Why Diamond Jewelry Should not be Handled by Bare Hands
Many people who trade in diamonds do not realize that the manner in which you handle your diamonds and diamond jewelry can actually impact the jewelry business. But there is a very simple and basic reason why this is true.
Diamonds whether studded in jewelry or handled loose, have a natural tendency to draw oil and greasy dirt towards it and every time the diamond is handled by bare hands, it tends to pick up some grease from the hand. As we all know, grease attracts dust particles from the air and eventually there is a layer of grease and dust that covers the surface of the diamond. And we all know that when that takes place the light that reflects from the diamond is affected negatively.
The property of diamonds to attract grease has not always been seen as a negative property. In the earlier years, this property of diamonds was effectively used by diamond miners to separate diamonds from other minerals in the same ore. This was done by covering a belt in grease and wax and then allowing the crushed ore to run over the belt. As the crushed ore passed over the greasy belt, the uncut diamond rough would stick to the belt as the other minerals remained unaffected.
However, these processes have changed over time and there are more sophisticated methods that are now used to separate diamonds. But one thing is for sure, this unique property of diamonds continues to be the bane for those who handle and trade diamonds daily.
The scientific reason for why a diamond that is covered with a layer of grease and dust looses its sheen is due to the refractive index. The shine of the diamond is dependant on the light that enters the diamond and the manner in which it moves out of the diamond. When the light passes through a clean diamond the interface is between diamond and air. The refractive index of air is 1.0 but the refractive index of grease is 1.5.
In more practical terms what this means is that the diamond’s critical angle increases and the amount of light that reflects from the pavilion reduces significantly. The light does not go through the crown but falls inside and then some of it escapes out of the pavilion. And since the entire light that enters does not move in a focused manner but diffuses in the diamond, the shine, brilliance and glint of the diamond is far lesser than it could be.
Now, the customers who buy diamond jewelry do so because of its shine and luster and way it attracts attention too. Therefore, it is very important for one to keep the diamond jewelry shining.
Make sure that the diamonds are not handled unnecessarily except when they need to be. Keep the area where the diamond jewelry are displayed completelty clean and tidy. When you are handling the diamonds make sure that you hold it with tweezers, or wear gloves or use any lint/dust free cloth. After your customers handle the diamonds make sure that you wipe them with a soft, clean cloth before you replace them in their safe haven. As your diamonds dazzle your customers, you will realize that the cash registers ring more often and keep you smiling.
Pearls for Your Wedding Day
Pearls have always been admired for their beauty and sophistication. It has become increasingly popular for young brides to embrace the tradition of wearing pearls on their wedding day. It’s the perfect accessory to any bride’s gown, as white pearls signify purity.
If you’ve chosen to wear pearls for your wedding jewelry, shopping for them now becomes a task. There are five important factors to consider when shopping for pearls as your wedding jewelry.
1) Color 1) Size 3) Luster 4) Shape 5) Surface Texture
These six factors largely contribute to the value of your jewelry. The color of your pearl can be white, pink, cream, or golden. The most expensive pearls of the highest quality tend to be softer in hue and more radiant. One of the highest quality pearls are the Akoya Saltwater pearls.
When we refer to the size of your pearl , we’re generally referring to the size of the jewelry. If for instance, you chose a pearl necklace as your wedding jewelry, the largest pearl usually hangs at the center of your neck. The pearls then become gradually smaller as they approach the clasp of your necklace. Nevertheless, there are different sizes of pearls themselves. Larger pearls make a very dramatic impression on bides, and they’re generally more costly.
A pearl’s luster can reflect a radiant shine and display a deeper reflected light from the inner pear. This outward display of light is referred to as the overtone. Although a lower quality pearl will have a duller sheen, this type of pearl might be perfect if you only intend to wear it once in your life.
Peals of the highest quality are always perfectly round and rarely have any surface imperfections. Lower quality pearls are rarely ever perfectly round, and often show some surface imperfections, including pitting.
Which brings us to the surface texture of a pearl. The quality of your pearl will be easy to identify by the surface texture. Feel the pearl itself. If it’s smooth without surface abrasions, than it’s most likely of the highest quality. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford high quality pearls-which leaves a skimpy selection. Lower quality pearls tend to appear low-quality, especially if they have flaws to their surface.
There are several different types of pearls to examine. The four popular types of pearls are as follows:
1.Classic Akoya Pearls 3.Large Golden or White South Sea Pearls 2.Large Exotic Black Tahitian Pearls 4.Decorative Freshwater Pearls
If you’re on budget, but you’re dying to have pearls draped around your neck for the special day-select decorative freshwater pearls. They’re very inexpensive and they will make a gorgeous accessory to your wedding gown. As long as someone in your family isn’t a jeweler, nobody will know they’re not high-quality pearls.
Nevertheless, if you have you heart set on high quality blemish-free pearls, than shop around! Don’t commit to one person before you explore your options. Select a store that offers a certificate with your pearls, and if possible-a warranty.

