Tips for Choosing a Gemstone Engagement RingTip #17-Considering Your Lifestyle: Be sure to choose an gemstone engagement ring that is suitable for her lifestyle. If she is more of a no-nonsense girl with a very busy lifestyle, it may be a good idea to consider a classic or three stone design engagement ring. If she likes to make a statement and often wears bold, eye catching rings, then take a closer look at our gemstone engagement rings with larger center stones, wide bands, or ones that are simply dripping in diamonds. The most popular sizes for the gemstones in a gemstone engagement ring are 1 to 2 carats. A gemstone engagement ring is like a piece of art, and it does require a certain amount of care. Really all you need to use is common sense. For example, even though you may want to put the ring on and never give it another thought, it is better not to wear your gemstone engagement ring taking a shower, doing housework, or working in the garden, for example. Your ring will stay cleaner and newer looking if you are more careful with it. If you do decide that it's easier for your lifestyle to wear the engagement ring all of the time, just be sure to clean it regularly. Pay particular attention to the underside of the gemstone and diamonds since this is where most of the dirt and grime tends to accumulate. Also it is a good idea to have your setting checked regularly. The more wear and tear and the more active the lifestyle, the more of a chance you may have that a stone may be damaged or fall out. Settings can loosen over time with normal wear and tear. Some of the more delicate gemstone engagement ring styles, with lots of tiny diamonds or a light metal weight, do require more care and thought. But don't let that discourage you! Some of the most beautiful rings we offer are either delicate or are done with lots of diamonds. If the workmanship is exceptional, what you would expect for an engagement ring, then for the most part, no matter what your lifestyle, you will have very few, if any, issues with your ring. Tanzanite: Named for Tanzania, the country where the gemstone was first mined in 1967, tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the gemstone kingdom. This exotic, vivid stone has been found nowhere else on earth. Tanzanite is now an alternate birthstone for December. Tanzanite rates 6 1/2 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Enhancements: Although cutting is the most basic enhancement method necessary to display the beauty of a gemstone, there are many fascinating methods by which man has demonstrated his ability to draw maximum color, luster, clarity and brilliance from nature's earthbound treasures. A basic understanding of these enhancement techniques will add to your appreciation of the beauty, durability and value of the gemstone jewelry you already own, or plan to purchase in the future. Virtually every tanzanite is heated to permanently change its color from orange-brown to the spectacular violet-blue color for which this gemstone is known. This practice is acceptable to the trade. You should assume that the tanzanite sold at MyJewelrySource is treated unless stated otherwise.Buying a Tanzanite: As with most gems, the most important factor is color! Tanzanite ranges from lavender to purple to nearly royal blue. The deeper, richer the color, with pink and red flashes, the more desirable the gem. Tanzanite in sizes of 2 carats or more is considered important. Tanzanite is a relatively soft stone, so if you plan to wear your piece of jewelry a lot, select a piece in which the stone is protected (with a bezel or semi-bezel) or does not sit too high off the finger. Tanzanite care: Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Avoid sudden temperature changes, steaming and contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume or household chemicals. Clean only with a damp cloth or soft brush with room temperature water. |