In the 2013 GIA Holiday Buying Guide, we’ve talked about diamond jewelry styles and trends, and how to buy diamond jewelry, but as we near the end of the holiday, there is still one significant topic to address: how to buy her something she’ll love.

For many men, buying diamond jewelry can be intimidating. Understanding the 4Cs and knowing the right questions to ask can help you make an informed decision, but how do you select something that will take her breath away? While there is no fail-safe answer, here are five proven tips that will get you closer to the “magical” response you’re going for.

Listen Up

If she’s hoping for diamonds this holiday, chances are she’s mentioned it to you or mentioned it to a girlfriend while you’re within earshot. Women will occasionally drop hints; you just have to be paying attention.

Consider her Lifestyle

Platinum butterfly brooch with brown diamond slices accented with brown diamond and white diamonds. Courtesy of Platinum Guide International.

The wonderful thing about diamonds is they go with everything. But there are jewelry styles that are better suited for different situations. Does she work in an office? Consider a classic piece like diamond stud earrings or simple pendant necklace. For a stay-at-home mom, a diamond bracelet might be the perfect addition to her casual wardrobe to remind her every day how appreciated she is. For a woman who enjoys nights out and elegant dinner parties, perhaps a right hand ring or brooch would be the perfect conversation starter.

Pay Attention to her Personal Style

A woman’s jewelry collection is a direct reflection of her personal taste, so make sure the piece you select fits her sense of style. For the woman with a classic, timeless style, look at a diamond solitaire, line bracelet, or simple diamond studs. The modern, artistic type might love some of the newer jewelry designs showcasing diamonds mixed with alternative metals and materials like leather or wood. For the woman who loves diamonds but already has all the basics, perhaps she’d love a fancy colored diamond like yellow, pink, or blue.. Women’s fashion style is an area where many men feel out of their element, so talk with your jeweler about her wardrobe choices– consider showing the salesperson some pictures.–and they will be able to steer you in the right direction.

Left: Platinum ring with round blue sapphire accented with diamonds and blue sapphires. Middle: Diamond and platinum bracelet. Right: Platinum and diamond earrings. Courtesy of Platinum Guide International.

Think Outside the Ring Finger

Diamond stud earring. Courtesy of DeBeers Diamond Promotions Service.

Many men think of diamond jewelry and immediately think of a diamond ring. It makes sense, considering it’s typically a guy’s first entry point into the world of fine jewelry. But if you’re still dating and not ready to commit to marriage, you probably want to steer clear of rings altogether. Earrings and necklaces are great alternatives and much easier to select. You don’t have to worry about discretely finding her ring size, just be sure you know, in the case of earrings, if her ears are pierced or not.

Ask Around

If you’re having a hard time deciding, enlist the help of her close friend or family member. She might have mentioned something she’s been eyeing, but someone close to her will also have a good idea of how to select something to fit her style and tastes.

Pearl and diamond bracelet. Courtesy of Yvel.

Finally, relax and enjoy the moment. You’re about to make someone’s holiday really special. The GIA Holiday Buying Guide is designed to provide helpful tips to make your holiday shopping easier, but taking your time to find the perfect gift for someone you love is a fun and exciting process. Good luck!

The post Holiday Buying Guide – Part 6: The Magic of Surprise: Tips on Buying Her Diamond Jewelry appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

While holiday jewelry purchases are predominantly for women, many men would love to be on the receiving end of the jewelry-giving. Today, GIA’s Holiday Buying Guide series continues with tips for buying jewelry for men.

Jewelry for Every Man

For some, the thought of men’s jewelry conjures up images of rappers, rock stars or professional athletes—large, conspicuous diamond studs or multiple chains that just don’t have a place in the typical man’s workplace. But the vast majority of jewelry options for men are for the professional: intended to be subtle, but like all jewelry, a symbol of personal style.

If you’re shopping for a special guy this holiday, here are  some pointers.

