Celebrities Jewelry Trends

Do any of you remember Marilyn Monroe sexily purring “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend?” Do you have any idea what that did the engagement ring market. Guys are still paying for that statement. Sure back in the 50s women knew it wouldn’t be sensible to wear such a large engagement ring but that didn’t mean a gal couldn’t yearn for it. Today a women wouldn’t feel in the least bit guilty about wearing such a diamond, in fact there are many a women that judge how well they are loved by the size of the rock they are wearing because they “know” what Marilyn knew, that “diamonds are in fact a girls best friend.”

When we see the engagement rings worn by stars like Madonna or Catherine Zeta-Jones we take notice and their choices influence the trends that follow. Celebrities are the leaders in setting fashion and jewelry trends. Madonna with her Edwardian engagement ring and Catherine Zeta-Jones’s antique styled 10 carat diamond ring has revived the desire to own a beautiful antique engagement ring. In fact it’s one of the hottest engagement ring styles in 20 years. The size of the diamonds in current styles has also grown from the average one carat to over three carats. That’s a pretty big rock that’s going to set you back a bit. But girls know they deserve it!

If you aren’t sure whether bigger is better than have a look at the jewels at this years Oscars which are said to total over $50 million dollars in value. Wonder how many vaults it took to keep those locked up for the night? With bling being the in thing one has to stop and wonder how the heck normal average working guys plan to pay for these rings. When their fiancés are asked the standard answer is “doesn’t matter I’m worth it. That’s great if your guy is earning a 6 figure salary but wait what if he’s not. What if he’s joe average living from pay day to pay day. What should he do move into the bush and give up his home, perhaps take up walking and sell his car?

Wait guys maybe you can get away with a really good quality cubic zirconia. No guarantees but it might be worth a try. Most of the high end ones can only be identified by a quality jeweler. Then again maybe she won’t care as long as it’s big and impressive. Ok girls lets be real here. Dreaming and lusting for that big 5 carat rock is just fine. No problem with dreaming, but when it comes time for your man to buy that ring remember that the ring is not what you are marrying so perhaps it’s time to consider the quality and quantity of the husband to be rather than the ring. Big diamond or little diamond it doesn’t matter as long as the two of you are blissfully happy. Let the celebrities wear their big diamonds and let them sparkle and shine in the lime light. It doesn’t matter because you got your man! That’s what counts!

Diamond Wedding Rings For Men

Diamond wedding rings are no longer just for women. Many grooms today choose to purchase a man's diamond wedding ring to match the bride's. Still others enjoy the social status that comes with wearing a diamond wedding band. Purchasing a diamond wedding ring means that the groom must consider not only the material and design of the ring, but also the quality of the diamonds.

Although often not considered to be as important as the diamonds in the bride's engagement and wedding rings, the groom's diamonds should also be purchased with care. The man should take the same "4 Cs" into consideration: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut.

A carat is exactly 200 milligrams, but very few men's bands will sport a diamond of this size. Most bands will instead have several smaller diamonds that may of may not equal one full carat. A full carat is also equal to 100 points, so a jeweler may refer to a ring as having several 10 point diamonds (each of which would be equal to one tenth of a carat).

While the clarity of a diamond is often considered the least important of the 4 Cs, it is still a key consideration in your diamond purchase. The clarity of a diamond measures the number and extent of the flaws in the diamond. For the most part, a more valuable diamond will have fewer flaws. It is extremely rare that you will find a completely flawless diamond; only a couple hundred "FL" diamonds are produced a year. Although there are several grading systems used to determine a diamond's clarity, the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) score is by far the most popular. It ranks diamonds as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS), Slightly Included (SI), and Included (I).  (Note: “inclusions” are slight specks, cracks, or other flaws in a diamond).  These ranks are not subjective; the scale has extremely specific criteria that are used to differentiate between the grades.

The color of the stone, referring to how yellow the stone is, can also be graded on a GIA scale. An ideal diamond is completely colorless, being ranked as a D. The alphabetical scale ranks nearly colorless stones as I and J , increasingly yellow beginning with M/N, and a Z is a completely yellow stone. The average color for engagement diamonds in the United States is G to H. 

