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Jewelry Education - Diamonds, Engagement Rings & More

By Carly Wickell, About.com Guide to Jewelry / Accessories

Diamonds and other gemstones can be manipulated in all sorts of ways to make them more attractive, and that's perfectly fine, because it makes what would otherwise be less desirable gemstones more attractive and more affordable. Get the facts you need to make an informed purchase, beginning with the basic Four Cs if you're buying a diamond. And then dig deeper to learn the ins and outs of gemstone treatments. Finish up by exploring precious metals, gemstone shapes and colors and popular setting methods.

  1. All About Diamonds
  2. Engagement Ring Advice
  3. Colored Gemstones In-Depth
  4. Gemstones One-by-One
  5. Jewelry Settings
  1. Pearls
  2. Precious Metals
  3. Jewelry Insurance & Documentation
  4. Gem Mining

All About Diamonds

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.

Engagement Ring Advice

how to choose an engagement ring

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.

Colored Gemstones In-Depth

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.

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.

Jewelry Settings

heart shaped diamond

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.

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.

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.

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