1. Start his jewelry wardrobe with the basics. These include a classic watch, cuff links, ring, or simple chain (for either the neck or wrist).
2. If he has the basics covered, then consider upgrading or updating one of his favorites. If he wears a quartz watch every day, consider an automatic (self-winding) watch. If he has simple cuff links, try something with gems or a more distinctive design.
3. Know his personal style, and how daring he might be. For many men, an earring is too far out of their comfort zone, but it might be the perfect gift for your life-of-the-party guy! Be sure to discuss his style and preferences with your jeweler to receive helpful recommendations.

Left: Black onyz cuff links with diamond cross in platinum. Middle: Platinum and leather men’s timepiece. Right: Men’s platinum ring featuring black cobalt plates and diamonds. Courtesy of Platinum Guide International.

Popular Men’s Jewelry Styles

Gold signet ring. Courtney Doug Fiske.

Before starting your holiday shopping, you should also know what’s currently leading jewelry trends for men. Popular styles right now include signet rings, dog tags, and statement timepieces. A common theme with all of these is the ability to personalize. Consider a signet ring with his initial or an emblem representing his family heritage. Or engrave a special message onto the back of a timepiece or dog tag. A jewelry gift that has personal meaning will be treasured for a lifetime.

Sterling silver pinky ring.

Not surprisingly, many men are drawn to the mixing of materials that is popular in jewelry design today. Jewelry designers are playing with non-traditional materials like leather, as well as incorporating different metals like titanium and stainless steel to create a distinctly masculine look. Diamonds of all colors are also rising in popularity. Black, gray or brown diamonds can provide some sparkle in colorful alternatives to the classic white diamond. Of course, if you’re buying a diamond, it’s important to understand the 4Cs and to request a Diamond Grading Report from your jeweler.

Engagement Rings are not Just for Women Anymore

Courtesy Platinum Guild International.

Finally, if you’re one of the many couples in love that will be engaged this holiday season, a man-gagement ring might be the perfect gift. According to Engagement 101, 71% of men would be open to wearing an engagement ring for guys. A man-gagement ring might be the perfect opportunity to start his fine jewelry wardrobe that you can add to for years to come.

Some fail-safe last words–buy something meaningful and timeless. A gift from the heart represents something special between the two of you, and will always hit the mark.

Are you shopping for a special guy this season? Or, has your guy dropped any hints?

Main image of watch, courtesy of Craig Selimotic Danforth

The post Holiday Buying Guide – Part 6: Beyond Cuff Links – More Men Want Fine Jewelry this Holiday appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

The unique beauty and appeal of fancy cut diamonds make them the perfect choice for gifts of the season. Shoppers now have a wide array of choices, so there is something for every taste. In this installment of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide series, you will learn about some of the special characteristics of fancy cut diamonds before you ever step into a jewelry store.If you’re already familiar with the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, you know how GIA grades the color and clarity of colorless diamonds, and how GIA evaluates cut for round brilliant cut diamonds. But if you don’t know the difference between diamond shape and diamond cut, you might want to take a quick refresher before reading on.

In selecting your fancy cut diamond, it will be important for you to know if the diamond is well cut. If it is too shallow, there could be a greater risk of chipping the diamond. If it is too deep, it may appear to be less bright. While GIA does not grade the overall proportions of fancy cut diamonds, a GIA Diamond Grading Report does contain an assessment of the diamond’s Finish, which includes Polish and Symmetry. When the report denotes these as “Excellent” or “Very Good,” it’s an indication of the diamond’s cut quality.

You don’t have to be a diamond expert, but understanding the distinct features of each shape will help to ensure a smart purchase.

OVAL:

Oval is a shape that pairs well with other shapes of gems in multi-stone rings. Ovals have the added benefit of appearing larger because of their elongated shape. When selecting an oval diamond, look for even, well-rounded shoulders.

Your personal preference will likely decide which width of oval is more appealing, however the optimal length-to-width ratio is 1.33-1.66:1.

