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    News

    A Few Most-Popular Destinations To Propose

    A Few Most-Popular Destinations To Propose

    The pandemic has confined us to the four walls of our homes, but it can’t stop us from dreaming, right? When this is all over, we can always go back to plan our perfect proposal to our beloved in distant lands. So, why not start planning now? The brighter days are near, and we shouldn’t waste any time as they arrive. 


    Here are four breathtaking destinations that can help make your proposal quite memorable. 


    Central Park, New York City 

    Take her to the Bow Bridge, overlooking the lake, and surprise her by proposing to her. She will be awed for sure!


    On the top of the Shard, London

    It’s a beautiful place to propose! As it’s the tallest building in the UK, you can bring the sky down at her feet by proposing her there! 


    The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

    It’s popular and breathtakingly beautiful! If your beloved loves the ocean, outdoors, nature… you can propose to her, while she’s staring at the mass stretches of waves to the horizon. She will love it!


    Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

    A city love can bloom from one of the popular architectural wonders in the USA. The vibrancy of the surroundings will give you the much-needed boost to let your heart out. 


    If you can’t wait for things to be restored to normal and we get it, life must go on! This means your proposal plans must continue (with or without COVID)… set up a romantical dinner for your special love. Indoors at your home, or outdoors in a secluded setting (remember, social distancing!)… decorate your space beautifully and set up a romantic atmosphere to propose in.  Your honest love will be enough to get a reassuring 'Yes' from her. Don’t forget to let her know that Northcoast Jewelry created her stunning engagement ring!

    How Lab-Created Diamonds Affect The Market Of Real Diamonds

    How Lab-Created Diamonds Affect The Market Of Real Diamonds

    Just as synthetic rubies and sapphires, the synthetic diamond market has been growing rapidly since the technology to create new, colorless varieties were introduced. As the lab-created diamonds cost about 35% less than the real diamonds, many experts fear a major decrease in demand for the real diamonds, and that’s why advanced screening devices are being used to separate the real ones from the synthetic varieties. 

    What is the impact of synthetic rocks on the real diamond market? 

    Although it’s unlikely that the synthetic diamonds will replace the real rocks any time soon, if the consumers are aware of what they are buying, the risks are greater due to the lower price expectations. The real diamonds may lose their luxury because of their cheaper peers. This apart, the real diamonds are also being increasingly associated with the harsh practices and inhuman measures of mining, which gives them the nickname ‘blood diamonds’. As the synthetic ones are created in the labs, they are considered more sustainable and eco-friendly among the environmentally-conscious population. The market for vintage and antique diamonds actually has not been affected since the true old cuts cannot be remade and collectors always find them valuable and desirable.

    So, are natural diamonds no longer valuable?

    Of course, no! The natural diamonds still are quite able to connect with the customers on an emotional level, which is lacking in the case of synthetic rocks. If a clear distinction is observed between the real diamonds and the synthetic ones, the people, who value quality above everything else, will go for the former undoubtedly. For jewelers, who deal both in natural diamonds and lab-created ones will, however, be at the most advantageous position, as they will have it all to meet specific customer needs. 

     

    What Are Some Of The Best Diamond Grading Labs?

    What Are Some Of The Best Diamond Grading Labs?

    The diamond grading labs are independent entities that rate diamonds based on their qualities and features and issue certificates accordingly, which aid in the sale of those diamonds. Each diamond lab has different methods of grading, and thus their rating may also differ from one another. However, some of these labs are considered the best critics of the ‘rocks’ (all pun intended) and their certificates are taken more seriously than others. 


    Let’s shed some light on their names. 


    The Gemological Institute of America

    By far, GIA is the most popular diamond grading laboratory in the world. Surprisingly, it’s a non-profit organization with the most accurate and consistent grading system that almost all diamond merchants and jewelry dealers rely on. Not only that, but they have also altered the world’s basic perception of precious stones with their extensive researches and findings since their inception in 1931. 

    American Gemological Society 

    Mostly regarded at par with the GIA because of their high standards and accuracy of grading, they are better known for their alphabetical grading system. Besides grading diamonds, they also offer extensive educational products to create awareness about the precious stones and enhance the diamond trade at large. Their scientific reports and certifications are valued by most of the merchants, dealers, and manufacturers apart from the regular customers. 

