What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word gold? Jewellery made of gold, of course! Jewellery is the most coveted form of gold. Unlike a coin or bullion, gold jewellery scores high on usability as well as investment fronts. Another advantage of gifting gold ornaments is that you have a wide range of options to choose from. From earrings and pendants to necklaces and bangles, your choices are endless.

A good way to start your search is to set a budget. This ensures that you do not overspend. Look for jewellery that matches the receiver’s nature and personal style. You don’t want to gift someone something they wouldn’t like to wear, would you? Also, keep their lifestyle in mind. If your niece is graduating soon, you could get her a delicate gold chain or pendant that she could wear once she starts working. Similarly, if your sister has just become a mother and cannot wear earrings for the fear of the baby pulling them, you could choose a nose pin or a bracelet for her. The jewellery you gift on Akshaya Tritiya doubles as investments, so it is better to choose something with high resale value, such as plain gold ornaments.

Akshaya Tritiya is a religious festival and hence a pendant or a ring with religious motifs is the ideal gift. From the Om symbol to Krishna’s flute, there are a number of religious motifs that are used for making jewellery. Apart from pendants, most jewelers also offer a range of rings with religious motifs. These motifs not only suit the occasion but also act as reminders of one’s faith in difficult times. For many people, religious jewellery is also a source of strength. When you buy religious themed jewellery for someone else, do not buy jewellery designed around the god you worship the most. Think about the person who will be wearing it and the deity they worship.

For instance, are you looking for a gift for a devotee of Lord Ganesha? Go for gold rings and pendants that feature motifs associated with Ganesha. For a devotee of Lord Shiva, something that features trishool or damaru will be an ideal gift. Most online jewellers have exclusive collections of religious rings and pendants. You just need to browse through their collection and pick something that best fits the religious interests of the receiver.

If you want to buy a gift of equal value for all your family members, you could consider gold coins. Gold coins are available in a range of weights and suit any budget. Coins are symbolic of good luck and prosperity. They are also a great investment and can be gifted to men and women of all ages. They can even be gifted to a child and later turned into jewellery for her. These gifts are easily available with all leading jewelers and are usually embossed with the image of a deity on either side. The best part of buying gold coins as a gift on Akshaya Tritiya is that you don’t have to pay for making charges. What’s more? They score high on resale value too!

There may be times when you are unsure of what to gift someone. For example, you may want to gift something precious to your sister-in-law but you are not sure of her taste in jewellery. Else, you may not be in the same city or country and may want to ensure that the jewellery you gift your mother is something she loves. In such cases, a gift card is a great option. This allows you to decide your budget and the receiver gets to pick the design and type of jewellery they want. A gift card can also contribute towards a more expensive piece of jewellery. For example, your budget may be INR 5000. If your sister likes a necklace that costs about Rs 15,000, she could use your gift card to lower the amount she would actually need to pay. Almost all reputed jewellers offer gift cards for a wide range of prices. Pick the one that suits your pocket and you are all set to surprise a loved one!

When it comes to Akshaya Tritiya, gold is always the best gift. However, you should avoid gifting gold jewellery studded with semi-precious stones. The stones themselves do not have much of a buy- back value and hence are not great investments. They also cause the making cost of jewellery and the overall price to go high. So, stick to solid gold jewellery made of 22k gold. If you must buy stones, go for a diamond-studded pendant or a pair of earrings with rubies or emeralds. In this case, you will also need to give the receiver the receipt for your jewellery as a safeguard for the stone’s value. The same goes true for platinum jewellery. Though platinum is rising in popularity these days, it doesn’t always make a great investment option. Loose diamonds or precious stones can be gifted, though!

With diamonds, you need to look after not just the stones but also the metal holdings that keep diamonds in place. Look at the prongs holding your diamond and ensure that all of them are of equal length. If one of them is shorter than the others, it is time to take your jewellery to a jeweller. A jeweller can also help shine up your diamonds with an ultrasonic cleaner. This uses a vibrating fluid to clean the dirt and grime accumulated on diamonds and the metal. When it comes to diamond studded rings, ensure that your ring fits well. If your ring is loose, your diamond will undergo more wear and tear.

Diamond jewellery is indeed a thing of beauty and a joy forever, but they will remain beautiful only if you pay extra care to keep them so. With these tips, your diamonds can last a lifetime and look just as good as they did the day you first wore them.

Karwa Chauth is a traditional festival primarily celebrated in northern and western India. It dates back to ancient times when women prayed for their husbands to return safely from wars.

The occasion's main purpose is for women to fast from sunrise to moonrise. This signifies requesting Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati to ensure the well-being, good health, and long life of one's husband.

Fasting on this day is an expression of love towards the husband. Reciprocately, husbands often pamper their wives with karwa chauth gifts and jewellery sets for Karwa Chauth, helping them fast. It's a ritual that couples perform together, enhancing their connection.

The Karwa Chauth day starts before sunrise when the mother-in-law prepares a pre-dawn meal. This meal is known as "Sargi," which includes sweets, fruits, and jewellery.

Women gather in groups on this day to perform rituals, fostering a sense of support. Jewellery and gifts mark milestones, presenting togetherness as the bliss of promises.

Karwa Chauth falls in the Hindu month of Kartika. As for this year 2024, the Karwa Chauth is on October 20. The Puja Muhurat is from 6:30 PM, and the moonrise is expected at 8:44 PM. Upavasa—the fasting period—is from 7:26 AM to 8:44 PM.

Karwa Chauth Dates for the Next 3 Years: Year

Date

2024

October 20

2025

October 9

2026

October 28

Karwa Chauth festival emphasises mutual respect and care in a relationship. The day celebrates emotional support and understanding between the couples, enriching their lives.

Gifting jewellery like gold and diamonds is eminent on this occasion; it symbolises wealth and prosperity. You are not just gifting jewellery—you're endowing a keepsake of memories and moments to cherish.

Explore stunning jewellery options to delight your wife on Karwa Chauth.

• Modern Mangalsutras

  As a thoughtful expression of love stands mangalsutra, a perfect choice of gifting. The mangalsutra has transcended the cultural entitlement to become today's fashion accessory. As symbolic devotion to marital status, mangalsutra serves as a reminder of the journey. Women liking sleek and contemporary elegance can opt for diamond and gold mangalsutra pendants—preferably the convertible option allowing multiple uses.

• Bangles and Bracelets

  Styling never fades the intimate beauty of women. Kadas, stackable bracelets, and stone bangles go well with modern attire, adding charm. Gifting women bangles and bracelets can adorn their wrists with love

• Earrings

  Is your wife-earring lover? A pair of diamond studs or elegant drop earrings will light up her smile. These are elegant gifts that suit everyday wear. BlueStone offers a versatile collection of earrings perfect for your Karwa Chauth gift.

• Necklace Sets

  Gold jewellery sets are the crowning glory of any collection. Enhance your wife's beauty seamlessly with the heartfelt touch of a gifting necklace. It is a reflection of appreciation that can elevate a lasting impression.

• Personalised Jewellery

  Personalised jewellery—a heartfelt way to celebrate individuality and create cherished memories. Every piece tells a unique story, capturing significant moments and happiness in your life. Gifting personalised alphabet jewellery becomes a reminder of your cherished relationship.

• Rings

  Gifting a ring on this auspicious day is an intimate gesture—it speaks of love and togetherness shared between couples. Explore diamond rings, vanki, Plain gold, couple band rings etc.

• Watch Accessory

  A well-chosen watch accessory gives a stylish and sleek look. It complements the elegance of the time dial it accompanies. This enhances the watch's aesthetic appeal, making it a more personal and thoughtful gift. You can choose symbols like a heart, an evil eye infinity, or words that bring charm and are cherished forever.

Explore a wide range of jewellery from traditional to contemporary designs to spark the occasion for your wife. If you are looking for limited edition pieces that are unique and special, then BlueStone is the right destination.

Start celebrating this Karwa Chauth with best gifts that bring the spotlight to the day. Use the BlueStone online buying option, stay in your comfort, and make your purchase hassle-free with free delivery and return. They present an extensive selection of exquisite jewellery collections, perfect for gracing this occasion.

It's time to celebrate the wife and the relationship on the mark of Karwa Chauth. Whether love-defining mangalsutras, diamond rings or a traditional gold jewellery set, your wife will definitely feel impeccable on Karwa Chauth.

When it comes to Akshaya Tritiya, gold is always the best gift. However, you should avoid gifting gold jewellery studded with semi-precious stones. The stones themselves do not have much of a buy- back value and hence are not great investments. They also cause the making cost of jewellery and the overall price to go high. So, stick to solid gold jewellery made of 22k gold. If you must buy stones, go for a diamond-studded pendant or a pair of earrings with rubies or emeralds. In this case, you will also need to give the receiver the receipt for your jewellery as a safeguard for the stone’s value. The same goes true for platinum jewellery. Though platinum is rising in popularity these days, it doesn’t always make a great investment option. Loose diamonds or precious stones can be gifted, though!

With diamonds, you need to look after not just the stones but also the metal holdings that keep diamonds in place. Look at the prongs holding your diamond and ensure that all of them are of equal length. If one of them is shorter than the others, it is time to take your jewellery to a jeweller. A jeweller can also help shine up your diamonds with an ultrasonic cleaner. This uses a vibrating fluid to clean the dirt and grime accumulated on diamonds and the metal. When it comes to diamond studded rings, ensure that your ring fits well. If your ring is loose, your diamond will undergo more wear and tear.

Diamond jewellery is indeed a thing of beauty and a joy forever, but they will remain beautiful only if you pay extra care to keep them so. With these tips, your diamonds can last a lifetime and look just as good as they did the day you first wore them.

Dhanteras is a significant Hindu festival celebrated one or two days before Diwali. It marks the beginning of the Diwali celebration, also known as "Dhanatrayodashi." The word “Dhanteras” is derived from “Dhan,” meaning “wealth,” and “Teras,” meaning "thirteen." The Dhanteras 2024 falls on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. This festival is usually celebrated with great enthusiasm for wealth and success.

People buy gold, silver, and other valuable items to grace this auspicious day. They believe following these deeply rooted traditions will bring prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. Though customs may differ across regions, the underlying essence remains the same—honouring wealth and welcoming abundance. Dhanteras is a day when people strengthen relationships and seek happiness and prosperity. Gold coins and gifts are bestowed as a token of love and blessings, cherished forever on Dhanteras.

Dhanteras is often associated with wealth and well-being. Homes are cleaned and decorated with Rangoli and lights. Dhanteras Puja is performed in the evening with diyas ( lighting lamps), fresh flowers, and Prasad. This day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, and Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth.

