MOISSANITE: THE WORLDS MOST BRILLIANT GEMSTONE

Let me guess... you’ve recently heard or read about “Moissanite”, the most brilliant gem in the world - But what is so great about it and where does it come from?

Video Courtesy: Abby Sparks

Moissanite is quickly becoming one of the most popular gemstones used in engagement rings and other fine jewellery – and for good reason! Before we dive into detail about the amazing properties it has, let’s find out where it came from.

History

Moissanite was first discovered in the fragments of meteorite at Diablo Canyon, Arizona in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan. His first sample of moissanite was found inside of the meteorite crater itself - initially, he thought he had found a diamond, but he took the sample to the lab and discovered it was Silicon Carbide (SiC).

Natural Diamond (Left), Lab-Grown Moissanite (Right)

While natural moissanite still exists in very limited quantities, it is so incredibly rare that it must be created in a lab to produce pieces large enough to cut into gemstones.

There are a tonne of reasons why people all over the world are opting for this ethical and wallet friendly diamond alternative! Here’s a few...

Conflict Free

Unlike earth mined jewels, moissanite is absolutely conflict free, with guaranteed origin and high traceability. Many jewellery consumers are seeking a more socially responsible form of fine jewellery and appreciate the assurance that moissanite provides.

Durability

Diamonds and Gemstones are measured by hardness because the harder they are, the more difficult they are to scratch. Moissanite has a rating of 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the second hardest stone to a diamond (10).

Moissanite also has heat resistance properties superior to many other Jewels,

• Moissanite stones are less likely to experience heat damage during jewellery repair operations.

• Moissanite can survive the extreme temperatures found in typical house fires.

• Will stand the test of time.

Brilliance

The most obvious difference between moissanite and diamonds is their brilliance. In general, moissanite has more brilliance than a diamond and any other gemstone, meaning it sparkles a lot more! But why?

Moissanite has 2.5 times the dispersion power of a diamond, which means that it has a greater display of spectral colours when you rotate the stone. The result is a rainbow-like effect, while diamonds reflect whiter light.

Price

Overall the biggest advantage of moissanite over diamonds is the price. While maintaining all of these exquisite qualities, a moissanite gem can be up to 90% more affordable than a natural diamond - However just like most stones, the value of moissanite goes up with larger carat weights.

Summary

So now you know more about the increasingly popular choice that is the worlds greatest diamond alternative.

Here at Paredes & Co. we care about our clients and believe everyone deserves to wear quality jewellery with the options that make sense to them.

Contact us to get started on your very own custom piece.

THE TENNIS BRACELET

What's all the fuss about Tennis Bracelets and why are they trending? The tennis bracelet is an undying symbol of elegance.

Image Courtesy: Norrfolks

Why Is It Called a Tennis Bracelet?

First thing first, what exactly is a tennis bracelet?

A tennis bracelet is defined as a single strand of small stones, often diamonds, in a plain string setting. While many use diamonds, you could use really any stone: emeralds, rubies, sapphires, or a mix of multiple stones.

To be clear, it wasn’t always called a tennis bracelet. In the roaring twenties, when women would wear multiple bracelets as part of their flapper style, they were simply known as eternity bracelets. The Gemological Institute of American explained that it wasn’t until 1987, when tennis icon Chris Evert lost her bracelet during one of her U.S. Open matches, that the name tennis bracelet was born. Evert asked officials for a time out so that she could search for her bracelet. Later in an interview, Evert was asked about the bracelet incident, in which she called the bracelet her “tennis bracelet.”

Who Should Wear A Tennis Bracelet?

This is simple: anyone! However, if you want to know who has been seen wearing a tennis bracelet, we can help you.

• Serena Williams

• Travis Scott

• Penelope Cruz

• A$AP Rocky

• Charlize Theron

• Cam Newton

American Rapper, Singer, Record Producer: A$AP Rocky

Men's Tennis Bracelets?

Men have been wearing tennis bracelets for years! In fact, Men’s Style and Fashion predicts that men’s tennis bracelets might be the next big trend! Big stars like The Migos, Leonardo DiCaprio, Young Thug, Johnny Deep, and even Steve Tyler have been seen wearing them. This makes complete sense given that jewellery can cross all gender lines, and men love diamonds too!

Image Courtesy: @andreadenver

Let's Talk Diamonds

Diamond tennis bracelets are about as classic as they come. At Paredes & Co. it is a core value that diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free. We stick to the Kimberly Process guidelines to help keep conflict diamonds from entering the market. There are no shortcuts in providing natural and ethical diamonds, and we makes sure the buyer can take pride in the diamonds they purchase.

What makes a Good Diamond?

Those who are seasoned in diamond shopping mainly focus on the 4Cs.

1. Carat: The weight of the stone

2. Cut: This determines how the stone is shaped and how much it sparkles

3. Clarity: How many flaws and blemishes the stone has in it

4. Colour: The clearest diamonds have the highest worth

Do you offer alternative stone options?

