Engagement Rings

Founded in 1863, David Belais of the Belais Brothers created a new formula for the alternative to platinum. Platinum was a rare and expensive metal before it ultimately became banned from use because of the war effort. The white gold formula, after years of experimentation, was submitted to the patent office in October of 1918.  The new alloy combination became so popular it was called "Belais metal" or 18K Belais....

People all over the world want  ruby jewelry for vintage diamond and ruby rings,  estate ruby necklaces and bracelets.  Because of differences in quality and price, they are available to almost everyone. Demand for rubies is highest in Japan and France but The United States imports more than any other country.  Although countries like Germany, Italy, Taiwan, China, Korea and Hong Kong import large amounts of rubies, the United States imports...

A magnifying glass of ten power (10x) is called a loupe.  With a loupe you can check for chips on a stone, scratches, more obvious inclusions and color of a diamond engagement ring.  Do not delude yourself to thinking that with a little knowledge and false confidence that you will have the experience and knowledge of a diamond specialist. Ask your diamond specialist to help you with the loupe and...

If a diamond engagement ring fluoresces “faint” or “weak” the effect on the diamond color grade or value is negligible.  If it is graded as “more intense” or “very strong” fluorescence, it will affect the value negatively. If a diamond engagement ring has “medium” fluorescence, it can change the body color grade ½ to 1 color grade different than its actual color; if “strong” by 1-2 color grades and if “very...