• Lighting lamps and performing rituals are believed to ward off negativity and bring in positive energy.
• Worshipping lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, promotes good health
• Performing puja helps bring success and growth in life.
• Chanting specific mantras during the puja is believed to bring success in endeavours.
• These rituals can enhance relationships within families, bringing positive energy and blessings.

Explore stunning jewellery options to delight your wife on Karwa Chauth.

• Clean Your Home: To welcome Goddess Lakshmi, keep your home clean and pure.
Main Entrance: Decorate with attractive, colourful elements, rangoli, and torans (door hangings) to create positive energy and vibration.
• Lighting Lamps: When lighting diyas (lamps) in the evening, they creak a glow, giving peace within to dispel darkness and negativity.
• North-East Direction: The jade plant is considered to bring good luck; place the plant in the northeast direction.
• Gomti Chakra: It is said to bring prosperity. Place Gomti Chakras in your home.
• Tulsi Plant: Keep a Tulsi plant in the northeast direction for good health and wealth.
• Images of the Sun: The Sun, or Surya picture, is hung in the east direction to bring positivity.
• Stone Tree: Keep a stone tree in the living room to attract prosperity.
• Silver Items: Buying silver items on Dhanteras can bring good fortune.
• Gold Items: Purchasing gold items is like gaining wealth.
• Vermilion Footprints: Draw small footprints with vermilion near the entrance. It is to symbolise the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi to the home.
• Honey and Holy Water: Clean gold and silver items using honey and holy water.
• Prasad Offering: Giving Prasad is considered a god's gift. Offer wheat and various pulses during the puja to everyone as a sharing of love.
• Sitting Idols: Ensure all idols in the puja area are in a sitting position.
• Ganesha Idol: Place the idol of Lord Ganesha first, to the left of Goddess Lakshmi.
• Saraswati Idol: Place the idol of Goddess Saraswati at the rightmost end on the right of Goddess Lakshmi.
• North-East puja Room: Any puja on the day of Dhanteras should be performed in the northeast direction of your home.

When you buy jewellery as a gift for someone, there are three things you cannot go wrong with – gold, diamonds, and colourful gemstones. Gold, whether it is the classic yellow gold or the contemporary white gold, is an ideal gift for Dhanteras. You can also go for the romantic hues of rose gold, which is ruling the jewellery industry these days.

There is nothing that can replace the sparkle of diamonds. No matter what the size is, a trinket made with diamonds is always something people will cherish. For starters, you can consider gold rings or pendants studded with a single diamond. Based on your budget, you can also go for multi-stone stunners and even solitaires. Diamond necklaces and bangles are great gifts for your mother and wife.

Festivals are all about colours. Why not make it a little more colourful with gemstone jewellery? In the family of gems, pearls are an eternal classic. For those who like vibrant jewellery, precious stones like rubies and emeralds make great dhanteras gifts. You could also look for jewellery studded with semi-precious stones, like amethysts, aquamarines, citrines, rose quartz, etc.

On Dhanteras, you may want to buy jewellery for your mother and your wife. If you are unmarried, your sister may be the happy recipient of your gift. Unlike a bouquet of flowers, you can’t gift everyone the same thing. You need to think of what each person likes and what would suit them. For someone who likes flowers, floral jewellery studded with gemstones may be perfect. On the other hand, plain, solid gold jewellery may be better suited for your mother who likes monochromatic designs. For a father or brother who is religious, gold pendants or rings featuring religious motifs are ideal. For a younger family member who follows fashion trends to a tee, go for something fashionable, like a cocktail ring or a rose gold trinket. A pair of gold earrings or a delicate chain with a pendant featuring animal motifs makes great gifts for your little daughter. Boiled down to essentials, the rule is this: choose something that the receiver will love and cherish!

Shopping for a 10-year old is hugely different from shopping for a 50 -old. So it is extremely important that you choose gifts based on the age of the receiver. If you want to gift your teenage daughter or niece something special for Dhanteras, go for enameled jewellery. This type of jewellery looks bright and colourful but does not include gemstones. Hoop earrings that lock themselves into place, charm bracelets and pendants are ideal for young girls.

On the other hand, if you want to buy your grand mom something special, look for classic designs. A pair of stud earrings or a gemstone studded ring is something she is sure to love. Also, think about how frequently she likes to change her jewellery and choose an item accordingly. For a grandmother who has her nose pierced, diamond nose pins are ideal. A pair of cufflinks makes an ideal pick for men who don’t like pendants or rings or chains.

Apart from personality, a person’s body type also determines the type of jewellery that will be best suited to them. For example, a broad bracelet may not suit a person with slender wrists. Slim bangles that can be stacked together would be a better idea in this case. Also, oval bangles with openable clasps are best suited for women with large hands and small wrists. Similarly, if you want to buy earrings as a gift, take a close look at the person’s face. Round faces are best suited to long drop earrings while long faces look good with broad studs or hoops.

You also need to think about the person’s lifestyle when you buy jewellery for them. A majority of a person’s waking hours are spent working, so think about their working atmosphere. If the person you are shopping for works in a corporate office with a strict dress code, gift them a pair of diamond earrings or a pendant. For a college goer, fashion trinkets such as open rings, two finger rings, lockets, or flexible bangles are ideal. If you are looking to buy something they can wear every day, go for a pair of plain gold studs or a simple chain along with a pendant.

Whether you are buying jewellery for one person or for three, you must decide your budget. Most local jewellers and online sites will allow you to filter designs by your budget. If you are on a limited budget, do not assume that you have no other option but a pair of earrings. A slim bracelet, a delicate ring, a nose ring, etc. could also fit within your budget. Customising aspects of a design such as gold purity and gemstones grading can also help adjust the price of a piece of jewellery according to your budget.

To make your gift special, it must be personalised. An easy way to personalise a gift is by picking alphabet jewellery – one with the wearer’s initials. This usually takes the form of pendants. A pendant is suitable for people of all ages and all lifestyles. Thus, this is a gift that can be worn not only on Diwali day but for years to come. You could also look for jewellery studded with birthstones. Each sign of the zodiac and month has a gemstone associated with it. So, think about the person’s birthday and buy earrings or any other kind of jewellery with their birthstone. You could also buy jewellery that literally spells out your relationship with the person. For example, how about a pendant designed around the word ‘mom’ for your mother? Or, how about a pair of heart shaped earrings for your partner?

Some types of jewellery like earrings do not have size variations. Rings and bracelets, on the other hand, are available in a range of sizes. If you buy a ring that’s too small, the person won’t be able to wear it. If it’s too big, there is a chance it may fall off their fingers. It’s the same story with bangles and bracelets too. So, when you buy these types of jewellery don’t just guess the right size, do a little research. If you don’t want to ask the person directly, try measuring the circumference of a ring or bangle that fits them well. If you can’t get hold of this, buy jewellery that doesn’t have size restrictions like earrings or a pendant.

1.Whether it’s a small pendant or an ornate bangle, what makes a gift special isn’t the price tag attached but the thought that went into it.
2.Purchase gold only from well-known and trustworthy jewellery shops or jewllers to ensure the quality and authenticity of your gold items.
3.Opt for jewellery that has the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmark, as this guarantees the purity and legitimacy of the gold.

Dhanteras is not just the beginning of the Diwali celebration; it is an auspicious day to welcome and manifest good health and prosperity. Every jewellery collection at BlueStone is more than just an embellishment—it embraces the essence of tradition and craftsmanship. Stay comfortable and shop online with free delivery. What you see is what you get at BlueStone. All our jewellery is certified and trustworthy. Each piece reflects a rich culture while seamlessly blending with modern aesthetics. Whether a necklace, ring, or bangle, it adds more of a legacy than just being jewellery.

This Dhanteras, as you celebrate with lights and share moments, let BlueStone's exquisite designs be a part of your celebrations. By choosing our jewellery, you bring home a cherished heritage that will be treasured for generations. May this season bring you lots of positivity, health, and happiness. Celebrate with elegance and make this Dhanteras truly unforgettable!

This year, the Festival of Lights is on October 31. This colourful occasion brings good fortune, prosperity, happiness, and blessings to everyone. The Puja Muhurat is based on the astrological calculations based on the celestial bodies. Performing rituals during this time improves the effectiveness of prayers and attracts good energy and divine blessings.
That’s the important reason for doing the puja at a particular time of the day. Well, this Diwali 2024, The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is from 06:53 PM to 08:44 PM.
The Pradosh Kaal is from 5:36 PM to 8:11 PM.
The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in other cities

Cleaning: Thoroughly, clean the rooms and ensure the puja area looks neat and clean. Offerings for Lakshmi puja: Performing Lakshmi puja is the most important thing, so make a list of Lakshmi puja offerings. You need to buy fresh flowers, fruits, light diyas, incense sticks, sweets, and others to attract positive energy and the festival vibes.

Performing Puja: Light the diyas and incense stick and offer Naivedya to start the Lakshmi Puja and make sure to begin it on Muhurat. Chant Mantras, perform Aarti, and pray for the wellness of your loved ones and family.

Naivedya: It is the food offerings made during traditional puja rituals. It symbolises gratitude and devotion. Once the puja is over, people share it with everyone in their family and neighbours.

People across India celebrate Diwali with their distinctive customs and rituals. In East India, on Diwali, people worship Goddess Kali. In Goa, Diwali is a unique combination of Indian and Portuguese cultures and is locally called Akash Kandils, meaning lit in public spaces, churches, and homes.
In West India, Diwali is celebrated with vibrant rituals; particularly, people fill the streets with colourful rangolis.
In South India, Diwali means celebrating the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura who tortured and imprisoned many people. In North India, people commemorate Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating King Ravana.
People celebrate Diwali for 5 days, from 29th October to 2nd November.

• Dhanteras
• Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi
• Diwali or Lakshmi Puja
• Govardhan Puja
• Bhai Dooj

Gifting is a pivotal thing when it comes to Diwali and Dhanteras shopping. Here are some gift ideas for family and friends.

Explore stunning jewellery options to delight your wife on Karwa Chauth.

• Gold & Silver Coins: Presenting gold and silver coins will be a thoughtful idea. Make sure you buy BIS Hallmarking Gold coins to ensure authenticity and purity.
Sweets: Sweets are the traditional gifting options on Diwali, so add up laddoos, rasgullas, rasmalai, kaju katli, and varieties of halwa, kheer, and gulab jamuns.
• Crackers: Purchasing eco-friendly crackers is a thoughtful idea that everyone loves. So, gift it to friends and family and take a step ahead in creating a sustainable environment.
• Jewellery: Make sure to add Gold Jewellery for Dhanteras and Diwali. Yes, choose a reputable jewellery store to explore the wide range of collections and buy expensive chains, earrings, bracelets, and rings for your beloved ones.
• Clothers: During Diwali, it’s common for people to purchase new clothing, both for themselves and as gifts. Wearing new attire is seen as a sign of good fortune.

