A Beginner's Guide to Diamonds and Gemstones
By Carly Wickell, About.com Guide
- All About Diamonds
- Engagement Ring Advice
- Fall in Love with Colored Gemstones
- Gemstones One-by-One
- Jewelry Settings
All About Diamonds
Four important diamond characteristics are known as the Four Cs: diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each quality is important on its own, but it's up to you to combine all four in different ways to find a diamond that suits your style, your needs and your budget. Once you've mastered the Four C's, be sure to explore the other important diamond characteristics.
- Diamond Color, Cut, Clarity, Carat Weight (the Four Cs)
- How Diamond Fluorescence Affects Color
- What's a Diamond Blemish?
- Interior Diamond Flaws
- Diamond Clarity Enhancements
- Has Your Diamond Been Color Enhanced?
- All About Fancy Colored Diamonds
- Conflict Diamonds
- Memorial Diamonds from Human Ashes
- How to Clean a Diamond Ring
Engagement Ring Advice
Diamond rings are the number one engagement ring choice, but other gemstones are gaining popularity with brides to be. Use these resources to choose and find the perfect engagement ring.
- Best Engagement Ring Advice for Guys
- 5 Ways to Make a Diamond Look Larger
- Four Ways to Choose a Diamond Shape
Fall in Love with Colored Gemstones
Birthstone jewelry is always a winner, but do you know what characteristics to watch out for when you buy birthstones or other colored gemstones? This jewelry buying advice will help.
- Favorite Colored Gemstones
- Gemstone Treatments
- What's the Mohs Scale, and Why Should You Care About It?
- "Natural" vs. "Genuine"
- Gemstone Fakes
- Misleading "Gemstone" Names
- Birthstone Facts & Folklore
- Gemstones to Match Your Favorite Color
- Shop for Birthstone Jewelry
Gemstones One-by-One
Get the facts you need to know before you buy a gemstone. Care and buying advice to help you before and after the sale.
- Amber
- Aquamarine (March Birthstone)
- Emerald (May Birthstone)
- Garnet (January Birthstone)
- Jade
- Opal (October Birthstone)
- Peridot (August Birthstone)
- Ruby (July Birthstone)
- Topaz (November Birthstone)
- Sapphire (September Birthstone)
- Turquoise (December Birthstone)
- Alexandrite
- Moissanite
Jewelry Settings
Settings are what hold the diamonds, gemstones, pearls and other components in place on our jewelry. Settings can be decorative or they can be purely functional.
Pearls
Pearls are an organic gemstone, but not "organic" in the context you might think. An organic gemstones is derived from a living organism. Use these topics to learn about pearls and find pearl jewelry.
Precious Metals
Precious metals make up the backbone for the bulk of our jewelry. Use this guide to learn about gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals that you'll encounter when you shop for jewelry.
- Gold Facts You Should Know
- Platinum Basics
- Sterling Silver Advice and Care
- Why Metals Discolor Your Skin
Jewelry Insurance & Documentation
What information should you receive when you order a jewelry appraisal? Are your positive that your jewelry is insured? Do some background reading on appraisals and lab certificates before you buy, and don't let your fine jewelry come home until you're sure it's covered in case of a loss.
- Jewelry Appraisals & Lab Certificates
- How to Insure Your Fine Jewelry
- Use a Loupe to Inspect Your Jewelry
Gem Mining
You'll find gemstone mines throughout the United States, and some of them are set up for visitors who want to spend a day or two searching for their own gemstones. If you've never tried it, consider a visit the next time you're near a mine, but go prepared: wear old clothes and trim your nails -- you might be sifting through muddy, rock-filled baskets.
Gemstone Healing
Many people who practice alternative healing use gemstones in their practice. Do you believe that gemstones have healing properties?