The cut of a diamond is possibly the most confusing of the "4 Cs," since it can refer to the cutting style, the shape of the stone (round, square, heart-shaped, etc), its proportions, or the workmanship and the diamond-cutting process. The brilliant round cut is the most common cut for diamond engagement rings and wedding bands.

Diamond Valuation - Easy Ways to Determine the Value of a Diamond

There are four “C’s” in determining the valuation of a diamond:
<i>Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight.</i>

1. CUT: Judging the ‘cut’ of a diamond refers to the pricing of a diamond in accordance with how that diamond is sculpted and shaped to allow for a maximum shine and a heightened ability to reflect light. Cut can be difficult for a layperson to evaluate, so it is important to get your diamond professionally appraised and to obtain a AGS or GIA Certificate to verify the quality of the cut. A diamonds cut can also affect its durability.  

2. COLOR: If you are shopping for a diamond wedding ring or a diamond engagement ring, then it is important that you pay close attention to the value of a diamond’s color. A Diamonds ability to refract light is dependant on its degree of whiteness, making the whitest of white diamonds considerably more valuable than there lesser-white counterparts. Many experts name color as the number one criterion to consider when purchasing a special diamond for a special occasion.

3. CLARITY: Real diamonds generally tend to have small flaws such as tiny inclusions, air bubbles, or traces of other minerals inside the stone. While the presence of these tiny imperfections become the key factor in determining a real diamond from a fake, the quality and value of a diamond depends very much on a diamonds clarity. The best kinds of real diamonds have imperfections that can only be detected under a skilled diamond graders 10-power microscope.
   
4. CARAT WEIGHT: The ‘carat’ is the common unit weight measurement for diamonds, where one carat is equal to 200 milligrams and 142 carats equal one ounce. The bigger the rock, the more carats it has, and the more carats it has, the more expensive it becomes. Many feel that the size of the diamond is just as important as the other ‘C’ criterion.

Diamond Rings are true to the Heart

Diamond is a mineral and is the hardest known substance to man, but one of the simplest being composed of carbon and the first recorded history dates back to some 3000 years ago to India. Throughout history diamonds have been associated with mystical power, great beauty and more recently great value and wealth. The word comes from the Greek meaning ‘adamas’ meaning unconquerable and they have been worn throughout the ages by men going into battle as a sign of strength, courage and invincibility.

Most diamonds still originate from central and south Africa although there have been other significant finds in Canada, Brazil, Australia and the biggest diamond mine is in Siberia. The diamond market is very much dominated by De Beers to control the supply and price of diamonds across the world by what some would say are monopolistic practices.

Some of the worlds largest and most valuable diamonds are in the Tower of London in the British Crown Jewels.

Diamonds are indeed very desirable objects and are worn throughout the world set in precious metals in many different types of jewellery. One of the most common pieces of jewellery is still the ladies diamond engagement ring and many women still choose to have a diamond as a symbol of love to wear on their engagement finger whether it be the traditional solitaire or three diamonds which some believe signifies ‘I love you’. 
Diamonds have always been associated with romance and legend and it is said that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds because they possess a magic that nothing else has equalled.

Diamonds vary enormously in price according to size and quality so when choosing diamond rings it is important to consider your budget.

Diamonds are graded according to the 4 c’s which refers to cut, clarity, colour and carat.
The cut of a diamond is very important as it affects the reflective qualities, which will determine the brilliance of a diamond and how it looks to the naked eye. Cut should not be confused with shape such as pear, emerald, round etc.

Clarity refer to the number of flaws known as inclusions in the stone and the stones which have fewer inclusion are more highly prized and valuable because they have greater brilliance. Remember though that a diamond doesn’t have to be flawless to look absolutely stunning.

Diamond colour usually refers to whiteness or colourlessness in white diamonds with those with least colour being more valuable because of their ability to pass more light giving more sparkle and fire. Coloured diamonds do occur naturally ranging from blue to green but they are rare and very expensive.