This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31.

Muhurat is an auspicious time for performing Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. In 2024, the Muhurat will start from 06:53 PM to 08:44 PM on October 31. Beginning your Puja at this time will increase your chances of receiving blessings.

Following the Diwali puja rituals properly such as cleaning homes, lighting diyas, and performing puja during the Muhurat attract positive energy to every home. Seeking blessings from god with a good intention brings happiness, well-being, prosperity, and peace.

Along with the traditional Diwali rituals, you can celebrate this year’s Festival of Lights in these ways.

• Make Rangoli using raw rice flour, flower petals, and colour powder.
• Fill with a beautiful home with lights.
• Invest in new clothes, gold coins, utensils, and eco-friendly firecrackers.
• Plan for traditional feasting and a Diwali game night.
• Pray and perform religious rituals both at home and temple.

You also need to think about the person’s lifestyle when you buy jewellery for them. A majority of a person’s waking hours are spent working, so think about their working atmosphere. If the person you are shopping for works in a corporate office with a strict dress code, gift them a pair of diamond earrings or a pendant. For a college goer, fashion trinkets such as open rings, two finger rings, lockets, or flexible bangles are ideal. If you are looking to buy something they can wear every day, go for a pair of plain gold studs or a simple chain along with a pendant.

Whether you are buying jewellery for one person or for three, you must decide your budget. Most local jewellers and online sites will allow you to filter designs by your budget. If you are on a limited budget, do not assume that you have no other option but a pair of earrings. A slim bracelet, a delicate ring, a nose ring, etc. could also fit within your budget. Customising aspects of a design such as gold purity and gemstones grading can also help adjust the price of a piece of jewellery according to your budget.

To make your gift special, it must be personalised. An easy way to personalise a gift is by picking alphabet jewellery – one with the wearer’s initials. This usually takes the form of pendants. A pendant is suitable for people of all ages and all lifestyles. Thus, this is a gift that can be worn not only on Diwali day but for years to come. You could also look for jewellery studded with birthstones. Each sign of the zodiac and month has a gemstone associated with it. So, think about the person’s birthday and buy earrings or any other kind of jewellery with their birthstone. You could also buy jewellery that literally spells out your relationship with the person. For example, how about a pendant designed around the word ‘mom’ for your mother? Or, how about a pair of heart shaped earrings for your partner?

Some types of jewellery like earrings do not have size variations. Rings and bracelets, on the other hand, are available in a range of sizes. If you buy a ring that’s too small, the person won’t be able to wear it. If it’s too big, there is a chance it may fall off their fingers. It’s the same story with bangles and bracelets too. So, when you buy these types of jewellery don’t just guess the right size, do a little research. If you don’t want to ask the person directly, try measuring the circumference of a ring or bangle that fits them well. If you can’t get hold of this, buy jewellery that doesn’t have size restrictions like earrings or a pendant.

1.Whether it’s a small pendant or an ornate bangle, what makes a gift special isn’t the price tag attached but the thought that went into it.
2.Purchase gold only from well-known and trustworthy jewellery shops or jewllers to ensure the quality and authenticity of your gold items.
3.Opt for jewellery that has the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmark, as this guarantees the purity and legitimacy of the gold.

Dhanteras is not just the beginning of the Diwali celebration; it is an auspicious day to welcome and manifest good health and prosperity. Every jewellery collection at BlueStone is more than just an embellishment—it embraces the essence of tradition and craftsmanship. Stay comfortable and shop online with free delivery. What you see is what you get at BlueStone. All our jewellery is certified and trustworthy. Each piece reflects a rich culture while seamlessly blending with modern aesthetics. Whether a necklace, ring, or bangle, it adds more of a legacy than just being jewellery.

This Dhanteras, as you celebrate with lights and share moments, let BlueStone's exquisite designs be a part of your celebrations. By choosing our jewellery, you bring home a cherished heritage that will be treasured for generations. May this season bring you lots of positivity, health, and happiness. Celebrate with elegance and make this Dhanteras truly unforgettable!

Every piece of jewellery is beautifully designed but not all designs suit everyone. To understand what kind jewellery suits a person, you should understand her personality, style, and preferences. Does she like dressing up in the latest fashion trends or does she like something classic?
The answers to these questions should help you choose something perfect for her. For example, if she favours the classic style, a pair of pearl earrings or a diamond studded pendant is your best bet. Get a gemstone necklace or a broad, stone-studded bangle for a mother who loves parties and social gatherings.
That’s not all!
Your mother’s personality type is as important. Does your mother like being in the spotlight or does she prefer staying in the background? Likewise, people who enjoy limelight typically prefer bold designs that highlight their features. For the latter, subtle and minimalistic designs will be ideal.

Apart from personality, a person’s body type also plays a large role in determining what type of jewellery would suit her. For example, if your mother has a short, stout neck, a choker style necklace will not suit her. A long chain and a pendant, on the other hand, would be perfect for her.

Similarly, if you want to buy a pair of earrings for your mother, think about the shape of her face. If she has a round face, look for long drop earrings and danglers. If she has a square face, oversized drops and danglers or a pair of large round earrings would suit her. A woman with an oval face, on the other hand, carries off nearly everything from studs to danglers. Here is a complete guide to help you choose the right pair of earrings for your mother.

Most women have one gemstone they favour over others. In many cases, this may be their birthstone. If you know what your mother’s birthstone is or which gemstone she favours, try looking for jewellery studded with that stone. For example, if she likes sapphires, you could buy her a sapphire studded pendant or a sapphire ring.

Jewellery can be crafted in many different materials. The most common amongst them include gold, silver and platinum. Gold jewellery too has many different colours. Women who like tradition jewellery may prefer the soft luster of yellow gold. If your mother likes experimenting with styles, you could buy her white gold earrings or bangles. It is bright, radiant, and above all contemporary in its appeal.

What if your mother keeps up with everything latest in the fashion world? What if she loves everything unconventional and quirky? Get her something in rose gold aka pink gold! This alloy of gold is making waves in fashion circles these days and is ruling the world of jewellery. You will find everything from simple rings and pendants to quirky designs in rose gold. After all, rose is considered the colour of love and that gives you one more reason to buy rose gold jewellery for your mother on this special day.

Some types of jewellery such as a pair of earrings or a pendant are one-size-fits-all. For others like bangles or rings, you must know the wearer’s size. Though most jewelers do allow you to return jewellery if it does not fit, there is no fun in gifting your mother a piece of jewellery that doesn’t fit, is there?

To find your mother’s ring size without asking her directly, try to find a ring or bangle that fits her properly. If you can’t find out her size, buy her a necklace, a pendant or pair of earrings that you know will fit perfectly. If she has her nose pierced, you could even buy her a nose pin.

You now know the things to keep in mind when you buy jewellery for your mother. So, where and how do you start? For starters, Mother’s Day is a big thing; so many online jewellers offer special Mother’s Day collections. You can check out such collections to find what’s trending. Here are our two cents on what to choose:

Say It with a Flower: And say it with a flower that doesn’t ever fade. Yes, we are talking about the floral theme. It has been a favourite with women since centuries and continues to remain so even today. Don’t get your mom a bouquet of flowers that lasts only for a week. Choose, instead, a floral ring or pendant studded with diamonds or colorful gemstones. You will also find floral nose pins, bangles, and necklaces too. Alternately, you could look for jewellery that is inspired by other natural themes such as butterflies, leaves, and foliage.

Look for a Motif: Look of the kind of motifs and symbols your mother generally likes. This can help you shortlist designs. For instance, if your mother is spiritually inclined, you could get her a religious pendant or ring. Those who like clean designs usually have a penchant for geometric motifs. Hearts are usually associated with romantic love but can also be associated with the love between a mother and child. So, you could also take a look at jewellery with interlinked heart motifs.

Pearls to Celebrate the Flawless Love: Pearls are special due to two reasons. Firstly, it is the only gemstone created by a living organism. Secondly, it’s impossible to go wrong with pearls. If you mother is in her forties, fifties, sixties, or even seventies, a finely crafted pearl jewellery would suit her perfectly. That’s why Coco Chanel once said every woman needs ropes and ropes of pearl.

A classic pearl necklace –single strand or double strand – is an ideal gift for your mother on any day and two times more on Mother’s Day. You could also look for pearl earrings, pendants, bangles or rings. Pearl jewellery in combination with rubies or other colourful gems also make great gifts.

Diamonds for Your Sparkling Mother: There is a cardinal rule when you buy jewellery as a gift – when it doubt stick to classics. Pearls are a classic. So are diamonds. It doesn’t matter if your mother already has diamond jewellery. She will always make space for more.
When we say diamonds, it doesn’t mean you should burn a hole in your pocket by buying a solitaire. The good news is that you can buy diamond jewellery even if you are shopping on budget. Choose something in the halo or cluster setting if you want the jumbo sparkle of solitaires without having to break your bank.

Personalized Jewellery: Yes, you heard us right. Whether you buy your mother a small pair of studs or a delicate bracelet, your mother will cherish your gift for years. To make your gift even more special, look for a way to personalize it. Birthstone jewellery is a great idea if you want to do something like this. Most jewelers have extensive ranges of rings, earrings, and pendants studded with different birthstones. Alternatively, you could look at initial pendants or zodiac pendants.

Unlike flowers and chocolates, jewellery lasts a lifetime. No mother will want to exchange a gift her son or daughter bought for her. Hence, make sure whatever you buy her is something she will like. Your mother should want to wear whatever you gifted her because she likes the design not just because it was a gift from you. So think more about what she will like, not what you like.

As you get to know your in-laws, you will get a fair idea of their tastes in fashion and jewellery. When you shop for jewellery for them, don’t look at what you would like to wear or what is trending currently. Instead, look for something that you think they would like to wear. For example, if your mother-in-law wears yellow gold jewellery, do not buy her something in rose gold or platinum, even though they are trending hot these days. Though platinum may have a higher monetary value than gold, in this case, gold has a higher symbolic value. So, for someone who loves the classic glitter of yellow gold, a pair of gold earrings or gold bangles would be an ideal gift.
Similarly, buy your father-in-law jewellery only if he wears it. Men typically like functional jewellery than ornamental pieces. So, look for a pair of cuff links or jeweled watches to begin with. If he wears a pendant, you could also buy him a gold chain. Gold or white gold rings are something you might want to avoid unless your father-in-law likes wearing rings. For a brother-in-law who likes fashion jewellery, you could look for diamond earrings or a bracelet that complements the style of jewellery he usually wears.

