| The wedding ring goes closest to the heart. In | | | | diamond-like but the high refraction and |
| other words, put on the wedding ring first, then | | | | characteristics of Moissanite keep it looking |
| the engagements ring. In ancient times, it was | | | | diamond like even when soiled somewhat. |
| believed that there was a vein that went directly | | | | Still, make an effort to keep all gemstones clean! |
| from your ring finger on the left hand to the | | | | All looks better that way and regular cleaning is |
| heart. That's where the symbolism of wearing the | | | | the best way to check for wear and loose |
| wedding ring on that finger started. | | | | stones. Many jewelers will clean your item for |
| The terms "synthetic" and "simulated" are | | | | free. Most should do that, I believe. |
| confused in the minds of most folks. Synthetic | | | | Moissanite is an excellent choice. But...be sure to |
| means a REAL diamond material but manmade. | | | | see the stone first and pick the whitest (most |
| Simulated means, a material that looks pretty | | | | color free) stone. |
| much like a diamond but is made from something | | | | METALS |
| else. A "synthetic" diamond is actually diamond but | | | | Platinum is an excellent choice for a ring but keep |
| is manmade in the deep secrets of the laboratory. | | | | in mind that platinum will not keep a shine like |
| The "simulated" diamond is a CZ, a Moissanite or | | | | white gold will. Platinum is durable, hypoallergenic, |
| other simuilant. So far to date, the Moissanite is | | | | holds stones well and all that. Platinum is much |
| the best, even if color might be a bit off. | | | | more expensive than gold. Still, expect platinum do |
| MOISSANITE | | | | develop a dullish look after wearing a while. |
| Moissanite is a very durable stimulant for | | | | The other metal might be Palladium, another metal |
| diamonds. The only drawback is the particular | | | | in the platinum family. Do not get this. Palladium is |
| stone, since some may show a greenish tint. I | | | | a decent metal but many jewelers cannot work it |
| suggest you ask to see more than one stone and | | | | properly and very, very little choice is on the |
| compare the color for the whitest (least colored) | | | | market in palladium. We have NO palladium rings in |
| Moissanite. | | | | our business. Palladium is mostly used to add to |
| Moissanite is a diamond like clear form of a | | | | gold to make a form of white gold. Now, a white |
| substance you are likely familiar with: Silicon | | | | gold made with palladium is an excellent metal |
| Carbide. Think of wet/dry sandpaper. That is | | | | choice. You will have to go to a knowledgeable |
| silicon carbide, a very hard and durable material. | | | | jeweler to find someone who knows the |
| When science was able to consistently | | | | difference. |
| manufacture clear crystals of silicon carbide, the | | | | This is what I mean: White gold is made by taking |
| gemstone "Moissanite" was born, named after the | | | | pure gold which is yellow, adding other metals to |
| original discoverer from many years ago and | | | | make it a "karat" gold, like 14k or 18k. (Pure is |
| before marketable crystals were producible. | | | | 24k and too soft for jewelry.) Sometimes metals |
| This material is harder than most gemstones, not | | | | are added to change the color of the karat gold. |
| bothered by the heat used in jewelry work | | | | For instance, more copper makes rose gold. More |
| (meaning if prongs holding the stone need work in | | | | nickel makes white gold. |
| the future, the stone may be left in place for the | | | | In recent years, more manufacturers are using |
| work to be done). The stone is bright, durable, | | | | palladium instead of nickel since some people are |
| and wonderful to the eye. The only distraction is | | | | allergic to nickel or have sensitivity to the metal. |
| the "sometimes" slightly off-color. That is why I | | | | Those people cannot wear white gold made white |
| suggest asking a jeweler to have more than one | | | | with nickel. So, we have palladium white gold |
| stone for you to select from. Do this with | | | | which is a slightly different white than nickel white |
| uncounted stones. | | | | gold but looks great and has no skin sensitivity |
| Remember, carat is a weight and not a dimension! | | | | problems. Some newer nickel metal mixes of gold |
| Moissanite and diamond do not weight the same | | | | meet higher standards and have no "sensitivity" |
| and a carat of one is not the same size as a | | | | issues either. |
| carat of the other. Simply ask for a "diamond | | | | I suggest asking for white gold (if platinum is out |
| carat size" when getting the stones to view. Most | | | | of the budget) and finding out if it is palladium |
| jewelers will do this automatically since they | | | | white or nickel white. Ask if the nickel white |
| understand the size the customer wants is | | | | meets the new "European standards" and is |
| relative to the sizes of diamonds. | | | | hypoallergenic. If the lady is used to white gold |
| Believe a good look at some loose stones and a | | | | and has no problems with, regular nickel white gold |
| mounting selected and they you will be on your | | | | should work fine. Just keep it out of anything with |
| way, happy with the stone. These stones beat | | | | chlorine, like swimming pools, bleaches, hot tubs, |
| CZ is all aspects except the sometimes "tint" of | | | | etc. Chlorine works real danger on white gold |
| color. CZ must be perfectly clean to really look | | | | made with nickel. |