Carat is the unit of weight for measuring the size of diamonds and in this case it really is a case of size does matter. The value of a diamond rises exponentially in relation to its size so the cost of a 4 carat stone for instance will not be double the cost of a 2 carat stone but very much more. So it is all down to your budget and not a measure of how much someone loves another.

Cost is important when buying a diamond ring but you will find that there is a huge choice out there that will fit within your budget. Remember that clever design and settings can make a diamond appear bigger but if you really want a larger stone on a limited budget you could decide to purchase a stone which is graded slightly lower in terms of clarity and colour.

Diamond Necklaces

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so diamond necklaces must be the best friend that lasts forever.

Diamond necklaces are one fashion accessory that can be worn with virtually any outfit. Depending on the size and the style of the necklace it can dress up a casual outfit of jeans or a sweater or it can be the finishing touch to an elegant gown.

Diamond necklaces come in many different designs and the most difficult part in choosing one can be deciding which one best suits your personality.

One of the first considerations when purchasing a diamond necklace is the size of the diamond. Diamonds are measured in carats with a larger number indicating a larger and more expensive stone.

Some diamond necklaces contain a single stone while others have a collection of smaller stones. In the case of the necklace with several smaller stones the diamonds weight are added together to give you a total carat weight for the necklace.

Although it’s important to consider the size when purchasing diamond necklaces it’s also advisable to take other characteristics of the diamond into account.

All diamonds are judged on their color. If you briefly glance at a diamond you might consider that they are all a brilliant clear color. This isn’t true.

There are diamond necklaces that cover a full range of hues. Diamonds are placed in several different color categories. Colorless and white are two of them. These types of diamonds when placed in diamond necklaces are considered the purest form of diamond.

Other colors of diamonds include blue, yellow, orange, pink, brown, green and red. If a diamond has a hint of any of these colors it is considered to be impure. They are stunning though and make a wonderful additional to diamond necklaces.

Purchasing diamond necklaces can be done several ways. If you are looking for diamond necklaces that you’d consider an investment you’re advised to visit a local, reputable retailer who specializes in the sale of diamonds. They can explain the different designs, size and clarity of the diamond necklaces to you. They will also, often, offer a guarantee which provides for any repair and cleaning of the necklace.

Many jewelry retailers also provide a trade-in option. This means that if you decide not to keep the diamond necklaces you’ve purchased that you will be able to return them to the store. The store will purchase them back from you for a percentage of the original cost.

If you are looking for less expensive diamond necklaces you might try an online retailer. There are several online sources to buy diamond necklaces. Often they are low priced because of the high volume they deal in.

Many online stores that do sell diamond necklaces have testimonials or reviews posted. Read these and see how others who have used the site felt about their diamond necklaces purchase. It’s nice having a little insight into the company you are dealing with when you are planning on purchasing something as special as a diamond necklace.

Regardless of where you purchase your diamond necklace you’ll be thrilled with the product. Diamond necklaces have a way of brightening up the smile of any woman wearing one. They make beautiful and thoughtful gifts for any occasion.

Diamond Hoop Earrings: The Diva's Choice

Men grow cold as girls grow old
And we all lose our charms in the end
But square-cut or pear-shaped
These rocks don't lose their shape
Diamonds are a girl's best friend

-- from the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"

Diamond hoop earrings are perfectly popular these days, thanks to young pop divas like Jennifer Lopez or J-Lo, hiphop diva extraordinaire. J-Lo is also known for spreading the trend of the chandelier earring, and other cascading-style ear ornaments.

Now take another diva and examine her choice of jewelry. We're talking about actress Elizabeth Taylor and her special fondness for diamonds. When she was dubbed a Dame of the British Empire, the nation held a "black tie and diamonds" event, to commemorate her love for that specific precious stone. Diamond hoop earrings are part of Miss Taylor’s not inconsiderable jewelry collection.

Take hoop earrings up another level and what do you get? Precious stones set into the hoops. What precious stone is considered the most popular, the most prestigious, and the most in-demand throughout the ages? Of course, it is the diamond.