The occasion you are buying jewellery for is as important as the person you are shopping for. Most jewelers have special ranges for festive occasions like Diwali, Christmas etc. as well as birthdays and anniversaries. A pair of earrings is the perfect birthday gift for your sister-in-law or your mother-in-law. Similarly, on their anniversaries, you could get your in-laws matching his and hers watches or coordinated pendants. You could also choose to buy gold for your in-laws on special occasions like Akshaya Tritiya. Plain gold jewellery, which doubles as a fine form of investment, would be an ideal pick for such occasions. Likewise, on birthdays, zodiac diamond pendants make a great gift.

When it comes to jewellery, you will only wear what you like. So, when you buy jewellery for your in-laws, it should be something they like. Think about their personality. Are your father-in-law and mother-in-law still working in an office with a dress code or have they retired? Are they more comfortable in ethnic wear or western wear? For example, if your mother-in-law favours sarees over trousers, she will probably prefer classic, traditional styled jewellery.

If your father-in-law starts his day with a puja or prayer and is religiously inclined, you could buy him a religious pendant. From Om to cross, Trishuls and the Khanda, jewellery designers cater to almost all main religions.

On the other hand, your sister-in-law may prefer geometric jewellery. Again, you will need to think of who they are before you buy them jewellery. Are your siblings-in-law in college or working? Do they have to adhere to any kind form of dress codes? What are they most comfortable wearing? If your brother-in-law is the ‘cool dude’ of his college, a funky sports pendant or a bracelet could be the perfect gift.

There is no wrong age for wearing jewellery but the same jewellery does not suit people of all ages. When it comes to your mother-in-law, you can’t go wrong with traditional jewellery. A pair of studs, short drop earrings or a bangle can be ideal. As a general rule of thumb, look for classic designs in plain gold for elderly people. If your sister-in-law is elder to you, look for sleek jewellery that is elegant without being loud. For younger siblings, you could pick bolder designs with animal motifs or statement pieces.

However, remember that age doesn’t define a person. So what if your mother-in-law is sixty? If she likes heavy jewellery, it’s no use gifting her slim bangles that will be kept in the locker forever.

When you buy clothes, you can hold it up and take a guess as to whether it will fit or not. You could take a guess with jewellery too but there’s one slight difference. Altering clothes is easy but changing the size of a ring or a bangle is a lot more work. Hence, when you buy jewellery like diamond rings and bangles you must be sure of the sizes. A difference of a few millimeters can make your gift unwearable. If you don’t know your in-law’s jewellery sizes, pick jewellery that is available in universal sizes. For example, buy a pair of earrings, a pendant or even a nose pin.

Talking of sizes, it is also important to keep the person’s body type in mind. For example, you may want to buy your father-in-law a gold chain. If he has a thick neck, look for a long chain instead of a short chain. Similarly, if your mother-in-law has a slim wrist but broad hands, look for bangles or bracelets that have an openable clasp.

When it comes to gifts, the thought behind the gift matters more than the value of the gift. It doesn’t matter whether you buy a single pendant or a necklace set. What matters is how much thought you put into it. So, take your time. Browse through designs, imagine what they would look like on the person and buy them only when you are satisfied that the person would love wearing them.

Now, this leaves one with one important question. What type of gold should you choose for the bride and groom? Is jewellery better than gold coins or bars? Is plain gold jewellery ideal since it has more resale value than diamond-studded jewellery?.
Choosing the perfect piece of jewellery as a wedding gift is by no means an easy task. There are many things to consider; there are many things to stay away from too. We have got a few suggestions that could help you out. Read on to find out more.

When it comes to gifting gold, it isn’t the price that matters as much as the thought behind it. So, don’t worry about the size of your gift. It could be something as small as a diamond nose pin or something as spectacular as a diamond necklace. A piece of gold is always a thing to cherish. The first step of buying jewellery for a bride and groom is to set a budget. There is no hard and fast rule to how much you should spend on a wedding gift. Knowing your budget will help you decide on what to gift. For example, if your budget is around INR 10000, a pair of earrings, a diamond pendant or a bangle could be the perfect gift. However, when you have double or triple this amount to spend on the gift, you could even consider a diamond necklace or a pair of couple bands for the bride and the groom. Coins and gold bars are of course always an option with all budgets.

Gold coins are a good wedding gift but are they the most appropriate? Though the value of a gold coin may be as much as a piece of jewellery, it may have a lower perceived value. Why – because gold coins and bars are impersonal. If you are a close relative of the bride and groom, it is always better to gift a piece of gold jewellery instead of a coin or bar. This is a much more personal gift and shows the thought you have put into the gift.

If your father-in-law starts his day with a puja or prayer and is religiously inclined, you could buy him a religious pendant. From Om to cross, Trishuls and the Khanda, jewellery designers cater to almost all main religions.

That having said, gold coins make an exceptional gifting option if you are planning to contribute to the couple’s investment portfolio. The major advantage of buying (and selling) coins or bullions is that they have no making charges. They enjoy high resale value. The wedding is the first step towards a long journey and every couple should make wise investments for their future. By gifting gold coins, you can help them have a good start.

From earrings to pendants and necklaces, there is no dearth of ornaments you can pick from for the bride. To make your gift special, you should buy jewellery that you think will match the bride’s personality. Earrings are something every bride loves. If she is not too fond of wearing heavy gold jewellery, gift her a light chain and a pendant to go with it. You could also look at functional jewellery like a bejeweled watch. On the other hand, if she does like dressing up, a bangle or a bracelet could be ideal. Avoid buying a ring as a wedding gift. If at all you buy rings, go for a pair of matching bands for the bride and the groom.

The first question to ask is whether the groom likes wearing jewellery or not. If he does like wearing jewellery, also think about the type of jewellery he likes to wear. Not all men like the glitter of gold. It’s no use gifting a man a diamond studded bracelet if he does not like wearing it. However, you can go wrong with functional jewellery. Watches and cuff links are a gift a groom will be very happy to receive. If he does like jewellery, you can also consider pendants and bracelets.

The first question to ask is whether the groom likes wearing jewellery or not. If he does like wearing jewellery, also think about the type of jewellery he likes to wear. Not all men like the glitter of gold. It’s no use gifting a man a diamond studded bracelet if he does not like wearing it. However, you can go wrong with functional jewellery. Watches and cuff links are a gift a groom will be very happy to receive. If he does like jewellery, you can also consider pendants and bracelets.

Both white gold and yellow gold are equally valuable. The difference between the two is how they are perceived. Yellow gold has a traditional appeal. This is ideal for brides and grooms who favour classic styles. On the other hand, white gold has a more contemporary charm. This suits men and women who like modern styles. When shopping for wedding gifts, you should ideally gift the same colour gold jewellery to the bride and groom. If the couple has an unconventional style, you could even take a look at rose gold.

Jewellery should be an extension of the wearer’s personality. Thus, when you gift the bride and groom jewellery, the style should be something they like to wear. To a large extent, this depends on the motif of the jewellery. When you buy jewellery as the wedding gift, you can choose from a wide range of themes and motifs, from minimalistic to traditional and from simple to ornate. If the couple favours a minimalistic style, look for simple jewellery with clean lines. If they are spiritually inclined, you could get them a pair of religious pendants. From the Aum and the Cross to the Khanda most jewelers offer pendants pertaining to all major religions. You can also gift the bride floral jewellery instead of a real bouquet of flowers!

When it comes to earrings and pendants, size refers to how big or small the design is. Look for big designs when gifting jewellery to a couple who likes making bold style statements. For people who prefer staying out of the limelight, small, delicate jewellery is usually a better fit.
When you gift a necklace or gold chain, size refers to the length of the chain. If the couple works in an environment with a strict dress code, look for a chain that allows the pendant to be concealed under their shirt or displayed at will.
Size is most crucial when gifting bangles or bracelets. Here size refers to the circumference of the bangle or bracelet. If you buy a bangle that is too small, it cannot be worn. Similarly, if you gift a bangle that is too big, it may fall off. Hence gift bangles and bracelets only if you are sure of the size.

Choosing a piece of jewellery for someone you know well is a delightful experience. But the same experience can turn into a nightmare when you have to choose jewellery for someone you don’t really know. It is indeed not a good idea to choose jewellery for someone without even the faintest understanding of their preferences. This is where gift cards come to your aid. All you have to do is to buy a gift card worth the value you are willing to spend, gift wrap it, and give it to the couple. All reputed jewellers sell gift cards these days and the couples can redeem jewellery worth the card’s value at their time of convenience. You are happy. They are too!
Weddings are moments to celebrate and be joyful. And a thoughtful gift always adds to the happiness of the occasion. Why gift a couple flowers or household accessories when you can bless them with the eternal glitter of gold! The tips stated above will help you pick the right gift for the bride and the groom.

Fashion trends come. Fashion trends go. And sometimes, old trends come back stronger than ever. Men’s jewellery is one of the clearest examples of how fashion trends evolve. Think about it, once upon a time, men wore as much jewellery as women did. Then came a time when earrings or a necklace looked out of place on a man. Today, it is common to see a man flaunt single studs, gold bracelets or diamond pendants on a gold chain.
That’s not all.

These days, you can buy men’s jewellery online as easily as you buy jewellery for women. Many online and offline jewellers have separate collections for men who like to sport a little twinkle and sparkle. The truth is that the right piece of jewellery will allow a man to carry his charm and style quotient quite effortlessly. Are you looking to buy jewellery for a man in your life? Are you struggling to find that right piece?
Here’s good news.

We have put together certain guidelines to help you choose jewellery for men. From simple tips and tricks to some of the latest trends in men’s jewellery, this guide has it all. Read on.

This is the first thing to consider when you buy jewellery for a man. Are you buying it for your father, brother, significant other, or a friend? Are you buying it for a collegegoer or for someone who rocks the boardroom? Yes, the person you are buying jewellery for makes all the difference. For instance, your father or an older man might like a classic ring or a pair of white gold cufflinks, while your fashion-conscious brother and husband might not mind sporting a unisex bracelet or fusion pendant.
That’s not all!

The occasion is as important as the person you are buying jewellery for. Many jewellers have separate assortments for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Some sellers even have special designs for festive occasions like Rakshabandhan. Likewise, there are exclusive officewear collections that feature office-appropriate designs. For starters, it would be a good idea to check such collections to find something that fits the occasion as well as your budget.

The colour of gold is yet another deciding factor you should take into account when shopping jewellery for a man. Men’s jewellery is typically available white gold and yellow gold. Yellow gold is an eternal classic and is suitable for men who have a penchant for everything classic. White gold, on the other hand, has a contemporary appeal and will make him look modern. So does platinum. For men who wouldn’t mind experimenting with warmer hues of gold, something in rose gold is also ideal. So, make your pick accordingly.

