Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Gemstone & Birthstone Guide

Gemstone & Birthstone Guide

A birthstone is associated with each month of the year and can also be associated with milestone events such as wedding anniversaries. There are many myths and legends about the healing properties of birthstones including heightened powers during its assigned month.

The gemstone guide below is arranged by month and shows at least one birthstone for every month. You can use this information to personalize a gift for someone or for yourself. If the gemstone you are looking for is not listed on our website, simply contact Funan Jewellery representative for a special quote.

If you select multi-color as your gemstone choice, you will receive all semi-precious options with the exception of tanzanite, ruby, and sapphire.

January - Garnet

Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January and anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage. This stone represents friendship. According to legend, if you wear garnets they will improve your personal relationships and protect you from harm. This benefit supposedly doubles if your birthday is in January. They were often used as good luck charms by the bourgeoisie in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe. It was also thought to assure the wearer of love, devotion from loved ones, health, faithfulness and energy. Garnets come in a rainbow of colors, from deep red to vibrant green. The standard color is a medium red.

February - Amethyst

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and anniversary gemstone for the 6th year of marriage. Fine Amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels. Once believed to be able to prevent drunkenness and protect people from contagious diseases. Also believed to give courage, bring victories to soldiers in battle, and attract favors from those in high places. Other attributes that have been associated with the stone are its ability to soothe the nerves in times of stress, make the wear become calm and gentle and make men successful in business. Amethysts are a purple quartz stone and come in a variety of purple shades including lighter violet to purple with deep red undertones.

March - Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March and anniversary gemstone for the 19th year of marriage. Aquamarine, birthstone for March, derives its name from "sea water". Aqua (water) sparkles like the sea and its color is light to medium blue. Aquamarines were believed to assure love, affection, youth, and health to the wearer of this stone. Aquamarine stones vary in color from greenish blue to blue-green.

April - Diamond

Diamond is the birthstone of April and anniversary gemstone for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. The name "diamond" comes from the Greek work "adamas" which means unconquerable-suggesting the eternity of love. Since ancient Greece diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love. Diamond is a colorless stone and the purest of all gemstones. Some believe that if you dip a diamond in water... that water would acquire healing properties. It was also believed that if you dipped a diamond in a mixture of water and wine... the mixture would have the ability to make a person immune to gout, jaundice, and apoplexy. Diamonds have had a reputation for keeping the body in tune with the infinite, which in turn helps a person to withstand the pressures of the material world. Diamond color varies greatly from non-colored to shades of yellow, pink, blue and green. A colored diamond is typically referred to as “fancy” and is generally more expensive than colorless diamonds. Sometimes a treatment is used to add color to diamonds, that is called a lab colored or treated diamond. Funan Jewellery strictly sells natural, untreated, colorless diamonds. If the diamond quality you are interested in is not listed on the website, please contact customer service representative for a special quote.

May - Emerald

Emerald is the birthstone of May and anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage.

Emerald is derived from the Greek word smaragdus meaning green. It is believed to signify rebirth and good fortune.

June - Pearl and Alexandrite

Pearl

The sparkling beauty of a strand of pearls has been used for adornment for centuries. The ancient Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed women from crying. Pearl is known to many as a symbol of wisdom, wealth, faith, knowledge, and innocence. It has been said that if you wear a pearl next to the skin it will give off a vibration that has healing properties. Pearls come in a range of colors from a sparkling white to a slightly pink overtone to more golden tones, grey or blacks.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a fairly modern birthstone as it was discovered in Russia during 1831. With a lovely green or purple color and slight fluorescence, this gemstone may also appear to change color under different lighting conditions.

July - Ruby

Ruby is the birthstone of July and anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage.

The scarlet-colored gem, July's birthstone under the sign of Cancer, is said to accord wearers health, happiness and wisdom, and to bring particularly good luck to gamblers and lovers. Ruby is considered regal and sacred; in ancient India the ruby was called the king of gems. It was said that if you dreamed of a ruby, it indicated success in business and good fortune in money matters. A top quality ruby is a pretty rare find. The color is one of the most important factors contributing to its value. A medium or dark vivid red is the most valuable ruby color. However, the color ranges from light red to reds containing purple and orange undertones.

August - Peridot

Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

Peridot according to ancient legend, protects people from evil spirits. Once considered more valuable than diamonds, the Romans wore them as protection from enchantment, melancholy, and nightmares. The Romans called peridot "evening emerald", since its green color did not darken at night but was still visible by lamplight. A peridot can vary in color from yellowish green or brown to a brighter shade or olive toned green.

September - Sapphire

Sapphire is the birthstone of September and anniversary gemstone for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.

Sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness, and is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. Sapphire is also considered regal and sacred, since sapphires were worn by kings and queens for good luck. When Prince Charles gave Princess Diana a sapphire engagement ring, couples all over the world were inspired to revive this ancient tradition. Their blue color was believed to symbolize heaven. Sapphires were believed to promote peace and happiness between lovers, and promote good health. Blue sapphires typically range from a very light blue to very dark green or purple blue. The most valuable blue sapphires will have a medium to medium dark blue color. Because this gemstone is part of the corundum species it is also found in other colors such as pink, green, orange, purple and yellow sapphires.

October - Opal

Opal is a birthstone of October. Opals were once said to bring good fortune because they possessed the colors and powers of all gemstones. Since they are very sensitive to the atmospheric conditions, their brilliancy varies and is determined by the temperature and moisture in the air. Many believers say that an opal has a soul of their very own, and it attunes its soul to that of the person who wears it. Because they have the ability to change colors, people soon began attributing certain myths to each color; for instance, bright colors indicated good fortune and success, while dull and lifeless colors symbolized a warning of disappointment and failure. People believed the opal to be a very valuable lucky stone. Opals range in color from milky white to almost black with contrast flashes of greens, oranges, yellow, ted and blues.

November - Topaz and Citrine

Topaz

Topaz is the birthstone of November (Yellow Topaz) and December (Blue Topaz). Blue Topaz is the anniversary gemstone for the 4th year of marriage. Topaz is known as the "stone of strength" because people believed that if you wore topaz it could protect you from any and all accidents that you may encounter when you traveled, keep you from becoming injured in a fire, and get rid of all fears. It was also believed that if you wore it on your left arm or hung it around your neck it could break all enchantments that may have been cast upon you, bring you loads of money, and enable you to receive impressions from astral sources. Topaz can range in color from yellow to smoky browns or the popular light blue shade.

Citrine

An alternative birthstone for the month of November, the citrine stone is a golden toned gem that was supposed to support vitality and health. Citrine comes in a variety of colors including a pastel yellow to a darker brownish orange. These stones are plentiful in nature and therefore are one of the most affordable.

December - Tanzanite

Tanzanite was discovered during the late 1960s in Tanzania, and found exclusively in this tiny area of the world. Its’ typical rich violet-blue color makes it a treasured gem. The variations in color range from blue to purple with a medium dark tone. As tanzanite is often less expensive than a blue sapphire, it is often purchased as an alternative.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

DIAMOND EARRING STYLES

We have many lovely options for you in our diamond earrings collection!

You can choose from beautiful diamond stud earrings, hoop earrings or drop earrings. From classic styles in our diamond stud earrings collection, to fashionable styles in our diamond hoop earrings collection, to storytelling beauties in our diamond journey earrings collection, we have the perfect pair to fit your style & budget.

Stud Earrings
Drop Earrings
Hoop Earrings
Journey Earrings
Three-Stone Earrings
Earring Jackets
Ear Trim

Stud Earrings
From the front view, stud earrings appear to float on the earlobe without a visible point of connection. Studs are always constructed on the end of a post, which penetrates directly through the ear. The post will either be threaded and rely on a screw backing or solid and rely on a push backing. For larger sized stud earrings, a screw back is usually preferred and can help prevent the loss of expensive earrings by keeping them secure. Funan Jewellery offers both backing types. If you have a preference for backing, simply contact Funan Jewellery representative to make this arrangement.

Drop earrings, also known as dangle earrings, are designed to flow from the bottoms of the earlobes. A drop earring can connect to the ear with a post (similar to studs) or a hook. Variations of the hook include the shepherd design, which snaps closed rather than stay open like a French hook design. The bottom portion of the earring will dangle directly underneath the top. Funan Jewellery also carries dangle earrings which use a post attachment design.

Hoop earrings are one of the trendiest accessories to own. Hoop earrings are generally round or oval shaped and can penetrate the ear with a post, similar to stud earrings or through a post that goes through the earlobe and then snaps into the backing. Both variations are equally secure. There are many different hoop earrings styles and sizes - from classic to contemporary and extra small to extra large. A single row hoop earring can be an elegant addition to any casual look while the double and three row diamond hoop designs are perfect for dressing up and special events. One of the newest diamond hoop earring designs is called the inside out diamond hoop. This style has diamonds set on the front and inside of the hoop so you can see them sparkling from many directions. Funan Jewellery offers many choices for inside out diamond hoops that have both prong and channel setting types. Looking to make a statement? Add color to your hoop earrings with the addition of gemstones. The alternating diamond and gemstone look is truly stunning.