Diamonds are formed over a period of a billion or more years deep within the Earth's crust - about 90 miles deep - and is pushed to the surface by volcanoes. Most diamonds are found in volcanic rock called kimberlite, or in the sea after having been carried away by rivers when they were pushed to the surface.

Hoops, for their part, come in a variety of thicknesses and sizes. Sometimes they are so fragile as to create cascading earring designs, and at other times they are so thick that you can set stones and other materials into them. Hoop earrings used to be a favorite jewelry style among ancient Central and South American tribes, at a time when gold flowed freely and primarily held only decorative value.

Combine the youthful appeal of hoop earrings and the distinguished status of the diamond and you'll have an entrancing diamond hoop earring. A small, thick hoop earring made of fine silver or gold may be studded with diamonds. Conversely, a hoop earring may also host even just one diamond, snugly fitted into its metal niche. Diamond hoop earrings are a unique design, pursued and appreciated for their earthly elegance.

Diamond Grading

Diamonds are the most precious and eternal stone available on the earth that reflects its brilliance and glitter on its wearer. For making an appropriate and intelligent purchase, a buyer must know about the 4 c’s of a diamond which ultimately determines the different grades of a diamond. Clarity, cut, carat and color are the four c’s that decides the grade of a diamond.

Clarity is the clearness or transparency of the diamond. The extent of diamond established the extent of its flaws and on the basis of the blemishes of each diamond an expert will decide about its shape and size that is visible from the naked eye. The value and worth of a diamond increases with less flaws and imperfections. So, clarity is an important element in deciding the worth of a diamond.

A well defined cut in a diamond decides its true worth as diamond in a raw form is nothing but a piece of glass. Generally, a cut in a diamond is done keeping the depth, symmetry and polish of the raw diamond in mind and on this particular basis a diamond gets its original shape and size. There are various shapes like round, emerald, pear, marquise and heart that distinguishes diamonds so, a suitable and promising cut in a diamond is really important factor in depicting the value of a diamond.

Carat or weight of a diamond is also a deciding factor in setting a grade of a diamond. Normally one carat is equivalent to 0.07 ounces that is equals to 200 milligrams. That’s why; increase in the weight of a diamond also increases the price of the diamond. And because of this very reason, it is always desirable to have a big diamond which is beautiful and of great worth too.

‘The lesser the better’, is the quote associated with diamond that establishes the price and value of a diamond. Diamonds are ranging from colorless to brown according that shows its worth and grade. The value and worth of a colorless diamond will be greater than other diamonds as it is free from any hues and flaws. Whereas, diamonds are also available in various colors such as pink, blue and green shades too.

So, the grade of a diamond is totally based upon the above mentioned 4c’s that not only settles its grade but also its true worth, value and correct price too.  Now, you can evaluate yourself the true worth of your money that is really high and everlasting.

Enhance your Fashion with Estate Jewelry

When it comes to fashion don’t play safe, have some fun with your style and enjoy your look.  Make your fashion statement! And the world will notice!  Estate jewelry is the perfect finishing touch to your wardrobe so don’t forget to compliment your look with jewelry!

Even the most conservative dresser can find a beautiful piece of estate jewelry that says loads about them.  Show your personality with your jewelry.  From the serious corporate executive to the sexy flirt there is an estate jewelry necklace or earrings for you!

Estate jewelry stays in style year after year.  It stands you out from the rest of the crowd.  While others are busy buying the same modern necklace, earrings, or brooch, you’ll be showing off your unique style and tastes.  You’re not likely to find someone wearing exactly the same piece as you.

You can turn estate jewelry from sophisticated, to fun, to trendy.  Dress it up or down.  Mix and match color, style, shape, and size.  And you simply cannot beat the quality of estate costume jewelry from the past. 

Estate jewelry can be used to show your individual personality.  Think of it as fashion art and personal expression.  We tend to think of our fashion statement as our hair style, the clothes we wear, the shoes and hand bag we carry.  But your jewelry is an important part of that fashion statement.

Every now and then you change the style or the color of your hair.  Each season you add and remove pieces from your wardrobe.  But your estate jewelry will take you from season to season, year after year.  All you need to do is mix and match it to give it a whole new look.