Equally important it is to choose the right gemstone. Diamonds are a favourite with men as they are with women, so they are the safest bet as a gift. Ornaments with colourful gems like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are also trending these days. Navaratna jewellery featuring nine colourful gems are also extremely popular among men.

More often than not, the best men’s jewellery designs are the simplest ones. Unless you know that the man you are shopping for likes sparkle and bling, choose a sober piece of jewellery. Look for designs that add elegance without being too loud. The rule of the thumb is this: when in doubt, go for a simple and elegant design.

Most, if not all, men like functional jewellery. So, jeweled watches and cufflinks are a good starting point. Rings and pendants are also some of the popular gift items for men. Earrings are purely ornamental, yet they are the most commonly bought jewellery gifts.

Like women, men who wear jewellery can also be categorised into two broad groups – those who wear it as a fashion statement and those who wear it for its symbolic value. When buying for someone in the second category, it is important that you look for jewellery that he can identify with and that will spark an emotion in him.

For example, you can choose jewellery with his birthstone on his birthday or a design that features a motif reminiscent of a shared experience on a special occasion. Even though you have already exchanged wedding bands, you could still gift your husband a ring on your anniversary. Else, look for something symbolic of the occasion you are buying jewellery for.

This is important and may even make your task a lot easier. Before you crack your head over what he may or may not like, think of any special motifs that might appeal to him. In men’s collections, one of the trending categories is religious jewellery. If your man is spiritually inclined, you could buy him a religious pendant as a gift on a festive occasion. From the cross, crescent, and Om to Khalsa, Trishul, and Ganesha, there is a wide range of motifs you can choose from.

The same goes true for jewellery that features sports motifs. Is your man a lover of football or cricket? Many leading jewellers in India sell exclusive sports collections where you can find gold pendants and other trinkets shaped like the football, cricket ball, cricket pitch, trophies, and what not! Here are our two cents. Choose a design that fits his tastes in sports and you will never go wrong with your choice.

Some men are short while others are tall. Some are broad while others are lean. Jewellery suits all of them as long as it’s the right kind. A lean man will be overshadowed by a chunky piece of jewellery. Similarly, delicate jewellery will not be noticeable on a tall, broad man. Choose jewellery based on his body type.
Here are some tips for you.

When it comes to rings and bracelets, the larger a man’s hand, the bolder his jewellery should be. When buying chains, the rule is simple. Buy sleek, short chains if he has a narrow neck and long chains if he has a broad neck.

Jewellery is considered an extension of the wearer’s personality. Thus, it is important that you pick jewellery that personifies the would-be-wearer. Initial pendants are great birthday gifts for men. You could also gift these pendants on special occasions such as a graduation or promotion. Similarly, birthstone pendants or earrings studded with the man’s birthstone also make great gifts.

When it comes to cufflinks, earrings, and pendants, one size fits all. However, when it comes to rings and kada bangles you need to know the man’s ring size and wrist size respectively. It’s no fun buying a ring only to realise that it won’t slip on to his finger or keeps slipping off. So, buy these types of jewellery only if you know what size to buy.

What if you don’t?

It is safer to go for a pendant, earring or a pair of cufflinks. You can also look for bracelets with adjustable links.

It makes no sense to buy a piece of jewellery if the man it is intended for won’t wear it. Thus, it’s more important to choose something your man will like rather than what you like. Don’t worry too much about fashion trends and what the actor you drool over is sporting in his latest movie. Think about what kind of jewellery he already wears or likes.
Boiled down to essentials, here is what you should keep in mind. If he likes white gold jewellery, don’t buy him a gift in yellow gold. If he is more comfortable wearing a chain rather than a ring, look for pendants as gifts.

Now, are you ready to go jewellery shopping for your man?

The celebration of Rakshabandhan cannot be called complete without a simple accessory – yes – rakhi. Rakhis are available in many different forms. Simple strands of colourful thread plaited together are the most commonly used ones while some others have charms dangling from the thread or a large ornamental pendant in the centre. There is no dearth of designs when you choose a rakhi for a brother. Did you know that you can even buy your brother a gold rakhi? It’s true!

Many jewellers have special collections of Rakshabandhan pendants and rings. These can be attached to a cord or ornamental thread and be worn as rakhis. After the festival is over, these can be converted into pendants or rings. This way, your brother gets to wear a token of our love not just on one day but throughout the year.

That’s not all.

You can also choose to keep the rakhi simple and choose an additional piece of jewellery – a pendant or a bracelet or a gold kada – as a surprise gift for your brother. So, how do you choose something as special as jewellery? There are a few things to consider.

You want your brother to like wearing the jewellery you are buying for. So, it’s important that you choose jewellery that matches his personality. Is he religiously inclined? Does he like dressing up and being the ‘cool’ dude? Does he like any particular sport or game, like football or cricket?

Based on his personal style and interests, you could buy Rakhi pendants, bracelets, kadas or rings with religious motifs, geometric motifs or even a cute saying. For the sports enthusiasts, many jewellers offer stunning designs in their sports-themed collection. If he has his ear pierced, you can also consider buying a diamond or gemstone stud.

Also, think about the way he likes to dress up. Does he like wearing jewellery on his hands or does he prefer a pendant on a chain that can be concealed or flaunted at will? If he is a collegegoer or works in an office with a casual dress code, a bracelet could be a good gift idea. However, if he works in a corporate office with a strict dress code, a ring would be your best bet. If you do choose to buy your brother a ring, make sure you get his size correct.

Women love receiving jewellery and it will hold special sentimental value when gifted by a brother. You could buy her a pair of diamond earrings, a delicate necklace, a finely crafted pendant, a bracelet, bangles or even a ring.

If you have a younger sister, a pair of earrings is something she will cherish forever. Even if she is still in school or college, this is something she could wear every day. If you have an elder sister, your Rakshabandhan gift is a beautiful way you can thank her for all she has done for you. The trouble is the more you have to choose between, the more difficult it is to pick the perfect gift.

So, here is something that could help you.

Every woman is different. Some love wearing multiple layers of jewellery while others sport a minimal look. So here are a few questions you must ask yourself.

What type of jewellery does your sister like? What does she usually wear to work? Does she like floral motifs or geometric ones?

If she likes earrings, does she wear small studs or long, delicate danglers? Does she wear bangles or bracelets often? Does she like wearing a single bangle or does she prefer stacking a few delicate ones together?

This should help you narrow your search down to a particular type of jewellery. For example, if your sister works in an office with a strict dress code, you could buy her a pair of hoop earrings or studs. For someone who rocks in parties, a cocktail ring or a piece of fashion jewellery would be the best pick.

The bond you share with your sister is unique and special. So should be the jewellery you gift her. This doesn’t mean that you have to empty our bank balance. All it means is that your gift needs to be thoughtful. When you buy jewellery, try to make it as personal as you can. Instead of going for something extravagantly priced, choose something that she will cherish forever, no matter how small it is.

For starters, look at her favourite colours. Does she prefer red over blues and greens? If yes, you could get her jewellery studded with rubies. Consider her birthstone. Most jewellers have a range of jewellery studded with different birthstones. You could choose a simple ring, a pendant or even a pair of earrings studded with her birthstone. Alphabet pendants also make great Rakshabandhan gifts.

Every person is built differently, so even the same piece of jewellery may look different on different people. If your sister has a long face, avoid danglers and big hoops. On the other hand, if she has a round face, drop earrings would look perfect. Similarly, if she has a short neck, don’t buy her a choker length necklace. Instead, buy her a long necklace or a medium size chain with a pendant.

Look at her overall body type as well. Small studs can easily go unnoticed on a tall woman. Similarly, heavy bracelets may not suit a short woman. When you shop for Rakshabandhan jewellery, don’t just look at the design; imagine how it would look on your sister.

Also, make sure it fits. This is crucial if you are buying rings or bangles. If you can find a ring or bangle that fits your sister well, it isn’t difficult to calculate her size. If you can’t, then stick to jewellery without sizing issues, like earrings or pendants. You can also go for gold or white gold bangles with openable clasps or bracelets that have adjustable links.

In short, jewellery is a gift that will last a lifetime. So, think it over carefully. Don’t just buy the first design you like, buy something that you know your sibling would like. After all, he or she should want to wear your gift because they like it, not just because you gifted it to them.

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Whether you’ve decided to purchase loose diamonds for themselves or as part of a ‘build your own solitaire’ to be used in diamond jewellery like engagement rings or earrings, here are a few tips to help you make a smart purchase.

While buying loose diamonds, carat weight is important – a slight difference in carat weight may not change how the diamond appears to your naked eye, but may have a distinct effect on the price.

While choosing the right colour or clarity grade that’s optimum for the type of jewellery you want, make sure to check out a few stones and to keep in mind the jewellery design that you want. Buying loose diamonds means you will have to keep in mind how the diamond will be mounted – choose the right cut.

With loose diamonds, make sure your jeweller provides you with the necessary certification and documentation along with your diamonds so that you can be assured of their quality.

When looking for loose diamonds, don’t be afraid to ask for different stones so that you can choose the one that looks best to you.

Diamonds are graded based on color. According to your budget, you can pick from different color grades. A pure white colour stone (Grades D-F), would be more expensive than lower grades – diamonds with a brownish and yellowish tint. Most colour variances are barely visible to the naked eye, so check the diamond you want to buy to see how it looks on you.

if you prefer to buy a larger stone, you can choose to focus more on its cut rather than its color, for a less expensive option. Different shapes reflect colour differently, so consider the appearance of the diamond and color with the shape you’ve chosen and the metal you want to mount it in – white gold and platinum tend to reflect their white colour onto the diamond, while yellow gold could lend a yellowish tint to the stone.

Perfectly flawless diamonds are extremely rare and therefore can be extremely expensive. Most naturally occurring diamonds have some birthmarks or inclusions. Most inclusions become visible under the microscope lens and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Based on how flawless a diamond is, certain grades are assigned to it - VS1 and VS2 being acceptable grades. The grade you choose will also determine the price you pay. Keep in mind that inclusions can also get covered by the prongs or the way the diamond is set.

A diamond’s carat refers to its weight. While choosing carat weight, keep in mind that factors like depth that affect the price. A diamond that’s deeply cut carries more of the carat weight "hidden" in its depth as opposed to its width.

Your stone may lose some of its weight after it’s polished, so don’t forget to ask your jeweller for the final weight of your diamond so that in the end you will be paying for only what you get.

When choosing the size for your stone, one money saving trick is stopping just short of major size thresholds for example, choosing point differences like 1.5 over 2.0, may not make much of a visual difference, but will certainly affect the price.

While purchasing solitaires, regardless of the price you finally settle on – make sure that you look at many stones before you set your heart on the perfect one that looks the way you want it to, within the budget you have chosen.