Ovals cut in the brilliant style display a brightness similar to round brilliant cut diamonds. Oval brilliant cut diamonds often display a “bow-tie.” Seen with the naked eye, this is a dark area which looks like two triangular pieces joined in the center of the stone. When the diamond is viewed face-up, you want the “bow-tie” to be minimized as much as possible.

Oval Diamond

MARQUISE:

Symmetry is an important factor for all fancy cut diamonds. Even the smallest difference can create an appearance that is not balanced. Check that each half is a mirror image of the other, and for marquises that the two points align. Like oval, this shape pairs well with other gem shapes in multi-stone rings, and if a prong mounting is chosen, V-shaped prongs will help protect the points.

If a marquise shape is too long, it could impact its durability. Look for a length-to-width ratio of 1.75-2.25:1.

Like the oval, the marquise diamond that is cut in the brilliant style should be examined for a “bow-tie” effect, and the points of the marquise should be examined for inclusions.

Marquise Shaped Diamond

PEAR:

Like all fancy cut diamonds, the pear diamond comes in a variety of proportions, however the preferred length-to-width ratio should range between 1.50-1.75:1.

Examine the point for inclusions and color concentration. The wings on each side of the point should be symmetrical. The rounded end should appear like a semi-circle. As with the oval and marquise, the pear brilliant may show a “bow tie.”

If a prong setting is chosen, it should include a V-shaped prong at the point because that will help protect it from damage.

Pear Shaped Diamond

HEART:

An obvious symbol of love and romance, the heart-shaped diamond should have two identical halves, and the cleft should be distinct. The wings and lobes need to be even with the lobes curving down the cleft.

The ideal length-to-width ratio is approximately 1.00:1. Check the point for any visible inclusions. As with the oval, marquise and pear, the heart shape may show a “bow tie.”

It may be difficult to perceive the heart in a diamond of less than .50 carats. For smaller size stones, a bezel or three-prong setting better preserves the shape.

Heart Shaped Diamond

TRIANGULAR:

You’ll often encounter triangular-shaped diamonds cut in the brilliant style, referred to by jewelers as trillion or trilliant. While this shape is sometimes set as a solitaire, it’s more commonly used as side stones in a multi-stone setting.

Attention should be paid to clarity, since even small inclusions may be more visible in this shallow shape. The preferred length-to-width ration is 1:00:1.

A protective prong setting is recommended to keep the sharp points from chipping.

Triangular Shaped Diamond

SQUARE:

Square diamonds are spotted almost daily on celebrity fingers this year. The halo setting used for brilliant cut square gems was one of the most popular engagement ring trends of 2013.

The list of cuts available for square shapes is a long one. Some of the trade names you may come across while shopping include Asscher, barion, cushion, princess, radiant and Quadrillion (as pictured below). All sides should be parallel.

Square Shaped Diamond

RECTANGULAR:

Similar to square shapes, there are numerous cuts for a rectangular look including baguette, barion, emerald cut, and radiant.

Avoid uneven, narrow or no corners and sides that are not parallel.

The emerald cut or a square step cut will require higher clarity since inclusions might be easier to see.

Rectangular Shaped Diamond

One general shopping tip for fancy cut diamonds is to view them in daylight. Pricing of the various shapes can be complicated, so it’s best to compare stones of the same shape, cutting style and similar carat weight. Ask to see the grading reports for the diamonds you are considering. They will help you compare each diamond’s quality factors.

For additional assistance on jewelry purchases this season, the 2013 Holiday Buying Guide series is a great resource to make you a more informed shopper.

Part 1: Diamond Jewelry Trends for the 2013 Holiday Season

Part 2: 4Cs Tips for Holiday Diamond Jewelry Shopping

Part 3: How to Read a GIA Grading Report Video

Part 4: Asking the Right Questions for a Diamond Purchase

The top image all weighing approximately one carat, represent a variety of shapes and cutting styles. From left: cushion, cut corner square step-cut, emerald, modified radiant, oval, marquise and pear. Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA.