Journey jewelry adds a personal touch to your accessories wardrobe and can represent your journey through life and love. Diamond journey earrings add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Some journey earrings have a graduated style, which means the diamonds graduate in size from top to bottom. Other styles have an antique feel, with the addition of lovely millgrain edging around the diamonds. If you are interested in buying a jewelry set, diamond journey earrings coordinate wonderfully with a diamond journey pendant. Journey jewelry is thought of as a symbol of achieving success in life and love. It is a thoughtful graduation or anniversary gift.

Three stone earring
Celebrate your past, present and future with a pair of three stone diamond earrings. Three stone earring styles are usually horizontal and features three stones (either diamonds or alternating with gemstones). If you are interested in buying a jewelry set, three stone earrings coordinate fantastically with a three stone pendant necklace. Three stone designs have a classic look, with diamond graduating in size from top to bottom. You can also customize a pair with your favorite gemstone for a vibrant and unique set. Three stone earrings are great milestone gifts – perfect for an anniversary or birthday.

An earring jacket is an adornment for the ear that is an accessory to an earring. They are typically designed to be secured to the lobe with a stud.
An earring style designed to follow the contour of the ear. This earring style can be plain metal in varying shapes and patterns or set with diamonds/gems.

DIAMOND BRACELETS

A bracelet is one jewelry item that can be worn on many occasions. Read more about the origin of the tennis bracelet, discover the many bracelet styles, review different categories of diamond bracelets, get tips on how to select a setting for your bracelet, measuring the correct length, and the best diamonds for your bracelet.

There are many variations of bracelet styles, including line/tennis, bangle, charm, link, and cuff. Because a bracelet is worn on the wrist and may come into contact with hard surfaces, you should look for top quality bracelets, crafted to be durable enough to withstand daily wear.

Categories of diamond bracelets:

There are several categories of diamond bracelets that range from classic, red carpet and vintage to gemstone, bangle and bracelets

For men.

Classic tennis bracelet

A classic tennis bracelet is the most versatile accessory a woman can own. A traditional tennis bracelet can range from a simple three or four prong setting to a bezel or channel set design. This bracelet category has many designs that can be worn with any outfit. They are thought of as an everyday jewelry staple.

Designer diamond bracelet

Designer diamond bracelets are more deluxe than an everyday classic tennis bracelet because of their unique designs. Still appropriate accessories for any occasion, these pieces have an extra element that transforms them into one of a kind design. Some designer bracelets are offered in two tone metal, which is a mix of white gold and yellow gold.

Red carpet bracelet

Be the star of the show! The red carpet diamond bracelet collection includes the most extravagant designs. If you're looking for a bracelet to wear to a special event and turn heads, this is the perfect collection for you. Each of these dynamic bracelets is carefully crafted in eye catching designs. If you need something remarkable to wear to a special occasion, incorporating one these beauties will ensure you arrive in style.

Vintage bracelet

For vintage jewelry enthusiasts, this antique diamond bracelet category is full of timeless designs that combine the highest quality materials with exquisite, one of a kind style. Many bracelets in this category feature intricate details that draw your attention or special edging details such as millgrain or filigree surrounding brilliant diamonds.

Gemstone bracelet

The gemstone bracelet collection includes some of best-selling classic tennis, vintage, and red carpet diamond bracelet designs with the option to add alternating gemstones of your choice. The addition of gemstones to many of our diamond bracelets creates a collection of dazzling styles that truly stand out from the rest. The pop of gemstone color adds extra interest to these designs, while the sparkle from each diamond truly shines. Click here for more information about gemstones.

Men's bracelet

The men's bracelets collection includes a variety of designs; from simple to more bold. A men's bracelet can be worn on the opposite or same wrist as a watch. In many cases, the men's bracelets are wider than a classic tennis bracelet for women and will have an emphasis on the gold or platinum setting as well as the diamonds. The standard length is 8", but can be customized according to your needs.

Bangle bracelet

A bangle bracelet is another jewelry staple because it can be worn to any occasion. Bangles are usually a set size of seven inches in length. The bangle bracelet length is not adjustable. Bangle bracelet collection offers classic designs with three, five and seven diamond designs and more elaborate styles that feature more diamonds and intriguing settings. In addition to the non-flexible bangle bracelets also offer flexible bangle bracelets, which have a permanent opening on one side and a strong wire running through the links, giving it elasticity.

Gold and platinum shiny bracelet

The bracelets in our gold and platinum collection are known as 'add a diamond' styles. You can choose one of these bracelet designs and add as many diamonds or gemstones as you'd like. The bracelet can be ordered as-is for a shiny link bracelet (without diamonds). With 'add a diamond' bracelets, one creative idea is to add a diamond to your bracelet for every year together, or for the number of children you have.