This is a classic setting, generally used to hold in place a solitaire. It features a single diamond held in place with four or six prongs, usually used in classic engagement rings or single stone diamond rings. Also known as the claw setting, this style of mounting minimises how much metal is used and so allows more light to pass through the diamond. Four prongs are generally the most preferred in setting princess diamonds.

Used frequently to create breath-taking bands for wedding and anniversaries, the stones are set next to one other, with no separations. The diamonds are secured between vertical metal walls, to create a smooth channel. The outermost ridge of the metal used – gold or platinum is then worked over the edges of the diamonds so that the girdle is protected and a smooth appearance is created.

This setting is similar in appearance to the channel setting and is used quite frequently in diamond necklaces and bracelets. A band of diamonds is created, where each stone used is held together by a long thin bar between two diamonds. This is perfect for a contemporary meets classic look.

A stone set with a bezel setting is embraced by a rim of metal that holds it together by the girdle, to secure it in place. This not only creates the illusion of a larger stone, but the bezels can be created in scalloped edges, straight edges, or can even be moulded and shaped according the shape you chose to fit the stone.

To create the ‘illusion’ of a larger diamond, the illusion setting is used very interestingly. Smaller stones generally princess cuts are set next to each other. This is setting requires skill and intricacy from the jeweller to create the perfect piece.

A large centre stone surrounded by smaller stones, that’s the cluster setting. It’s a great way to showcase a larger ‘hero’ diamond and is perfect for rings or earrings.

This is a popular setting used frequently in men’s jewellery. Here, the band is generally one continuous dome shaped piece with a stone inserted in the middle. There are no prongs, providing a clean and smooth look.

The pave setting uses tiny beads along with diamonds, creating a feeling of the jewellery being encrusted with stones.

Buying your first diamond for yourself? Are you buying it for someone else – maybe gifting diamond jewellery for your wife or mother? Are you looking for stylish diamond earrings for a party, or do you want to buy an engagement ring? You may want to go heavy on diamonds or choose a simple solitaire. The type of occasion you are buying for, will guide you on how to buy the perfect diamond.

Whether you are willing to splurge, or if you have a modest budget, making smart choices can help you get more value for your money. Fixing your budget is a good idea and a great starting point. Choose the right kind of setting for your diamond – it makes for the right kind of stage where your diamond can sparkle. Depending on what design you choose, you can opt for the right combination of the 4Cs – Color, Carat, Cut, Clarity, to determine which diamond you choose. For eg: if you want to buy a larger stone, you could focus more on the Cut instead of the Color, to bring out the brilliance of the diamond.

Since you’re making a jewellery purchase for the very first time, make sure to have all your certification in place. Trust, and authentication is a must. The value of a precious stone is usually determined by factors like its natural rarity, gemological makeup and the quality of its finish. Diamonds and gemstones of similar appearance could be valued differently. A Certificate will clearly elaborate the details of the precious stone that it accompanies, and provides trust and confidence for both the seller as well as the buyer. Gems are certified from Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories Ltd. (SGL), International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

It’s always great to get more opinions when deciding to pick up jewellery. Check with your friends and family – they might give you some valuable insight.

Before you decide to buy, you may need to see some options. Call up the BlueStone Solitaire specialists who can help you build your own solitaire. If you would like to choose diamond jewellery, but want to know how it will look on you first, try as many designs as you like, with our Try At Home Service with no pressure to buy!

In the word of jewellery, there is nothing more sparkling than diamonds. Even the smallest of diamond trinkets – for instance, diamond nose pins or rings – have a sparkle few other gemstones can match. All that sparkle on diamond jewellery has a story to tell. Although most diamonds look the same, they are not created equal. In fact, gemmologists have classified these gems into different categories based on their chemical and physical properties. To classify them, gemmologists evaluate the stones for their atomic makeup. This helps them analyse their colour, their growth, and whether they are natural or treated. In this article, we give you a comprehensive outline of different types of diamonds and their features.

When buying diamond necklaces or rings or bangles, most people look for the cut, clarity, carat, and colour. (These features are called the 4Cs of diamonds. We will come to them later.) Seasoned buyers, however, also consider the type of diamond before they make a purchase. These sparkling gems are carbon compounds. They are basically made of pure carbon, but they often contain some trace elements such as boron and nitrogen. Such elements are acquired naturally during their formation. In some stones, they are intentionally added. This is often done during the process of synthesis or treatment in a lab.

Trace elements are not the only foreign bodies a diamond may contain. They almost always contain flaws in their carbon structure. Scientists refer to the presence of trace elements and flaws as optical defects. These defects are also called lattice defects. The presence, or even absence, of lattice defects affects its properties. The amount in which they are present also has an effect on the gemstones. Based on these aspects, there are two ways to classify diamonds, namely the consumer way and the technical way.

Most consumers do not get into the technical aspects of gemstones when they buy jewellery. Consumers often classify diamonds into four types based on their appearance. The four types are as follows:

Natural diamonds What do you think of when you hear the word diamond? A white sparkling rock found somewhere in the mines, right? That’s exactly what natural diamonds are! These naturally occurring gems are white or colourless.

Treated diamonds These are artificially enhanced versions of natural diamonds. These gems are mined just like regular diamonds. However, we manipulate their attributes through different kinds of treatments to make them look better. One of the treatments they are subjected to is inclusion filling. In this treatment, special material is used to hide the inclusions in the stone. Another treatment is the colour enhancement. Treatments are usually done on diamonds that cannot otherwise be sold in their natural form. Treated diamonds are sold for dramatically lower prices that their natural counterparts.

Man-made diamonds They are also commonly known as lab-grown diamonds. Man-made gems have become a trend recently. And their popularity is on the rise owing to the fact that they are technological products. With the evolution of technology behind man-made diamonds, their manufacturing becomes cheaper. They are only going to become cheaper in the coming years.

Natural coloured diamonds These are a rarity in the world of diamonds. They occur in a variety of colours, such as purple, blue, red, green, and black. The most common colours are, however, pink and canary yellow.

Type Ia This type of diamonds has large clusters of nitrogen in the crystal lattice. As a result, the stones emit a yellowish tint. The nitrogen atom aggregates, especially the ones in groups of three, absorb blue spectrum wavelength of visible light. Therefore, the light they reflect appears yellow.

SType IIa These are the most valuable diamonds sought by investors and collectors. They are rare and contain negligible or no nitrogen impurities. They form under high pressure for a long period of time. They have an uneven shape. The lack of impurities makes it reflect light as it is and gives it a spectacular appearance. Almost all of the world’s most popular diamonds fall under this type. The Kohinoor is a famous example.

Type Ib These are less common than the other types of diamonds. In type IIb diamonds, single nitrogen atoms are scattered in the lattice structure instead of clusters. This makes the diamond absorb blue spectrum wavelength of visible light. And therefore, these types of diamonds have an intense yellow, brown, or orange colour.

Type IIb Diamonds classified as type IIb lack nitrogen atoms. Instead, they contain boron as the trace element. The presence of boron makes type IIb diamonds conduct electricity. It also makes them appear a shade of either blue or even bluish gray as boron absorbs red spectrum wavelength of visible light. This type of diamonds are also rare and, therefore, very valuable.

Read any write-up on diamonds and you are likely to come across the term 4Cs. What are 4Cs and how are they different from gemstone types? Most people think that the type of a diamond depends on its cut, colour, clarity, or carats. These features that make up the 4Cs are qualities of diamond grading. They are not the types of diamond.

Round, cushion, emerald, princess, baguette, oval, marquise, trillion, etc. are some of the popular cuts used for shaping a diamond. Based on the colour, diamonds are graded alphabetically such as D – F (totally colourless), G – J (near colourless), K – M (with slight tints), N – R (very light yellow), and S – Z (very light yellow or brown). Similarly, these gems can be divided into different clarity grades such as FL (completely flawless), VVS1 and VVS2 (very very slightly included), and VS1 and VS2. Stones of lower clarity come under the grades SI1, SI1, I1, I2, and I3.

As a buyer, collector, or investor, taking your diamond knowledge to the next level only has advantages. Knowing the different types gives you an upper hand to make informed choices. Being aware of both the physical and the chemical properties underlying their classification will help you invest in the right stones.

As obvious as the attraction of gold is the distraction it causes. It can make you overlook important aspects necessary to ensure you are buying it right. Buying gold jewellery online is undoubtedly the easiest way to shop. Or is it? You have a dizzying range of choices, whether it’s in terms of style, quality, and price points. The increasing number of online jewellery retailers is proof of people’s changing buying habits. The wide variety of sellers and the choices can make the experience a liberating one. However, if you don’t know the basics of online jewellery shopping, the experience can be quite confusing. That’s why we give you a rundown of the top tips and tricks for buying gold jewellery online. Keep these golden rules in mind and you will get the best jewellery and the most out of your investment.

First things first! What is the most important thing to remember while shopping for gold jewellery online? The answer is simple – you should know what you are getting into. This means you must familiarise yourself with the terms and lingo used in jewellery. It would be rather imprudent to buy gold jewellery without even knowing what the term karat means. Likewise, you should also know what qualities you are looking for in your jewellery. Are you planning to buy diamond-studded gold jewellery from an online jeweller? Then it is mandatory that you learn about the four Cs, namely clarity, carat, cut, and colour.

There is no dearth of online jewellers, so how do you zero down on one? Here comes a crucial factor in online buying, namely trust. Do your research to choose a seller for buying gold jewellery online. Checking the authenticity of the online seller or retailer can save you a lot of money. Most good retailers are usually old-timers. They have years of experience to vouch for them. And they are favoured by previous customers. To establish trust in an online retailer, you can look for reviews from genuine buyers. Before you even start browsing through a product catalogue, ask yourself if you trust the seller.

The purity of gold in any piece of gold jewellery determines the major portion of the price you will pay for it. Karat is the measure of gold purity and the purest form of gold is 24 karat. You will hardly find jewellery made with 24kt gold as it’s too soft to mould. The most common purities used to make gold jewellery are 22kt and 18kt. If a piece of jewellery is made of 22kt gold, it contains 91.67 % pure gold. The term 18kt gold implies 75 % pure gold with 25 % impurities in the form of other metals. With a sound understanding of the purity standards, you can make better decisions. Plain gold ornaments are typically made of 22kt gold. Jewellers use 18kt and 14kt gold to make stone-studded gold jewellery such as diamond earrings, rings, necklaces, etc.

Imagine that you are buying gold rings or bangles. When you go to an offline store, you can wear the piece and see if it fits. This, however, is not possible when you buy jewellery online. So it’s important that you know the size of your finger or wrists. All good online stores offer a size chart against which you can find out your size. Likewise, when you buy earrings online, keep the shape of your face in mind. And choose a pair that best suits your face. Some of the leading jewellers also offer the Home Trial option, so you can try a piece on before you make the purchase. So, here is another thing to consider – look for a seller with home trial option..