All types of estate jewelry are very flexible.  They can be worn to the office, to that important executive meeting, for a night on the town, to the beach, or for that intimate evening.  Bring out your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication and elegance.  Wear it with your most formal evening gown, your casual sportswear, your office wardrobe, or your favorite pair of jeans.  Wear it in the summer, winter, fall, and spring. 

Estate jewelry is available with a variety of base metals.  Silver, gold, copper, and brass are all popular.  There are shiny pieces, matte piece, there are glittering rhinestones, subtle gemstones.  Large pieces, dainty pieces.  There costume jewelry of the earlier eras was often based on design ideas of fine jewelry and it had an artistic flare that has never been surpassed in the jewelry industry.  Truly a time period where jewelry stood out above the rest.  And it still does!

Estate jewelry has been popular for many years but just recently it has seen an incredible surge in popularity.  Women are tired of looking like everyone else.  They want to show off their unique personality and their very own fashion statement.  Since this can be difficult to do with clothing that is mass produced and jewelry that is mass produced they have turned to estate jewelry for that gorgeous unique finished touch.  They know that they will have the finishing touches that no other woman has.  When they walk into the room they know that they will be unique and beautiful and make their fashion statement!  No one will forget!

Engagement Watches: Unique or Common?

June is considered as a perfect month to get married. When you say engagement, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind to give out your love one? Is it a ring, a necklace, bracelet, or an anklet? Have you thought of giving out a watch as your engagement gift? Does it sound weird?

This would probably be the most uncommon engagement gift in the whole world. People don’t give out a watch when they propose to their girlfriends or boyfriends. They give out the common jewelries. But what I encourage you to do is give something that will symbolize your love for each other and at the same time will be helpful for the both of you. Watches are really useful because it keeps you track of the time. But it can also be a symbol of your love. Don’t limit a watch as a necessity or jewelry. It can be both at the same time.

Engagement watches: is it considered unique? For a start, I haven’t encountered someone who gave a watch to his girlfriend as an engagement gift. But being unique is not bad! Sometimes, you will realize that being totally different from others is cool. Soon enough you realize that everyone imitates you.

You are different because you don’t think the same with other people with regards of giving out a watch as an engagement present. A watch is not an uncommon possession, and watches are very useful.

Some people might think that as long as they’re giving out a jewelry as an engagement gift, then that’s fine. But for some women, the type of jewelry you’ll give them still matters. Giving them out an engagement watch will not only be special but also useful. They will be wearing it for all times and they will be proud of it because you’re the one who gave that to her, not just a gift, but as an engagement gift. Isn’t that priceless?

If you’re worried about the cost of the watch, then let me tell you that watches are cheaper than the engagement rings you’re giving. You can also engrave your names on it or buy a custom made.

They say that June is the perfect time to get married. You get to have beautiful weather, nice places, and astonishing views. If you really want everything to be memorable, then start off with your engagement. Make it special and everything will be meaningful.

Diamonds Make a Wonderful Wonderful Gift

Precious gems are beautiful and they last a long time and they are very valuable. Diamonds in particular shimmer in any kind of light, providing an exquisite treasure. Some people give a piece of diamond jewelry as the sole gem gift a loved one will ever receive. Others add a diamond gift to a long line of precious gems. Before bestowing diamonds as a gift to a loved one, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Diamonds are usually very expensive. If you come across a diamond that is being sold on the cheap, you have to wonder why this is the case. It may mean that the cut is not the best quality or it could have poor point value. Perhaps the gem is even stolen! You have to be careful about where and how you purchase precious jewelry to ensure that you get your money's worth in value. Check with several jewelry stores or diamond dealers. State up front how much money you have to spend and the type of gift you wish to make. The experts can help you make a good choice for what you have to work with.

Diamonds are for grown ups. Children or even teenagers rarely have a proper appreciation for diamonds. Perhaps diamond chip earrings would be an acceptable gift for older teen girls, but more lavish diamond jewelry should be saved for more mature wearers. A diamond necklace, brooch, ring, or bracelet conveys a sense of sophistication that younger women cannot often carry off. Save the gift of diamonds for a special occasion and an older girl.

