Perhaps the first decision in selecting a diamond ring is which diamond shape you are seeking. Diamond cutters craft diamonds in several shapes for diamond rings, some of which are round, princess, marquise, pear, and oval. The shape of a diamond determines its outward appearance, and you will likely realize a natural preference for a particular shape as you shop. Some rings have one central diamond, as in the traditional engagement ring, while others have several diamonds that may be the same or different shapes.

Yellow gold, white gold, platinum—there are a number of metals that are common for diamond rings. Platinum is a popular option for engagement rings and eternity rings because of its resilience, though it comes with a higher price tag than other metals. Silver, on the other hand, is prone to corrosion and thus is not the best choice for frequently worn rings such as wedding bands and eternity rings. Discuss with your jeweler the metal that is right for you, taking into consideration its color, durability and resistance to corrosion.

Something you will quickly realize when shopping for diamond rings is that diamonds are affixed to rings in a variety of ways. The way that a gem is set and held in place is referred to as its setting. Several setting styles are common for diamond rings, some of which are the bezel setting, channel setting, and prong setting. The shape and size of a diamond and the strength of the metal used may help determine the type of setting that is used in a particular ring.

Perhaps you already have in mind the type of diamond ring you are seeking, or maybe you prefer to explore all of the options until you simply discover the perfect ring. With the multitude of diamond ring styles available, having an idea of the shape, type of metal and setting style you prefer can help you in your quest for the diamond ring that best suits your taste and personality.

Many women love to add a touch of color to their wardrobe, and there is no better way to do so than with gemstone jewelry. By definition, a gemstone is a mineral or stone suitable for use in jewelry after having been cut and polished. Available in virtually every color imaginable, gemstones can add the perfect compliment to your favorite pieces of jewelry. Below are tip to caring for both precious and semi-precious gemstone jewelry.

Amethyst jewelry should be stored out of direct sunlight. Why? Believe it or not, this beautiful gemstone can actually fade if exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Therefore, it’s advisable that you store your amethyst jewelry in a gift box, jewelry case or other dark space in order to help retain its vibrant coloration.

When cleaning gemstone jewelry, consider a homemade remedy to help keep your accessories shining. A combination of soap and water can cleanse most gemstones safely, and may be less harsh than commercial jewelry cleaners. As you clean your gemstone jewelry, pay close attention to the utensil(s) that you choose. Avoid any brush or other product that features bristles, which may scratch the surface of your gemstone. Instead, use a soft cloth that has no rough areas which could potentially damage the stone.

Before using any type of commercial jewelry cleaning product, always pay close attention to the directions. The reason is because not all cleaners are safe for all gemstones and, in order to maintain the beauty of your jewelry, it’s important to carefully read the instructions. Whether you are removing tarnish from your sterling silver gemstone jewelry or simply adding a little shine to your collection, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider alternative methods for cleaning your jewelry if necessary.

When storing gemstone jewelry, make sure to place it in such a way that it will not easily come into contact with other pieces from your collection. Why? If your jewelry were to get tumbled around, the gemstones could be scratched or even broken. Many natural gemstones are durable, but they can still be scratched and even damaged if not properly cared for. If you want to ensure the protection of your jewelry, store each piece in a small zip-tight jewelry bag when it is not being worn. If you are a wearer of sterling silver, this storage method will also help to slow the tarnishing process.