Tag Archives: wedding band buying guide

19 Jun

Diamond Color – Four C’s

G.I.A Diamond Color Scale - Schwanke-Kasten Jewlers - Four C's

Generally, when we think of diamonds we do not associate color to them. However, one of the four major “C’s” is diamond color or lack thereof. According to GIA, the foremost authority on diamond grading which Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers uses for their engagement rings, “a chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of clear water, and consequently, a higher value” (GIA).

Diamond Color

So EXACTLY how does a diamond not have color and how can a diamond inherit color? The most common occurrence with clear diamonds is the varying degrees of yellow/brown hues. This is graded on the universally accepted GIA scale from D – Z under very controlled lighting and viewing conditions. In fact, some of the color distinctions are “so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price” (GIA).

Colored Diamonds

However, jewelry auction house will place a premium on diamond color because they know they add value, just look at these incredibly expensive diamonds that have been sold lately! And while color can take away from the value of a normal clear diamond, it can also add tremendous value when the color is outside of the normal range of D – Z (delete color) grading. These colors can exist in the shades and hues of: red, blue, green, pink, yellow and even white and grey diamonds. As we mentioned before, these tend to occur because of one of two conditions.

  • Scientists know that chemical imperfections found in the diamond can cause color. Chemist believe high levels of hydrogen cause grey diamonds. They also know that a presence of boron can create blue diamonds, which are some of the rarest and often the most expensive.
  • Structural imperfections to the normal diamond lattice arrangement of carbon atoms can also lead to inclusions of color. Scientists believe green diamonds get their color from “radiation displacing carbon atoms from their normal positions in the crystal structure” (GIA).

In some cases, scientists are not even sure what causes the hue of a diamond. Pink diamonds are so rare that scientists can’t make a conclusion on the hue’s causation. However, it will likely be a matter of time before they discover a similarity among them.

Interestingly enough, GIA uses a separate scale to grade colored diamonds. The scale takes into consideration 27 hue varieties and saturation hue of 9 descriptors ranging from faint to fancy vivid.

Read more on Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers regarding the 4Cs and how to pick the perfect diamond for an engagement ring.

01 Feb

Wedding Band Buying Tips

That special moment arrives and you hear those magic words “Yes! Yes, darling! I will marry you!”  Now’s time to begin looking for your wedding band and Schwanke-Kasten is here to help you explore the common questions. Should they be shopped for together? How much is your budget? Do you and your fiancée’s taste in rings have to be the same?

In this article, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers will provide you some useful tips for finding that perfect ring and the factors you should consider.

A wedding ring is even more powerful than an engagement ring, albeit a bit more humble. It is the ring itself – the unending circle of eternal love. Although gems and settings are left to the engagement ring, there are still many choices to be made. Take these tips into consideration to speed up the process and make choosing the rings more of a beautiful adventure than a dilemma.

Wedding Band Ideas

Every couple has their own set of styles and ideas. Before hitting the shops, sit down and talk about what each of you envisions for the other. Give examples of what you’d like. Listen to your fiancée’s input as well. Peruse the Schwanke-Kasten website for inspiration and suggestions.  You can also do internet searches on certain elements you want to explore such as the metal, gems or no gems, matching or independent. Some wedding rings even interlock when taken off.

It’s also important for the woman to decide how she would like her ring to compliment her engagement ring.

Once these initial details have been worked out, you can both start focusing on your ideal rings.

wedding band ideas by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

Choose a Budget

Of course, it’s important to have an upper limit set for what type of wedding band you are financially able to procure. It would be a great disappointment to get your heart set on a ring that sadly might cost you a year’s salary. Understand in what range you should be looking, and stick to those choices.

Custom Rings or a Ring Set

Just because a custom ring feels more personal, a budget constraint could mean that the pre-paired “ring sets” are right for you. These ring sets do come in many different and beautiful styles, with the lady’s engagement and wedding rings form-fitting to each other for an elegant and cohesive presentation. Prices are much lower than buying custom made pieces, but that is usually due to the number of rings being sold in one transaction. A ring set does not mean that it is low quality. Many couples choose these sets and find that they are made of quality materials and are elegant.

Custom Rings

If money isn’t a concern, and you’re the creative type, designing custom rings is a deviation from the traditional which could take you anywhere. White, Rose, or standard gold. Carbon fiber and small gems, unique shapes and forms are all styles you can have hand-crafted for you.

But it’s very important to find the right metallurgist to construct these items. Reviews, word of mouth, reputations of the craftsman are all necessary. Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers can help you determine how long it takes to craft your rings. The more hours quoted means the higher attention to detail and perfection they will spend on your special rings.

With your rings being of such importance, it pays to spend as much time researching not only your styles and budget offerings, but also where it came from. You want nothing but the best for these symbols of life-long love, so educate yourself as much as you can, and ask for help along the way. Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers loves to help bring happiness into lives of couples seeking rings, and we’re always here to help you make the best choices possible.

Good luck and congratulations!