Diamonds deserve special care. You don’t want to just fling a diamond ring in the jewelry box or leave it lying unprotected on a`dresser top. Preserve the beauty and keep it clean while avoiding scratches by placing diamond jewelry into velvet-lined boxes or containers. Depending on the size and value of your investment, your diamonds may need to be kept in a safe deposit box or vault at your local bank. You don’t want nosy workers or desperate thieves to make off with your prized possession. You may want to have your diamond priced or valued by an experienced jeweler for home insurance purposes. It also is a good idea to have it cleaned periodically, if needed.

Diamonds are for special occasions. Although they are often given on any occasion like a birthday or holiday, a diamond jewelry item is especially suited to commemorative occasions, such as an engagement or anniversary. Smaller diamond gifts can serve just about any purpose, but the larger, more valuable kind should not be handed off lightly. Give some thought to the meaning of your gift and what your receiver will think (as well as what you want him or her to think) before offering this unique token of affection.

Diamonds – How To Know If A Diamond Is Fake Or Real?

A diamond is a girl’s best friend! It is a beauty and unique nature makes it easy to admire. Diamond purchasing is a great task and an exciting pleasure. There are various types of diamonds so when buying real diamonds, one should learn about fake diamonds so that you will be able to distinguish between the fake vs. real diamond. Nowadays the best fake diamond is in great demand. Here are some of the simple solutions or the methods that will enable you to find out the difference between the fake vs. real diamond. The best way to know about the precious diamond is to acquire knowledge from a diamond professional. If possible take the diamond along with you to the shop and get all the details from the jeweler. The best fake diamond looks so similar to the real diamond that even a professional diamond jeweler may get confused and may have hard time to finding out whether it is a fake or the real diamond. In case you are not satisfied with the views regarding the real diamond from the professional, here is a way to find out which is a real diamond and which is a fake diamond.

The first method is to check the diamond with the help of diamond tester as it will help you to differentiate between real diamond and best fake diamond. It is an electronic tester that can check all the diamonds except the moissanite stone for which the diamond tester is not reliable. The best fake diamond is the cubic zirconia and the weight of this diamond is around 50% more than a real diamond of the same size and shape. This weighing test also can find out the difference between fake vs. real diamond.

Another method for checking the best fake diamond is the transparency test in which the diamond is placed up side down on the news paper and if the written matter from the newspaper is legible then be sure that the diamond is not the real one and it can be a best fake diamond. One of the disadvantages of this method is that some of the stones may appear to be a real diamond due its fine cutting. In this case, one needs to be sure about the cutting methods of the stones. This method is very common and enables you to find the real diamond from the best fake diamond.

The third method that helps you to differentiate between fake vs. real diamond is the fog test. Hold the stone or the diamond and blow some air from your mouth on to the stone, if the fog appears on the stone and stays there for next few seconds then it shows that the stone is a best fake diamond because in case of a real diamond, the heat disappears instantly. The oily layers and dirt on the stone might create some problems to differentiate fake vs. real diamond. Thus, before carrying out a test for best fake diamond, clean its surface properly.

The ultra violet test is another method that will enable you to find out the real diamond from the best fake diamond. The real diamond projects blue color light if put under the ultra violet light or the black color. There are two options, if the blue light does not appear, it can be best fake diamond or can be a high quality diamond.

All of the above tests can satisfy all the test conditions to differentiate between a best fake diamond and the real diamond.

Did You Find Diamonds In Amsterdam?

Amsterdam takes a special place in the world of Diamonds. Walking down the streets you will see a lot of Diamond and jewelry stores as well as a lot of places that are locked up with signs saying "guided diamond tours from 2 to 4 PM".

Actually going on some of these tours you'll have a chance to see some fantastic diamonds and you'll have a chance as well to see how they are cut and polished. And if you want to, you can buy them for $4000 to $400,000 each.