    European Gemological Laboratory

    The popularity of EGL goes beyond the European boundaries for their clarity and concise reporting approach. For diamonds less than 1 carat, the EGL is quite efficient in their grading techniques. However, they can’t be trusted much for the S13 diamonds. 

    International Gemological Institute

    Based in Belgium and preferred more by the Asian countries, the IGI is undoubtedly the second-most popular grading institute in the world. Numerous polished diamonds that are available in the market have been graded by IGI, which also offers courses on diamond grading and certification. 


    Grading systems may differ widely, but the diamonds having consistent grading will be preferred more by customers while investing their money in. 

    A Brief History Of Emeralds – What You Need To Know

    A Brief History Of Emeralds – What You Need To Know

    The gorgeous green gemstones have been with us for hundreds and thousands of years, symbolizing life, growth, and fertility. The term ‘emerald’ has originally been derived from a Persian word, which means ‘green gem’, and throughout the years, the name has been changed numerous times from Greek to Latin Smaragdus, Esmaurde, Esmralde, and finally to Emerald in the 16th century. 

    The ancient emerald 

    The green gem is a popular variety of naturally colorless Beryl stone, which also gives rise to other gemstones e.g. morganites. It’s a type III gemstone, which, no matter how beautiful, has flaws most of the time. The Columbian emerald is the most flawless among them and also the costliest one, because of its high quality. 

    Emerald and the blue blood

    The Incas and Aztecs had considered emerald as their own for thousands of years, just like other ancient tribes in Columbia. However, it’s the 16th-century bloodbath that cemented emeralds in the history of South America, as Spanish conquerors looted them extensively from the mines in the region. Since then, royalties from all over have been depending on the Spanish mines to adorn their jewelry and crowns with the green gemstone. Be it the Indian Mughal rulers, The Russian royalties or the Iranian monarchs, this particularly glowing gemstone has occupied the royal treasuries of numerous emperors and Shah for hundreds of years. Even some of the famous ladies in history like Queen Cleopatra and Catherine The Great have been said to be eternal devotees of the beautiful green gem. 

    Emerald cut and synthetic emeralds

    Originally, the emeralds were cut in a popular style, which came to be known as the ‘emerald cut’ later. It optimized the green glow without altering the brilliance of the stone. Synthetic emeralds were created somewhere in 1935, and the first-ever Chatham Emerald is displayed in the Smithsonian Institute. 

     

    Prong or Bezel: Which Ring Setting Is Better?

    Prong or Bezel: Which Ring Setting Is Better?

    When it comes to engagement rings, you may feel overwhelmed with choices on choosing the perfect setting, besides the styles, types, and designs of the rings. Although there are many different settings to choose from, two of them stand out from the rest, namely the prong setting or bezel setting. You need to consider the subtle differences between the two to make that perfect choice that will stay with you for life. Rest assured, our selection of rings are top notch to choose from so no doubt, you will absolutely love what you receive! 


    Let’s help you in that by highlighting the distinguishable characteristics of both. 


    What are the characteristics of the prong setting?

    The prong is the most common type of diamond ring setting. It presents with 4 or more claw-like metal pins holding the diamond or gemstone in place. The basic prong setting can be classified into two types: the 6-prong setting, and the Tiffany setting, the latter being distinguished from others by the specially-designed and patented prongs they use. 


    Some of the pros of the prong setting have been discussed below:

    • It makes the diamond more noticeable
    • It enables sufficient light to pass through the diamond, thus increasing its shine
    • It’s both easy to clean and maintain
    • Classic & clean appearance if you are aiming for a simple yet classic overall appearance

    A timeless piece of jewelry, perfect for engagement rings, the prong setting is preferred by most couples, who are into classic styles and traditional values. 


    The bezel setting – A modern approach to engagement ring packed with antique and vintage characteristics

    For people with a chic sense of style and unconventional preferences, the bezel ring setting is just the right choice. Instead of holding the rock by claws, the metal covers the entire circumference of the diamond, which is mounted on it to appear just stunning. This setting is suitable for wedding bands and contemporary engagement rings which have accent stones embedded in it besides a brilliant central rock. 


    If you’re still confused over your choice, drop us a line or contact us. We’d love to help you make the right decision!