A hallmark on any piece of gold jewellery is the promise of the purity of the metal. Whenever you buy jewellery and wherever you are buying it from, always look for a hallmark certification. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards or BIS is the official agency that certifies gold quality and purity. Along with the BIS hallmark, you should also look for features such:

• The purity code
• The year of marking
• The testing centre's mark, and
• The jeweller's mark.

Guess what makes online shopping so attractive to consumers other than the convenience? Yes, the number of discount deals retailers offer from time to time. Typically, you can expect jewellers to run such offers before and during some of the most important festivals. Diwali, Ramadan or Christmas, you are sure to come across great deals on great collections. Compare different trusted online jewellery retailers while looking for discounts. But don’t let deals and discounts become the only deciding factors for buying jewellery from a particular website. Attractive deals can lure and distract you easily. Don’t fall for them without the right due diligence.

Have you ever fallen in love with a piece of jewellery the moment you saw it? Well, that was love at first sight and it is great too. However, you need to know the online retailer’s refund policy beforehand. Often, jewellery you see online is not exactly what it looks like when it reaches you. There can also be instances where they don’t meet your expectations. Most jewellers offer a window of a few days to return or exchange the items. However, there are some who don’t offer refunds. Know your options before buying from an online jewellery retailer.

Buying gold jewellery online is a great idea as long as you do your research. Make the best of the tools available to educate yourself about a product or a seller. Review different retailers, their websites, and their products carefully. Understand their terms of sale, exchange, return, and refund before making the purchase. Cross-check the quality claims and gold purity with necessary hallmarks and certifications. Never buy gold jewellery online on an impulse. Always do your homework to enjoy the exquisite world of jewellery at your fingertips, no matter where you are.

Amidst economic and political uncertainties, it’s quite normal to wonder if buying gold is a good investment. There are many advantages that make gold a popular investment. Here is a list of factors that makes the yellow metal an ideal option for investment:

Liquidity: The first is its liquidity. You can convert gold into cash almost anywhere around the world. Even if you have bought your gold earrings, rings, necklaces, or any other trinkets from India, it has the same value all over the world. Besides cash, gold’s universality and its liquidity are unmatched. Gold also holds its value and maintains it over time. It is important to note that the price of gold doesn’t indicate its value. This means that even when gold prices decrease, its underlying value doesn’t change much. Unlike gold, which is a great physical commodity, currency doesn’t hold any intrinsic value.

Inflation: Gold is also one of the best hedges against inflation. When inflation hits and prices rise, gold’s value rises as well. This means that during inflation, gold offers a more stable form of investment as compared to cash.

Diversity: Another advantage of buying gold as an investment is the diversity it adds to your portfolio. Having different securities in your portfolio lowers your overall risk. Also, gold’s inverse relationship with currency and stock values makes it diversify your portfolio well.

Universal commodity: The fact that gold is a universally desired investment makes it a universal commodity. Many securities of nations around the world are affected by the political chaos. Such factors, however, doesn’t affect the value of gold.

Never-ending demand: Another advantage of gold is its never-ending demand around the world. Its use in different products, such as jewellery and electronics, ensures great demand. This demand for gold stabilises and further improves its price. Also, as the demand increases, the markets can drive its price higher. Gold gets the financial spotlight for all the right reasons. Perhaps that’s why many investors consider investing in gold a sensible choice.

Although according to usual wisdom gold is the cure for the soaring prices of inflation, its track record is quite blotchy. Along with its many advantages, it comes with many drawbacks and risks too. Before you decide to invest in gold, you should keep in mind that gold doesn’t earn any passive income. Unlike other forms of investments, such as stocks or bonds, you won’t earn dividends or interests from gold as an investment. The only return that you might get from gold is if you decide to sell it when its value increases over time. The physical storage space it requires is another disadvantage. It discourages many investors from buying gold. The additional expense of insuring gold to cover for damage or loss is also a drawback.

The best time to buy gold is when the economy predicts inflation, which drives down the national currency’s value. You can make more profit if you predict such drops early on. The top indicators, including a drop in the stock market and political chaos, might also indicate further deflation of the national currency. Other than that, the reserve bank’s announcements to print more local currency might indicate an ideal time to buy gold as an investment.

Even when the local currency is going strong, and you don’t expect inflation in the near future, there are limited chances of a price rise. However, if you expect an increase in market demand from industries that need gold, potential price pressure can cause price rise. The jewellery manufacturing and electronics industries are some examples that make up the market. So basically the best time to buy gold is when its price is down. And that’s irrespective of the political and economic scenario in the country.

Buying gold is not a short-term investment. It gets returns in the long haul. Although there is no one-size-fits-all rule for what percentage of your portfolio should include gold, it really depends on the market. It also depends on your comfort with its volatile nature, your financial needs, and your investment timeline. Ideally, to buy gold, you should use the same strategies that you would use to manage your portfolio while buying other investments. Careful evaluation and planning will help you with the best gold asset allocation in your investment portfolio.

Gold is a valuable and often profitable investment as compared to many other options. However, it’s wise not to get carried away while buying the precious yellow metal. There are many ways to invest in gold. You can either buy gold directly or in the form of different gold securities. Know your options before you investing. Whatever you choose, weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making a decision. When it comes to reaping the benefits of gold as an investment, being aware of the details makes all the difference.

When you fall in love with a piece of gold jewellery, and decide to purchase it, you don’t just buy the piece, you invest in a design conceptualised by the designer, the effort and the artistry that it takes for the craftsmen to shape, polish, cut and mould that gold into the design you choose.

Pure gold in its raw form is quite soft and needs to be made strong enough so that intricate designer jewellery can be crafted from it. This is usually done by combining the gold with specific metals – each of them make it stronger (and therefore more durable), and they are also used to colour yellow gold into rose gold or white gold.

So, with making charges, you’re not just paying for the design, you’re getting a stronger, more durable piece, with gemstones (if any are used, they are cut to the shape that best brings out the design). The purity of gold (whether 14KT, 18KT or 22KT) and the weight of the gold, all go into determining the cost of the making charges. Naturally, if the design element is more intricate, there will be a greater time investment and artistry that goes into its making, and so, the making charge for it may also vary accordingly.

Crafting jewellery pieces out of a gold bar requires melting gold, cutting it and shaping it into the jewellery piece, in the process it’s possible that some amount of gold gets ‘wasted’. Studded jewellery created also could result in a small amount of gold getting wasted. Traditional jewellers always keep a margin for the amount of gold wastage usually charged to customers at a percentage.

Modern methods and technology used, are generally more efficient in how they use gold, minimising the wastage that occurs while crafting the design pieces.

The myth of the hidden city of El Dorado is proof of how a simple myth can be the reason for mass hysteria. During the early 16th-century, Spanish conquistadors ventured into South America in search of El Dorado. They got a whiff of the myth about the existence of this city made of solid gold. The thought of laying their hands on all the fantastic impending wealth captured their imagination. Trusting this myth led the conquistadors to start an infectious search. While there was no city of gold to be found, the madness for gold did result in tragedy and treachery. All for a myth! You see the danger of acting on myths, don’t you?

Centuries have passed, but many myths surrounding gold prevails even today. Are you an investor in precious metals? Or do you want to do it sooner or later? The first thing you should do is to steer clear of the common myths about purchasing gold. Here, we will bust some of these myths. This will not only help you wade through the sea of deceptive information but also make wise choices.

This is the most common misconception people have when it comes to buying gold. The truth is, you don’t have to be super rich to invest in this precious metal. In fact, the yellow metal is one of those physical commodities you can buy based on your budget. Gold doesn’t decide your budget; your budget decides gold. For instance, if your budget is around 25,000, you could consider buying plain gold bangles, necklaces, pendants, or even gold coins. The best part of buying jewellery as investment is that it has usability.

Depending on your budget, you can also invest in gold in forms other than jewellery. You need to decide on the quantity of gold to buy as per the live gold prices on the day of making the investment. Also, there are many gold investment companies that assist their clients to buy gold down to very small increments. Thus, you don’t have to buy stacks or bags of gold bars or bullions in one go.

This common fallacy is easy to accept considering the recent history. Gold wasn’t always an easy investment in the recent past as it was not easy to store. Even those who could easily afford gold found it difficult to store it safely. And the result? Sleepless nights and countless anxieties! Things have changed for good these days. Now, you can invest in the precious metal without even having to physically touch it. Many gold brokers and also secure, specialised storage facilities do most of the work for gold investors.

The truth is quite the contrary. Smart gold investments often give good returns. Gold can act as both an insurance product and also an investment option against dropping equity prices. It counters lows in the economy and recession periods. Therefore, investment in gold gets due thought by many smart investors. It doesn’t matter if you are joining a gold investment plan or buying small trinkets such as gold pendants or nose pins as a form of investment. Gold is always considered a good investment option, as against diamond or platinum which doesn’t the same resale value as gold.

Every investment has its own advantages and risks. So has gold. But the risk factor doesn’t make gold a less favoured option. When it comes to comparing the risks in investments, those that depend on valuations of paper currency or those in the equities markets tend to be riskier. Gold is a rare natural resource, which is always in high demand. It is also used by diverse industries, including jewellery manufacturing and aerospace, among others. Gold is valuable as a hedge against inflation and riskier traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds.

In ancient recorded history, gold was money for more than 6000 years. The different forms of currency and wealth we know today are fairly recent. And they can all be assessed in terms of the weight of gold. Many key banks all over the world have gold bullions in their safes and vaults. Doesn’t that in itself dispel this myth that gold is worthless compared to cash?

Like any other investment, purchasing gold has its pros and cons. It is just another asset, and it comes with risks. Calling it a safe haven for investment is not a smart move. Gold is quite volatile. Although the risk of underperformance is low in gold bullion, there are instances when it has lost a majority of its purchasing power. To ensure you make wise investment choices, avoid keeping all your eggs in one basket. The same applies for gold investments too.

Gold is quite a powerful tool when it comes to investments. Believing these myths will make you lose the opportunity to diversify your investment portfolio with a valuable asset. Gold offers protection against inflation. It might also provide better returns as compared to many traditional assets. When you take your time to evaluate the many benefits of investing in gold, these myths stand no chance of misguiding you. Debunk the myths surrounding the purchase of gold to become a smart investor and enjoy its benefits.

Make sure that the jewellery you buy has the trusted BIS Hallmark. This is an assurance you of the purity of gold in your product. The diamond jewellery you choose to buy preferably should come with a certificate of authenticity from prestigious laboratories such as IGI, SGL and HKD. Solitaires should ideally carry a certificate of authenticity from world renowned laboratories such as IGI and GIA.