These are some of the companies offering guided tours:

Amsterdam diamonds

Amsterdam has a long heritage in the diamonds, and has been a major diamond centre since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry in the later 16th century. Nowadays there are about a dozen diamond factories in the city, five of which offer guided tours. The tours are free and are usually conducted 9am to 5pm every day. Diamonds aren't necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam but prices are fairly competitive. At least you will have seen how they are worked, and when you buy from a factory you get an extensive description of the purchase so you know exactly what you are buying.

Diamond tours

The following renowned diamond stores offer diamond-cutting and polishing tours, and sales of the finished diamonds:

Coster Diamonds
Gassan Diamonds
Stoeltie Diamonds
Van Moppes Diamonds the first company to offer guided tours.

If you have a chance eat an "uitsmijter" as well.

Best time to visit is april or late september when the leaves on the trees are not blocking the view of the monumental facades. The winters are penetratingly cold and damp with lots of rain and sleet.

It actually feels colder than 30 below in Canada.

Bring a pair of good glasses: we tend to use very small letter types for the legends in museums.

Here are some of Amsterdam's major attractions:

Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)
National Museum (Rijksmuseum)
Van Gogh Museum
Red Light District
National Museum of Modern Art (Stedelijk Museum)
Amstelkring Museum (Our Lord in the Attic Chapel)
Museum Het Rembrandt Huis (Rembrandt House)
Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum)
Dam Square
Sauna Deco

Amsterdam sail:
Sail Amsterdam

If you love boats, KNSM Island is where you should go. Not just because of its shipping past. Every 5 years this harbor area of Amsterdam hosts the Sail event. Each new edition attracts more visitors (Sail 2000 welcomed 2.5 million people). Each edition also offers more Tall Ships and more cultural activities in the area.

The Van Gogh Museum contains the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh who shot off his ear and then committed suicide. You will find more than 200 fantastic works from the Master’s hand, as well as 500 drawings and 700 written documents. Together these provide a fantastic insight into his life and work.

Amsterdam is a fascinating place with lots of things to see and do.

Also, remember and try all its culinary delights.

Diamond Jewelry: Positively Impacting Today’s Society

The existence of the diamond has positively impacted our society, along with others for ages. Diamond jewelry began as a luxury for many wealthy and other well to do individuals; however, in recent times the diamond has become more common in jewelry for all individuals.

The most popular form of diamond jewelry is that of an engagement ring. With millions of couples getting engaged or married each year, many diamond engagement or wedding rings will be purchased. There are many individuals who are unsure where an item came from or how it is made. Since diamonds do not magically appear in jewelry, workers are needed for this careful process.

Once the final diamond jewelry product is developed, it will need to be transported to a jewelry store. The diamond, along with other popular jewelry forms, help create more jobs in this atmosphere. Physical jewelry stores typically have a large number of employees in each store, this allows each customer to get the individual and personal attention that they deserve. Online jewelry stores are also popular. Many jewelry stores with physical locations also offer their products online; however, many other online jewelry stores are just standard people trying to make a living. The easy availability of diamonds and diamond jewelry makes it possibly for stay at home parents or disabled individuals to make a living by selling diamond jewelry.

Employment is often the most thought about positive impact that diamond jewelry has had on society. In addition to traditional jewelry makers and designers, scientists have been impacted and employed by the diamond industry. Technology has come a long way in transforming standard diamonds into breathtaking jewelry. Manufacturing procedures have greatly improved from the past. Scientists and other researchers are constantly working on new ways to produce quality diamond jewelry. The technology used for manufacturing diamonds and jewelry can be helpful for other jewelry makers and other manufacturing fields.

One impact that diamonds and diamond jewelry has on society is how it makes society members feel. A diamond jewelry piece is a beautiful and important piece of merchandise to receive. Many individuals feel pleased and exude self-confidence when receiving or wearing a piece of diamond jewelry. A happy individual makes for a more improved society, even if it is only one or two individuals at a time.

Diamond jewelry has been around for ages and to this day it still continues to have a positive impact on many societies. Whether it be to help create more jobs, improve science, or to improve the overall well-being of many individuals, the diamond has an important purpose in our society.