The post Holiday Buying Guide Part 5: Tips for Purchasing Fancy Cut Diamonds appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

The previous installment of the 2013 Holiday Buying Guide covered the basics of the 4Cs of diamond qualities. But how will you know that the diamond you’re considering buying has the qualities you’re looking for? The answer…an independent, unbiased evaluation.   

This evaluation is called a grading report, and it is essential that you request to see a grading report for any diamond purchase you’re considering this holiday before you make your purchase.

As creator of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System^TM, GIA is considered the benchmark independent grading laboratory. GIA was the first to issue independent grading reports in the early 1950s, and today its Diamond Grading Report and Diamond Dossier® are globally recognized and trusted. A GIA grading report contains a full scientific and unbiased assessment of your diamond’s 4Cs and discloses any known treatments.

What actually goes into a grading report? The third installment of the 2013 Holiday Buying Guide provides an informative video tutorial to walk you through the features and benefits found on a GIA grading report, and explain what that means for you and your diamond.

The post Holiday Buying Guide – Part 3: How to Read a GIA Grading Report Video appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

Diamond jewelry is often at the top of a woman’s holiday wish list but getting her a gift that she’ll love doesn’t have to be complicated. In the second installment of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide series, you will learn the basics of what to look for when shopping for diamond jewelry.

The first thing to know is that not all diamonds are created equal. In fact, every diamond is unique, which makes buying a diamond seem all the more challenging. For starters, how do you compare them? To protect consumers and help everyone better understand diamond quality, GIA created the 4Cs, now globally accepted as the language used to describe diamond quality. The 4Cs are so universal that diamonds are valued by how they measure up to each of the Cs. Being familiar with the 4Cs not only helps you better appreciate each diamond’s unique beauty, but also understand its price.

Every woman knows ‘good things come in small packages’ and this short 4Cs primer will get you well on your way to making sure the gift you give her this holiday is one that will delight.

Color

GIA D-to-Z Color Grading Scale measures the degree of colorlessness of a diamond, as compared to a set of master stones of established color. D is the highest grade representing colorless. As you go down through the scale, the diamond is picking up more yellow or brown color. Colorless diamonds are the most rare, and their price will reflect their rarity. Even the slightest hint of color can make a dramatic difference in value. This interactive tool shows you the subtle differences in color.

Clarity

Few things in life are perfect, and diamonds are no exception. Diamonds have internal features, called inclusions, and surface irregularities, called blemishes. Clarity grades assess the number, size, relief, nature, and position of inclusions and blemishes. Flawless is the top grade in the GIA Clarity Grading Scale, and flawless diamonds are so rare that it’s possible to spend a lifetime in the jewelry industry without ever seeing one. There are 11 clarity grades assigned to a diamond, and the fewer inclusions and blemishes, the higher the value.

Cut

Cut is the finished shape of the gem and the number and angles of its facets. The GIA Diamond Cut Grading System for standard round brilliant diamonds (still the most popular diamond shape and cutting style) has five cut grades ranging from Excellent to Poor and takes into consideration not only the proportions, polish and symmetry, but also visual appearance. Many people mistakenly use the term “cut” to refer to the diamond’s shape. Diamond shapes other than round brilliant are called fancy shapes, and include marquises, pears, ovals, hearts, and triangles to name a few.

Carat Weight

As most people know, diamonds are priced by weight. Diamonds are weighed to a thousandth (0.001) of a carat, which is 0.200 grams, and then rounded to the nearest hundredth, or point. These exact calculations are important; fractions of a carat can mean price differences of hundreds—even thousands—of dollars. Only one in 1,000 diamonds is more than a carat, and this rarity means that larger diamonds of the same quality are worth more per carat. In other words, a two-carat diamond will often cost more than the total of two one-carat diamonds, because of a higher per carat cost.