Bangle bracelets vs. Tennis bracelets

The difference between tennis bracelets and bangle bracelets is that tennis bracelets are flexible in design so they can be made in a variety of lengths, simply by adding or removing links. On the contrary, a bangle bracelet is a set length, usually seven inches. Both bracelet types feature gold or platinum metals and can incorporate diamonds into the design. We also offers flexible bangle bracelets which have an opening on one side and a strong wire running through the links to give a flexible bend.

Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring

While it is traditional for both the ring and the proposal to be a surprise, there are many approaches to getting engaged. If you’re looking for an engagement ring that will truly take her breath away, this is the perfect collection for you. These engagement rings feature not only fabulous diamonds, but also design elements that are truly unique. Far from the ordinary, you’re sure to find one that’s perfectly suited to the special, unique lady who will become your Mrs.!

ENGAGEMENT RINGS

The traditional engagement ring is made of two parts: a gold or platinum setting and a solitaire diamond. However, many couples prefer something more unique and are looking for an engagement ring that can be customized to fit their style. With options like three stone engagement rings, engagement rings with side stones, and vintage engagement rings, you have a lot more variety when it comes to choosing the perfect ring. You can start by selecting a setting type that fits the ring style you are looking for and then focus on customizing the diamond quality and size to fit within your budget. If you need help finding her ring size, you can use our online ring sizing tools.

How much should one spend on an Engagement Ring?
In the past, an engagement ring was expected to be a two to three months gross salary investment, but there is really no precise amount to spend. We advise you to look for a high quality ring that fits your style and budget. Our guide will help you select the best engagement ring setting, and decide on the right balance of diamond quality and size. If you have any additional questions about choosing an engagement ring, please contact us.

Buying the Diamond

Buying a diamond, which is a significant investment for most, can be both exhilarating and daunting at the same time. Not only does the price of the diamond have to be considered, but equally importantly are its other qualities, like the Carat, Clarity, Colour and Cut (4 Cs).

At Funan Jewellery, you will find our prices attractive, thanks to lower overheads and our affiliations with our wholesale parent company—allowing us to pass on cost savings to clients. That said, you may be sure that we offer high quality diamonds certified by the most respected and renowned grading institutions and quality is never compromised!

In keeping with our mantra of offering personalised and attentive service, we have designed a four-step buying process that offers our clients the attention, assistance, exclusivity, privacy and time that are needed in making an informed decision. They are:

STEP 1: Choose your diamond.

In the "Diamond Prices" section, you may match the diamond prices according to your requirements, by carat weight, colour and clarity and cut.

Contact us for the availability of the diamonds or you can also use our shopping cart and checkout facility to submit your requests.

Please however note that these are only indicative price estimates, and the exact prices may fluctuate depending on many factors, for example the prevailing exchange rates, changes in global demand and supply, and the day’s trading prices. Availability of the diamond is also not guaranteed until clients have expressly reserved the gem for viewing.

STEP 2: Choose your setting

After selecting your gem, you may wish to set the diamond on a piece of jewellery, which may take the form of pendant, ring, bracelet, necklace or earring, for example. Contact us to view samples and discuss the setting designs.

If you have your own designs, please feel free to discuss your specifications with us and our experienced craftsmen will endeavour to accommodate your requests. This is the way to produce that unique, one-in-the-world piece of jewellery for yourself or that special person!

STEP 3: Contact us to view the diamond and setting

Make an appointment with us to view the diamond. You may consult with us at a time convenient for you, and we will do our best to accommodate the request.
During your visit, you may examine the diamonds you have shortlisted before making the final decision, as well as confirm on the setting.

STEP 4 : Make payment

The final step will be to make payment to confirm the order.

The Shape of Diamond

The shape of a diamond describes its appearance when viewed from above. Through different cutting processes a diamond takes a variety of shapes. While all diamond shapes have special attributes, the overall choice will depend on your personal preference. Popular Stone Shapes:
	Asscher Cut This shape has a pavilion that is cut with rectangular facets in the same style as the emerald-cut. However, it has cropped corners giving it a square appearance. This square emerald diamond is made with the step-cut process. It is bright, shiny and clear. This stone shape is best when set with a prong setting such as a four prong or six prong style.

	Brilliant Cut / Round The most popular diamond shape is currently the round-brilliant cut. This diamond cut is optically brilliant diamond because of its 360-degree symmetrical shape. For a large amount of sparkle and a classic shape, the round-brilliant is a great choice. This stone shape also works well with nearly all mounting types including four prong, six prong, channel, bezel, half-bezel and illusion.

