A Few Words About Cut

When shopping for a diamond many consumers are introduced to the 4 "C's" of diamonds to determine what sort of diamond they will ultimately purchase.  These of course are Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and Cut.  The first three C's are fairly straightforward.  Color is the whiteness of diamond, Clarity is how free of inclusions and imperfections a diamond is, and carat weight is how much a diamond weighs on a diamond scale.  The fourth C however, is a little more complicated.  What exactly makes certain diamonds better cut than others?  A lot of it has to do with the what shape the diamond is, but other than that, many customers are unsure how to compare a diamonds based on cut.

Diamonds with laboratory reports will usually have some information pertaining to how diamond is cut.  The two characteristics most easily recognized are a diamonds depth percentage and table percentage.  Depth percentage refers to the "height" of a diamond top to bottom, and table percentage refers to the size of the topmost and largest facet on a diamond.  Both of these percentages are relative to the millimeter diameter of a diamond.  The ideal proportions of these characteristics vary depending on the shape the diamond, however,  for round diamonds 60% is generally accepted as a benchmark for both of these variables.  The GIA and AGS are currently the only laboratories that give cut "grades", and these are only given to round diamonds.

How these proportions determine how a diamond actually LOOKS is what is most important when shopping for a diamond.  Generally, diamonds with higher depth percentages look smaller than their carat weight suggests, and often have a darker appearance.  Diamonds with lower depth percentages look large, but sparkle less and appear glassy.  Smaller table percentages are associated with a greater degree of sparkle, whereas larger tables have a tendency to make the diamond appear too transparent.

Although these rules still apply to determining the brilliance of a fancy shape diamond, they are most consistent when comparing the classic round diamond.  Other shapes have a tendency to be cut deeper (mainly to save weight) than rounds so they often look smaller.

When shopping, be sure to understand how the cut of a diamond affects its apparent size and brilliance.  And how the various shapes of diamonds are typically cut.  You can click on the link below to learn some more about the various characteristics examined when describing cut.

What Determines a Diamonds Cut?

Engagement Rings and Color

Today's engagement ring shoppers aren't only looking for Diamonds.  More and more women today are looking for something colorful to show the world that they are getting married.  Although diamonds do come in "fancy" colors such as  yellow, pink, and blue, but fine quality stones in these colors are rare and often more expensive than colorless diamonds of similar quality.  That is why Sapphire and Ruby are some of today's most popular stones for engagement rings.

Many people are not aware that Sapphire and Ruby are actually the same mineral, Corundum.  Corundum comes in pretty much any color of the rainbow due to various trace elements and coloring agents.  When it is red, we call it Ruby, when it is any other color we call it Sapphire.  Most people think of the color blue when they hear Sapphire, but Sapphire can be pink, yellow, green, purple or any color really.  However, the other reason that the various hues of Corundum are popular for engagement rings is their durability.  Corundum is second only to Diamond on the Mohs Hardness Scale.  Which makes it a very durable stone for bridal jewelry that is typical worn everyday.  Other fine colored gemstones such as Emerald, Topaz, Aquamarine etc. are very appealing, but much softer.  When worn everyday these stones could easily be damaged, and are therefore better left to fashion pieces that are worn for special occasions.   

Here at Sydney Rosen we are specialists not only in Diamonds, but in Sapphire and Ruby jewelry as well.  Our website has a page dedicated to rings with Ruby and Sapphire side stones.  However, you can always contact us directly to discuss larger stones for engagement rings.  

Ruby and Sapphire 3-Stone Rings

The Timeless Allure of Diamond Studs

With Mother's Day around the corner, many sons and daughters are scratching their heads as they try to find a gift that will be remembered by their Moms.  Jewelry has always been a traditional Mother's Day purchase, but what kind of jewelry to buy Mom is always a tough decision.  Whenever customers ask me for suggestions as to gift ideas, my gut reaction is always Diamond Stud Earrings.  Diamond Studs are a simple "post" earring that appeal to any woman.  They can be worn everyday, or dressed up for a special occasion.  Most diamond studs earrings are lower clarity diamonds, so that women can wear larger whiter stones in their ears without the high price-tag.  Earrings are also some of the most frequently lost items and having lower quality diamonds in your ears takes some of the anxiety out of wearing them.  That being said, engagement ring quality diamond studs are still popular for those who can afford them.  Many people buy high quality GIA certified stones for their studs, with the intention to use give these diamonds to their children when they are ready to get engaged.  This appeals to Mom's because they feel as if they are contributing the next chapter of their children's lives.    

Every woman needs a pair of these classic earrings in their jewelry box.  So stop by Sydney Rosen Company and see our selection of Diamond Stud Earrings, that are sure to please the special ladies in your life.  Click the link below to see our online selection of stud earrings as well.

Design Your Own Diamond Stud Earrings

Amavida by Gabriel and Co.

One of the most enduring trends in engagement rings over the past twenty years has been "antique" style engagement rings.  Many young ladies want a ring with lasting appeal, but not all of them want something simple such as a solitaire engagement ring, or a ring with side stones.  For this reason, designers today are creating an endless array of styles with antique details such as engraving and filigree to satisfy consumer tastes.  Gabriel and Company's latest bridal collection named "Amavida" is a perfect example of how these small details can create jewelry that looks timeless and truly one of a kind.  Amavida, which translates to "love for life", is an all 18K and Platinum collection of rings that feature a high degree of detail to fit the unique tastes of that special lady in your life.  The entire Amavida collection is available to be viewed on our website.  Just click the link below to start searching for the ring that will solidify the love for life that every couple strives to achieve in their marriage.  