Going to a jeweler with a basic understanding of the 4Cs will help tremendously in your ability to compare diamonds and talk knowledgably with the salesperson.

For even more information, GIA created the 4Cs app, available for iPhone, iPad and Android ®, which includes videos and interactive tools explaining each of the 4Cs in greater detail. It also has a useful tool called “My Diamond Wish List” where you can save and compare GIA-graded diamonds from different jewelers as you’re shopping this holiday season.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the 4Cs, you’ll want to know how to make sure the diamond you’re buying has the qualities you’re looking for. For more about GIA grading reports, stay tuned for the next installment in our 2013 Holiday Buyers Guide.

The post Holiday Buying Guide – Part 2: 4Cs Tips for Holiday Diamond Jewelry Shopping appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

The stores have their decorations up, which means that the 2013 holiday shopping season has officially begun. To assist with a fine jewelry purchase you may be considering, GIA has put together a Holiday Buying Guide, a 7-part series dedicated to making you a more informed jewelry shopper, as well as a more relaxed one.The first installment in our series covers diamond jewelry trends – what we’re seeing on runways, red carpets, in stores, and fashion magazines. So if you’re looking for gift ideas to help you shop for diamond jewelry this holiday season, here are a few trends and themes you’re likely to see:

Go Bold
The runways this fall featured statement jewelry with big cuffs, big earrings, and big necklaces. But satisfying the “big” trend for the diamond lover in your life could be out of reach, since larger diamonds are rare and, as a result, expensive. You can still deliver “big” – and not break the bank – by going for jewerly designs that incorporate numerous very small diamonds, called melee, in a pavè setting to create a dazzling effect. When shopping this holiday season, don’t forget that GIA can provide a grading report and laser inscription  for diamonds as small as .15 carats. While it may seem obvious to get a grading report for a large statement diamond, it’s important to know what you’re buying at any size.

Square radiant cut bezel set diamond flanked by melee diamonds. Image courtesy of DeBeers Diamond Promotion Service

Don’t Forget the Wrist
Almost all designers showed something on the wrist during the fall runway shows, and often, more than one type of bracelet or cuff worn together. For the woman who seems to have everything, you might want to consider adding a diamond bracelet or cuff to her jewelry collection.

Platinum bracelet with a leaf and paisley-shaped loop design. Studded with prong set diamonds. Image courtesy of Platinum Guide International.

Period Pieces Remain Hot
We’ve featured popular design eras on the blog before, including Edwardian Era Jewelry, fueled by interest in popular entertainment like Downton Abby, and Art Deco, a style beloved by Hollywood and soaring in popularity, thanks in large part to this year’s The Great Gatsby film. These trends continue to be hot, and 19th and early 20th century fancy-cut diamonds are more sought-after than ever, including “old mine cut” diamonds (which are sometimes called antique cushion cut diamonds). These vintage cuts are rare, but if you can’t find true vintage there are many contemporary “vintage-inspired” designs that are sure to please.

Inspired by vintage design, this diamond ring in platinum features milgrained edges that frame delicate engraving set with petite round diamonds. Image courtesy of Platinum Guide International.

Bridal Engagement Ring Trends
The holiday season is the most popular time to propose, so no holiday diamond buying guide would be complete without mentioning diamond engagement ring trends. The halo style continues to be very popular. And while not a top trend yet, colored diamonds, or gemstones surrounded by diamonds, are continuing to rise in popularity. For more detail on current engagement ring trends, be sure to visit our previous blog post, 2013 Engagement Ring Trends.

Platinum ring with diamonds in both the halo and shank. Image courtesy of Platinum Guide International.

Now that you’re up to speed on diamond jewelry trends, stay tuned for the next installment in our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide series, where we talk about the importance of understanding the 4Cs when shopping for a diamond. Which of these trends are you hoping will make its way to your doorstep?

The post Holiday Buying Guide – Part 1: Diamond Jewelry Trends for the 2013 Holiday Season appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.