associated with mystical power, great beauty and more recently great value and wealth. The word comes from the Greek meaning ?adamas' meaning unconquerable and they have been worn throughout the ages by men going into battle as a sign of strength, courage and invincibility.
Most diamonds still originate from central and south Africa although there have been other significant finds in Canada, Brazil, Australia and the biggest diamond mine is in Siberia. The diamond market is very much dominated by De Beers to control the supply and price of diamonds across the world by what some would say are monopolistic practices.
Some of the worlds largest and most valuable diamonds are in the Tower of London in the British Crown Jewels.
Diamonds are indeed very desirable objects and are worn throughout the world set in precious metals in many different types of jewellery. One of the most common pieces of jewellery is still the ladies diamond engagement ring and many women still choose to have a diamond as a symbol of love to wear on their engagement finger whether it be the traditional solitaire or three diamonds which some believe signifies ?I love you'.
Diamonds have always been associated with romance and legend and it is said that Cupid's arrows were tipped with diamonds because they possess a magic that nothing else has equalled.
Diamonds vary enormously in price according to size and quality so when choosing diamond rings it is important to consider your budget.
Diamonds are graded according to the 4 c's which refers to cut, clarity, colour and carat.
The cut of a diamond is very important as it affects the reflective qualities, which will determine the brilliance of a diamond and how it looks to the naked eye. Cut should not be confused with shape such as pear, emerald, round etc.
Clarity refer to the number of flaws known as inclusions in the stone and the stones which have fewer inclusion are more highly prized and valuable because they have greater brilliance. Remember though that a diamond doesn't have to be flawless to look absolutely stunning.
Diamond colour usually refers to whiteness or colourlessness in white diamonds with those with least colour being more valuable because of their ability to pass more light giving more sparkle and fire. Coloured diamonds do occur naturally ranging from blue to green but they are rare and very expensive.
Carat is the unit of weight for measuring the size of diamonds and in this case it really is a case of size does matter.
The value of a diamond rises exponentially in relation to its size so the cost of a 4 carat stone for instance will not be double the cost of a 2 carat stone but very much more. So it is all down to your budget and not a measure of how much someone loves another.
Cost is important when buying a diamond ring but you will find that there is a huge choice out there that will fit within your budget. Remember that clever design and settings can make a diamond appear bigger but if you really want a larger stone on a limited budget you could decide to purchase a stone which is graded slightly lower in terms of clarity and colour..
10 ideas for a perfect wedding gift
Wedding ceremonies are the stuff fairy tales are made of. Marriages are made in heaven, it is said. Keeping this age-old adage in mind, a heavenly atmosphere is created at the wedding venue. Aromatic smells fill the air. Guests decked in their Sunday best walk the red carpet with wedding gifts in tow.
Giving gifts on the wedding day is part of the ceremony. A gift symbolizes the good will guests have for the newly married. Through these gifts, guests wish the couple a long and happy married life. Naturally, when wedding gifts are purchased the most important thing that one keeps in mind is their durability. It is usually felt that a wedding gifts should make a lasting impression.
Everyone wants to make a lasting impression. Here is how:# FOR THE BRIDE: Jewelry is on the top of the list for wedding gifts for the bride. Simple yet elegant pieces will ensure surprise and fascination when your gift is opened. You can select from pendants, chains, necklaces, bracelets, brooch...
10 ideas for a perfect wedding gift
11 Essentials Tips for the Business Traveler
As they say, getting there stopped being half the fun when airplanes were invented. If you travel a lot, here are some tips to make it more palatable. 1.Go ahead and pay to join something like AA's Admirals Club. With it you'll get assistance with reservations, seat selection and boarding pass issuance; a quite place to wait and work; complimentary snacks and beverages; private bar at most locations, and showers at some. At around $450/yr.
for one person, it could be well worth it.2.Use airport Conference Rooms and Executive Centers.Saves everything from nerves to time to money. No membership required. Eliminates need for overnight stay, hotel or car rentals. There are 22 available at O'Hare, for instance. Executive Centers come equipped with everything you need to conduct business.
Call 1-800-237-7971, option 3. 3.Keep all your luggage on wheels, use one carryon, invest in good luggage. According to the US Transportation Dept., about 1 in 200 bags are lost, misdirected...
11 Essentials Tips for the Business Traveler
The Squirrel Effect
An industrious black-tailed ground squirrel has his home beneath a stump not far from my office window. I've been watching him squirrel away provisions for winter. He reminds me of people I've worked with.Starting his journey by standing tall on the stump, the squirrel hurriedly looks side to side. When he's certain it is safe he leaps into the grass, jumping then running to a group of nuts nestled beneath a medium-size pine. There he briefly pauses to make his choice.
Selecting one pine nut in his teeth, he darts back to the stump with a run-jump motion. Once again standing tall, he looks for competitors or predators before quickly popping his prized provision into his nest and beginning the process all over again.Like that squirrel, people often hide what they consider important to their personal survival in the corporate world. It's called information. Hording bits and pieces, they act as if information alone is a work-life sustaining nutrient. The more information nuggets...
The Squirrel Effect