Gold & Diamond Information
We are pleased to offer a number of gold wedding, anniversary and engagement rings. Most of these rings are manufactured exclusively for us by our local manufacturing jeweler. The rings are all substantial lost wax castings and are hand polished. More information concerning our rings is provided below.
Yellow and White Gold
14 kt. gold is 58.5% gold and 41.5% alloying elements, a combination that is significantly harder, and hence longer wearing, than pure gold. The difference in color comes from the alloying elements — yellow gold is alloyed primarily with copper, silver and zinc, while white gold is alloyed primarily with nickel, copper and zinc. Both yellow and white 14 kt. gold will readily withstand normal everyday wear, although white gold is slightly tougher. We chose white gold, rather than yellow, for the Tiffany crown in our diamond rings because it provides a better reflective mount to show the brilliance of the diamond and the more durable crown for the diamond.
Care of Gold Rings
Occasional cleaning as needed will keep your gold rings attractive. The simplest cleaning method is to wash your ring in warm water with any mild liquid detergent. Avoid contact with mercury and harsh chemicals. If your ring is tarnished by chemicals or scratched, a jeweler will usually be able to bring it back to full luster.
Diamonds
The diamonds used in our engagement and anniversary rings have a color specification of H/I (near colorless) and a clarity specification of SI 1/2 (having inclusions which can be seen under a magnification of 10X, but are clean to the naked eye). The most significant factor in the quality of a diamond is the cut, entailing both precision of the individual facets and importantly the proportions of the cut. Diamonds must be selected with particular attention to the cut to ensure maximum brilliance. The proportions, the ratio of the diameter to the depth of the diamond, determine how efficiently the diamond reflects light, and hence its brilliance. Our diamonds are selected for us by our local manufacturing jeweler, in whose experience, skill, and integrity we have developed full confidence over many years of association. We are confident you will be pleased.
The weight of diamonds is measured in carats, one carat equaling 0.2 grams. Carats are divided into 100 points. Jewelry with multiple diamonds is often described giving the total diamond weight. For instance, our Tlws Olwen pendant has three 5 point diamonds for a total diamond weight of 15 points or 0.15 carats.
Diamonds are cut from natural shape rough stones. The art of the diamond cutter is to extract the maximum value from each stone. This is not always the same as cutting the best possible finished diamond from the stone, or only well-proportioned finished diamonds from the stone. While there is little variation in faceting there are significant variations in proportions. If a rough stone will yield a round diamond of diameter greater than the diameter which would be in proportion to the depth that can be cut from the stone, the cutter may elect to take the larger diameter (and so greater carat weight), at the expense of brilliance. Similarly a stone might be such as to yield one large diamond with a major flaw, or one or more less flawed diamonds. The cutter will make a choice depending upon the comparative value. The skill and judgment of an experienced jeweler is required to select those diamonds having full brilliance, with the best balance between color, clarity, and cut.
Care of Diamonds
Diamonds can be damaged by impact. Some protection against impact damage is afforded by the prongs of the mount which shield the diamond. There is less protection, and a greater potential for damage, with larger diamonds. We suggest not wearing your diamond ring when engaged in activities where the ring might be hit on hard objects, such as sports or housework.
Loss of diamonds can occur if the prongs of the mount are bent out of place or worn. The prongs fit tightly against the diamond, but still can be caught inadvertently on an edge and bent. Inspect your ring periodically, and if a prong is bent or the diamond loose have the diamond re-set. The protruding ends of the prongs wear over the years and hold the diamond less securely. Again, inspect the prongs periodically for wear and if at all in doubt take your ring to your jeweler for examination.
Diamonds have an affinity for skin oils, soap, cosmetics and grease. Cleaning your diamond regularly will ensure its full brilliance is visible. The simplest cleaning method is to wash in warm water with any mild liquid detergent. Brush the diamond gently with a toothbrush while in the sudsy water. Rinse under warm running water then pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Take care not to lose
your ring down the drain!
For more information …
For more information on the gold and diamond rings we carry, please follow the links below.
Celtic Wedding, Engagement and Anniversary Rings
Kalgoorlie Rings
Trade Bracelets and Rings
Jewelry FAQs
Ring Sizing
Ring FAQs