Amavida by Gabriel and Co.

Alternative Metal Wedding Bands

Let's face it, most men today could care less what material their wedding band is made of.  If it weren't for their fiances, many men would probably choose not to wear a ring at all.  They probably figure they could use the extra money to buy a bigger better wedding band for the bride, right?  While it's hard to imagine a woman turning down a more expensive band for themselves, the truth is that they will probably pass up this opportunity to see that ring on their husbands' left hands.  So how do you get a wedding band for yourself and still have the budget to buy her the ring of her dreams too?  The answer lies in alternatives metals.

When the price of gold and platinum started it's historic climb in the early 2000's many men just sucked it up and paid more for bands that matched the metals of their fiances engagement ring/wedding band.  However, this quickly became a problem as their ladies were being forced to sacrifice the quality of their own bands in order to afford to get a ring for him as well.  This is when the jewelry industry came out with a solution in the form of inexpensive metals like tungsten, titanium, cobalt, black zirconium, and various ceramic materials.  Sure these materials didn't have the same allure as the traditional gold and platinum, but many of them can imitate their more expensive counterparts for a fraction of the price.  In fact, most of these materials are actually harder and more durable than gold and platinum.  Perfect for the active man who often forgets to take care of his wedding band.  

Sydney Rosen Company has a large selection of Cobalt, Tungsten,  and Titanium men's bands that are sure to satisfy your fiances wishes without breaking your bank.  Available in many colors and tones, these rings combine fashion and function, and are a symbol of the enduring love and sacrifice that keep all marriages together.  

Click on the link below to view our online collection of Alternative Metal Wedding Bands, more are available in-store.  

Alternative Metal Wedding Bands

Mother's Rings

Mother's Day is around the corner, and a Mothers Ring is the perfect gift that is sure to be beloved by any mother or grandmother.  A Mothers Ring is a ring containing the birthstones of the wearers children or grandchildren.  Mothers Rings are special not only because they are beautiful, but because each stone in the ring has significance to the wearer.  Owners of Mothers rings often use them as conversation starters to talk about their families.  Some mothers even use them in place of the traditional wallet photos.  These rings hold special places in the hearts of their owners, sometimes even more so than their wedding jewelry, since these rings tell the story of their entire lives!  Birthstones can vary based on various traditions, however the most common birthstones for each month are as follows:

January: Garnet (Deep Red)
February:  Amethyst (Purple)
March:  Aquamarine (Light Blue)
April:  Diamond (Colorless)
May:  Emerald (Green)
June:  Pearl (White)
July:  Ruby (Red)
August:  Peridot (Yellowish Green)
September:  Sapphire (Blue)
October:  Opal (Multi-Color)
November:  Citrine (Orange)
December:  Turquoise (Greenish Blue)

In addition, there are some months that have alternate birthstones that are also commonly used.  These include Alexandrite or Smoky Quartz for June, Tourmaline for October, and Blue Topaz for December.  These gemstones, though less widely known, also make for beautiful mothers rings.

SydneyRosen.com has a page to create your own mothers rings using either genuine or simulated gemstones.  Click the link below to begin creating the perfect Mother's Day gift today!

Design Your Own Mother's Ring

THE SYDNEY ROSEN COMPANY: The Family Business

Our father, Sydney Rosen, started his jewelry business in a tiny second floor office on Jeweler’s Row in Philadelphia. Just  a desk and a safe. It was 1947. Peacetime in the nation’s first diamond district. Our father was not formally educated. But he had a "Masters Degree" in life. It was said that our father was as polished as a finely cut diamond, a true gentleman. And a pioneer. People would walk up to his tiny store and get a fascinating lesson in diamonds — a rare experience in 1947. His philosophy, “If it’s not a good diamond, it’s not a good deal” established The Sydney Rosen Company, and in 1955, he opened his first storefront. Back then, I don’t think our father could ever have imagined selling engagement rings and fine diamond jewelry via the Internet. Too impersonal. Our father was a people person. He bought and sold millions of dollars in diamonds by looking someone straight in the eye and listening to the sound of his voice. No contracts. Just a firm handshake. A man was only as good as his word. Our father's word was as good as gold. In the 1950’s and 60’s, our father developed close ties with diamond cutting houses in Antwerp, Belgium, renowned for producing the world’s most brilliant gemstones. Sydney bought direct. About this time, our father said to my brother Steven and I, “I think you boys need a little responsibility. Why don’t you come down to the store?” And so our education began. We learned at his side, observing the consummate teacher, and worked hand in hand with diamond cutters, polishers, jewelry designers — the whole vibrant community of Jeweler’s Row craftsmen. Thirty years later, Steve and I are Graduate Gemologists. And like our father, we’re still on the showroom floor with our customers every day. The diamond cutters in Belgium, Israel and New York are not only suppliers, but friends. Generations of families have come to The Sydney Rosen Company to say “I do.” and “I’d do it again.” It’s a family business in the truest sense, built on special relationships. That's how we want our venture into e-business to continue. We've designed SydneyRosen.com to build trust and confidence. Every diamond in this site has been carefully chosen by my brother and I, and all are independently certified. All the information you need to make an educated purchase online is right here — satisfaction guaranteed. And yet...when you’re ready to make that once-in-a-lifetime purchase, we'd like you to call us. If possible, come to our showroom — the largest and most beautiful on Jeweler’s Row. We may be old fashioned, but we like to meet our customers, and know that the diamond ring you’ve chosen is right for you. And we think you might like to know the folks you’re buying from. We’re always happy to answer questions, and welcome your suggestions about how our site could serve you better. Because like our father, Steve and I know that our business is built on trust.