Yes! We offer complete customisation including Moissanite which is the best Diamond Alternative. Click here to read more about it.

Contact us to get started on your very own custom Tennis piece.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ETERNITY RINGS

Read on to discover what they are, what they symbolise, and when you should consider dropping the hint for one to your partner.

The eternity ring offers a classic design that has endured the test of time. It is a symbol that represents undying devotion and heartfelt appreciation. Eternity rings have evolved into a universal piece of statement jewellery worn by both men and women.

Also known as infinity rings, eternity rings are straightforward in design. The band is made of gold or platinum and is set with uniform diamonds that are identical in cut and size. Traditionally, these rings are worn on the ring finger, alongside wedding or engagement rings. Eternity rings are often given as bold statement gifts for anniversaries or to commemorate a special milestone in life (for example, the birth of a child). As eternity rings continue to grow in popularity many eternity ring styles are replacing run-of-the-mill engagement or wedding rings.

History of Eternity Rings

Eternity rings take their inspiration from the Ancient Egyptians of 2000 to 1800 BC. According to Old Egyptian hieroglyphics, the circle represented eternity within Egyptian culture. Egyptians also believed that marriage is such a strong bond between a husband and a wife that even death cannot break it.

In fact, it’s believed that ancient Egyptians combined these two notions and likely invented the concept of the traditional wedding we know today. Archaeologists excavating ancient Egyptian tombs have found wedding rings, ranging from simple carved bone rings to intricate gemstone bands. The carvings and the gemstones discovered formed a continuous line around the band that symbolises continuity. This design is what differentiates eternity rings from wedding or engagement rings.

The modern day diamond eternity ring concept was originally introduced by world renowned De Beers in the mid-1960s. Eternity rings were designed by default as an answer to a problem that plagued the jewellery industry at the time. The main feature of engagement rings during this time period was a single large diamond. However, the diamonds that were available in the market at the time were small. To avoid making several 0.25 carat diamond rings, De Beers introduced eternity rings. The campaign targeted mature, married women with the tagline, “She married you for richer or poorer. Let her know how it’s going”.

Symbolism of Eternity Rings

The symbolic meaning of eternity rings is everlasting devotion and commitment. Diamonds are the most common stones used in eternity rings because they’re the strongest and most precious gemstones in the world. Other gemstones such as rubies, emeralds or blue sapphires are also often featured.

Eternity rings are usually worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This can be traced to the ancient Egyptians. Egyptians (and many other cultures including the Romans) believed that this finger contained the ‘vein of love’, a vein that ran straight to the heart.

Types of Eternity Rings

Over the course of time, different designs and types of eternity rings have emerged. The two most common types of eternity rings are full eternity rings and half eternity rings.

Full Eternity Rings

Full eternity rings are more traditional in style. These rings feature diamonds or other gemstones set uniformly next to each other around the entire circumference of the band. There’s no gap between the gemstones and they are set and designed to fit snuggly together, similar to a puzzle. One of the caveats to consider for a full eternity ring is that it’s almost impossible to resize them without compromising the original setting of the stones.

Half Eternity Rings

Half eternity rings feature diamonds or gemstones that are set half-way around the band. Halfway does not mean that diamonds cover the exact half of the circumference of the band. Half-way can include one or three quarters of the band covered in gemstones as well. These rings can be resized without compromising the integrity of the gemstones or design.

Eternity Ring Settings

Stone settings are vital elements for each eternity ring. Settings play a key role in the ring’s style, durability and more. Many eternity ring settings can be custom designed according to preference. The most popular settings include pave, channel and claw settings.

Pave-Set Rings

Pave-set rings include many smaller diamonds or gemstones. The stones are snugly held in place by ‘droplets’ of metals. Although individual diamonds may have simple cuts, the sheer number of them makes this type of setting attractive. When many stones come together in a pave setting, the results are fascinating.

Channel-Set Rings

Channel-set rings are perhaps the most secure of the eternity ring settings. In the set style the diamonds or gemstones are studded in between the channel formed by two strips of precious metal. The diamonds are held into place with grooves created alongside the walls of the channel. Suitable for princess-cut and round gemstones, channel-set rings present little to no risk of the gemstones snagging on clothing or other items.

Claw-Set Rings

A claw or prong setting is considered to be the most traditional and common type of ring settings. The gemstones are held in place by a protruding metal claw. Claw-set diamond eternity rings are perfect for those who love the sparkle, as claw-settings allow maximum light to enter the gemstones.

Getting Started

Eternity rings continue to be one of the most recognised pieces of jewellery around the world. Choosing between a full eternity ring featuring a claw-setting and a half eternity ring featuring a pave-setting can be overwhelming and confusing. Our specialists can partner with you in finding the right design and setting at a time that is convenient for you.

Contact us to get started on your very own custom eternity ring.