	Cushion Also known as “pillow cut” diamonds, the cushion is an antique cut that has both a classic and romantic appeal. The Cushion-Cut diamond has 58 larger facets and rounded corners which increase its brilliance. There are square and rectangular variations of cushion cuts.

	Emerald The classic cut emerald has a unique pavilion that is cut with rectangular facets to create a distinctive optical appearance. Due to its larger, open table, this diamond shape showcases the clarity of a diamond the best. The blocked corners are usually cut to a rectangular outline, but can be cut in a square shape. Since they can vary greatly in how rectangular they are and your preference is for an emerald cut with a squared outline, look instead at the Asscher-cut diamond.

	Half Moon There are two varieties - step cut half-moons and (the more common) brilliant cut half moons. Half moons can be proportioned differently - chubby ones being less elegant and desirable than the slim elongated type.

	Heart The ultimate expression of romance and love, the heart shaped diamond is cut with triangular and kite-shaped facets which reflect light. Generally there are 59 facets on a heart shaped diamond. The cut is similar to a pear shaped diamond, except the cleft at the top of the heart shaped diamond is strategically cut to remove inclusions without affecting the total diamond weight.

	Marquise The marquise cut is another brilliant-cut diamonds whose elongated shape can maximize the carat weight, giving you a larger carat weight per stone. Featuring narrowing points at both ends of the diamonds, this shape tends to flatter the finger well because it makes it appear longer. This shape works great in a solitaire setting or when paired with beautiful side stones.

	Oval The oval cut has beautiful brilliance very similar to a round-brilliant cut. An oval shape combines the sparkle of the round shapes with a finger flattering, elongated outline. It makes a good choice for someone who wants something more unique but still wants the fire and brilliance of a round cut diamond. The relatively symmetrical shape lends itself well to a variety of mounting styles. Most oval cuts work in a mounting with six prongs properly spaced for security.

	Pear The less common but visually interesting pear shaped diamond is a unique variation of the round diamond cut. there are generally 58 facets which allow the light to pass through it just as well as the round diamond cut. It is a popular choice for many solitaire diamond engagement rings or diamond rings with side stones.

	Princess The princess cut is the 2nd most popular diamond shape because of its modern classic shape offering clean lines and immense sparkle. A princess cut has either a square rectangular appearance depending on the way it was cut. The cutting process utilizes the step-cutting of the emerald cut with the triangular facets of the brilliant cut. Princess cuts will work best in a prong or channel setting.

	Radiant The distinctive trimmed corners give a radiant cut its beautiful appeal. This diamond shape combines a square or rectangular shape with the brilliance of the traditional round cut. It combines the Round Cut style and the Emerald Cut style to make a non-traditional diamond. A radiant cut looks great in a solitaire setting or when prong set with side stones.

	Shield/Calf Shields are beautiful whether they are step or brilliant cut. They are great transitional stones that could be paired with virtually any center stone. The most elegant ratio is 1:1 but even elongated they are elegant, complimentary, and appropriate companions to the center stone.

	Square Cushion This diamond shape combines a square cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow (hence the name). This classic cut has been around for almost 200 years, and for the first century of its existence was the most popular diamond shape (similar to round cut today).

	Square Radiant The radiant cut diamond is the first square cut to have a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern applied to both the crown and pavilion, creating a vibrant and lively square diamond. The cropped corner square shape of the radiant is a nice bridge between a cushion and a princess cut, and for that reason looks beautiful set with both rounded and square cornered diamonds.

	Straight Baguette Elongated rectangular step cuts could be set either north-south or east-west. When set north-south they are commonly staggered on top of each other forming a ladder-like element. This is the only way they could appear in a modern ring. Set any other way they would contribute to creating an Art Deco look.

	Tapered Baguette These are the most common side stones used in engagement rings. Some might argue that a ring with tapered baguettes should not be called a three stone ring; it should be called a solitaire. This is because baguettes are really not an extension of the center stone. They are set on the "cathedral' part of the shank.

	Trapezoid Trapezoid diamonds are tapered on both ends to form a trapeze. This perspective view of straight baguettes allows for a graceful transition from a large center stone to a narrow shank of the ring. They work great with other step cut stones such as an emerald cut or Asscher cut. They are also a nice fit as part of a traps/bullet combination, which is popular in five stone rings.

	Trillion Triangular Brilliants, also known as Trillions and Trilliants, are mixed cuts with three equally straight or slightly curved sides. They are typically shallow and often seen as side stones for other fancy shapes, but when well proportioned, one can also be a stunning centerpiece in an engagement ring.