http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:00:14 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Acquamarine engagement rings have become increasingly popular in recent years. The word aquamarine is Latin for seawater.  Aquamarine's association with the sea comes from the brilliant range of hues in which it appears - from an almost transparent blue to a deep ocean azure. Its blue colour comes predominantly from iron and, when ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/coloured-gem-stones/aquamarine-engagement-rings Diamond cutting, or 'fashioning' as it is often referred to, is a modern-day art, based on ancient skills and traditional techniques which have been faithfully handed down and carefully developed for over 600 years. Those who practice the art are known as Diamond Cutters or 'Diamantaires'.  Their task is to unlock ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/diamonds-gem-stones/diamond-cutting Radiant cut diamonds have become an increasingly pupolar choice for diamond engagement rings in recent years. The radiant cut was the first rectangular or square cut to have a complete brilliant facet pattern applied to both the crown and pavilion of a diamond.  Following its patented development in 1976 by Henry Grossbard, it ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/diamonds-gem-stones/radiant-diamond-engagement-rings The light performance or "life" of a finished, polished diamond is described as the overall, face-up appearance, produced by a combination of the three optical effects of Brilliance, Fire and Scintillation.  Light performance analysis is used today by leading laboratories as an integral component in the grading of cut quality. Brilliance Brilliance ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/diamonds-gem-stones/diamond-light-performance The ideal proportions, precise symmetry and perfect polish of a Super Ideal cut diamond create light reflections which are perfectly balanced, evenly distributed and even of the highest intensity, producing a diamond that not only looks bigger and brighter but, at the same time, displays the highly distinctive, symmetrical pattern ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/diamonds-gem-stones/hearts-arrow-diamonds Established in 1931 and based in the United States, GIA is the world's largest and one of the most respected non-profit institutes of gemological research and learning.  Conceived more than 75 years ago in the grand tradition of Europe's most respected institutes, GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through GIA Education) ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/jewellery-buying-guide/gia-certified-diamonds To incorporate both individuality and tradition, coloured diamonds are a popular option, and pink diamond engagement rings are amongst the rarest and most sought after. Many people consider diamonds to be white gems, but they are more accurately considered colourless.  Fancy diamonds are those with distinctive colours, such as green, red, blue and ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/diamonds-gem-stones/pink-diamond-engagement-rings This beautifully unique shape is nearly identical to the emerald cut, except that it is square.  Also, this shape has a pavilion that is cut with rectangular facets in the same style as the emerald cut. The Asscher cut diamond was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland and ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/diamonds-gem-stones/asscher-cut-diamond-engagement-rings Cushion cut diamond engagement rings, tremendously popular over a century ago, are becoming trendy again in modern rings.  With the sensual shape and subtle sparkle, they are a sophisticated alternative to flashier designs, yet do not sacrifice either the beauty or romance that symbolises the love a couple shares. Cushion cut ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/diamonds-gem-stones/cushion-cut-diamond-engagement-rings Diamonds can occur in virtually all colours of the spectrum, as well as milky-white, black and grey.  The two most commonly occuring colours, or hues, in diamonds are yellow and brown with yellow being by far the most prevalent.  Some colours are very rare, the rarest and most highly prized ... http://www.larsenjewellery.com.au/blog/gem-stones/diamonds-gem-stones/coloured-diamonds