Ask to know if your diamonds are conflict-free and obtained from legitimate sources certified by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

Want to know how the charges of your jewellery piece are defined? Don’t be afraid to ask for a complete break-up of gold price, diamond price, coloured stone/gemstone price, making charges and VAT.

When you buy gold jewellery, traditional jewellers may weigh the entire piece and charge you accordingly but while you exchange the piece, they may deduct the weight of the stone from the total value as impurity. Make sure to get clarity on the exchange policies and the hidden charges they may attract.

At online jewellery sites like ours, we offer Lifetime Exchange & Buy-Back Policy on jewellery. The product and its certificate (original), can be returned or exchanged based on what its current market value is, with some deductions towards the making charges. We also offer a life-time buy back i.e. If you choose to return the product, we will give you a refund 90% of the total amount. A 10% of the amount, subject to a minimum amount of Rs. 1,000, will be deducted towards the melting and recovery costs for the product.

Check the purity: The first step is to check for the purity of gold used to make the jewellery you have your eyes on. The best method to check for purity of gold is to find the hallmarking on the piece of jewellery. A hallmark carries the official proportion of gold used. The official agency responsible for certifying and hallmarking gold jewellery in India is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). So, when you buy gold, always go for BIS-certified gold.

Know the Basics: Now that you know you have to check for a BIS hallmark, how do you go about reading it? Any jewellery with a hallmark comes with a specific number usually engraved with the BIS stamp. It also carries the year of hallmark and a mark to identify the jeweller. To understand what the caratage is, find the letter “K”. This denotes karat or the percentage of purity. For example, if you are buying 22kt gold rings, it means they contain 91.6 % pure gold. You will often find 916 engraved in jewellery featuring this caratage. Stone-studded ornaments and white gold and rose gold ornaments typically come in 18kt gold, which contains 75% pure gold.

Cross-check the price: As important as checking the hallmarking is cross-checking the pricing. The purity of gold determines its price. The price of the precious yellow metal changes every day depending on the prevailing market rate. Jewellery stores across India display the daily rates of bullion for their consumers. To give you an idea about how to calculate the price of gold, discount the purity of gold from the price of the bullion.

Negotiate the Making Charges: Another important step while buying gold jewellery is to negotiate the making charges. Making jewellery involves a labour cost, which jewellers pass on to the buyers. The making charge varies as it’s generally a percentage of the present gold price. You have all the rights to bargain to get the best price on your choice of jewellery.

Now that you know the dos, keep the don’ts in mind too to get the best bang for your buck. Here are a few things you should consider:

Plain gold vs. stone studded jewellery: The first is to avoid buying stone-studded jewellery – such as diamond earrings, ruby bangles, and emerald rings - if you are buying it as an investment. The problem with stone-studded jewellery is that it’s difficult to assess the purity of the stones. If you insist on buying only studded jewellery, check the net weight of gold and pay accordingly. Studded jewellery also incurs more making charges as their intricate designs and patterns are labour intensive.

Cheap doesn’t mean the best: There are more than 13,700 BIS-hallmarked showrooms in India. And there are 435 BIS-recognised hallmarking and assaying centres too. However, there are many areas of the country without any hallmarking centres. Another area of concern is the integrity and quality of some of the hallmarking centres, especially in rural India. This brings us to a related point - don’t buy a piece of jewellery from a store if it’s cheap but not hallmarked. This makes it very important for you to buy ornaments only from a trusted, BIS-hallmarked jeweller. To make your life easy, the BIS website carries an extensive list of the hallmarked jewellers in the country. You can also contact BIS if you are not satisfied and still have concerns regarding a future purchase.

Don’t resell to other jewellers: We Indians have this habit of buying new ornaments by exchanging old ones. It’s best to avoid selling your gold jewellery to any store other than the one you bought it from. Most jewellers have a buy-back policy which ensures you get 100 percent of the net value of gold. However, you will almost always have to drop the making charges from the resale value.

Don’t buy jewellery without bills: Buying jewellery is not an easy task. You have to pay taxes and if you make a purchase of above INR 50000, you may even have to share your PAN details. As a result, many people buy jewellery without a bill from the store. This can land you in trouble, especially when you exchange the jewellery or resell it. Always, we repeat it, always ask for a bill.

Indulge in your love of gold with a little caution and a lot of preparation. Keeping these dos and don’ts of buying gold jewellery in mind will ensure you get the most out of your investment, now and every time.

Does your fiancée prefer classic styled jewellery or does she have more modern preferences? You could opt for a classic engagement ring – a solitaire in a prong setting or go for something contemporary like a white gold ring with diamonds in a gorgeous bevel setting.

What about your husband to be? Men’s engagement rings now come in exciting options – you could play around with styles and metals to get that jaw dropping ring.

If you need additional help figuring out what your significant other would prefer, consult close friends and family for ideas

The big ‘rock’ – a single solitaire, is always a classic, but multi-stone rings in modern setting style also look elegant and sophisticated. Take your time to explore setting options. To create the ‘illusion’ of a larger diamond, the illusion setting is used very interestingly. Smaller stones generally princess cuts are set next to each other to create that stunning sparkle. Or a channel or bar setting feature a beautiful circlet with tiny diamonds, creating a completely sparkling diamond circle, instead of a single stone.

For the couple looking for a theme – couple rings are a great idea. Using the same motifs, each couple ring tells its own special love story.

No longer do couples have to opt for only the classic yellow gold engagement ring. With fresh designs and new setting options, try experimenting with other metals – rose gold for a soft, romantic feel or white gold for a more modern, contemporary vibe.

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is part of your exciting journey together, and as you present your significant other with the perfect ring, the look on their faces will say it all.

For many years, men who were to be engaged followed the ‘three month salary rule’. This rule, as the name suggests, stipulated that a man should spend three month’s salary on the ring he buys for his fiancé. Many men, especially in the West, saved up for months and bought an exorbitantly priced ring. Are you planning to follow this rule?

Whoa! Whoa!

Do you know that the three month salary rule is only a marketing gimmick? There is no hard and fast rule to how much money you should spend on your engagement ring. You could spend all your savings (not a wise move), a part of your savings or nothing at all! Yes, the last only applies to men whose mothers or grandmothers have given them a family ring to propose to their loved one with.

To understand how much you should be spending on an engagement ring, you need to first understand a few other things.

An engagement ring typically has two parts; the metal and the gemstones. When it comes to precious metals, gold and platinum are the most favoured ones for an engagement ring. Gold rings have a traditional appeal while platinum rings have a more modern edge. Between the two metals, platinum is much more expensive. However, it is also more long lasting, durable and less prone to scratches.

Diamonds rings are the most common and favourite picks of many couples. If you want to go the unconventional route, you could also pick emeralds, rubies, or sapphires. These are considered precious gemstones. All other gemstones are referred to as semi-precious stones. No matter what stones you choose there are four factors that determine its value - cut, colour, clarity, and carat.

Cut - A stone can be cut in a number of different ways. When it comes to engagement rings, the round cut, emerald cut, and square cut are the more preferred ones. This is one aspect of a gemstone that you should not cut corners with. The cut of a stone determines how it sparkles and affects the look of the whole ring.

Color - The color of diamonds ranges from clear to yellowish. The lesser the colour, the higher the price will be. For all other gemstones, look for a stone that has a bright, saturated colour. Pale stones as well as those that are too dark are not highly valued.

Clarity - When a gemstone is mined, it may contain natural inclusions. This affects the clarity and luster of the stone. It is also one of the key elements that determine how a stone is to be cut. The clarity of a stone is graded from I1,2, 3 to SI1,2 to VS1,2 to VVS1,2, FL and IF.

Wondering what these terms mean?

The terms I1, 2 and 3 refer to stones that have obvious inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. These should be avoided. SI1 and 2 refers to stones with inclusions that may be visible to the naked eye but are definitely visible under a microscope. VS1 and 2 stands for Very Slightly Included. These inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. VVS or Very Very Slightly Included inclusions are miniscule and are difficult to see even under a microscope.

Stones graded as FL are flawless while those graded as IF are internally flawless. These are the most expensive gemstones.

Carat - Carats and carrots may sound similar but have nothing in common! The carat size of a gemstone refers to its weight. This can range from 0.25 to 5.0. Cut and carat are interrelated. A bad cut can make a stone look smaller while a well cut stone can appear much larger than it actually is.

An engagement ring should be something your fiancé will be proud to wear. Hence, it must be something she likes. For this reason, many men choose to shop for an engagement ring with their partners. If you are planning a surprise proposal, ask her friends if she has mentioned anything about her ideas of an ideal ring or if there is someone else’s ring that she has admired. The preferences of the wearer should be taken into consideration. This will also give you an idea about how money to set apart for buying your engagement band.

Now that you know how the value of a ring is determined, take a look at your finances. The engagement ring is only the first of many purchases that will go towards your wedding and your future life together. Hence, do not empty your savings on this. Think about your current income, your expenses and lifestyle.

If you are planning on buying a ring on EMIs, think of how much money you can afford to put away each month. Remember, at the end of the day, it isn’t the cost of the ring but the moment that will be remembered for a lifetime.

The amount you want to spend on your engagement ring is completely up to you. What we do have for you are a few tips on how to get the best ring within your budget.

Shop around - Don’t settle for the first ring you see. Browse through designs both offline and online. Ask as many questions as you would like and buy a ring only when you are completely satisfied with it.

Shave off a few points - Carat size is one of the largest price influencers. Buying a stone with a round carat size such as 1.0 or 2.0 is much higher as compared to one that measures 0.9 or 1.9 carats. The difference between the two is visible only to a jeweller. Hence don’t feel bad about shaving off a few points on the carat size.

Leave the solitaires aside - Solitaires refer to rings with a single gemstone. Instead of these rings, look for rings with a cluster of stones. These give a similar look at a fraction of the price.

So, are you ready to buy the ring that will mark the beginning of your future?

While platinum may have gained fame recently, it is not a new metal. It was discovered centuries ago, but was not used to craft jewellery until about 200 years ago. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to forge things out of platinum. However, the technique of working with this metal was lost as time progressed.

The metal was discovered once again in the 1600s by the Spanish Conquistadors. This time, people misunderstood it as an unusable form of gold. It was much later that jewelers found new ways of moulding platinum into jewellery.

One of the first recorded instances of jewellery made in platinum was in the French King Louis XVI’s court. It soon began to be associated with Kings and royalty. In fact, King Louis even declared that this metal is fit only for kings.

Platinum is not just the metal fit for kings. It is the king of all precious metals too. So, what makes this metal so special and valuable? Read on to know more.

The dearth of this metal is one of the reasons why it is so valuable. Do you know that it is considered 30 times rarer than gold? To produce one ounce of pure platinum, 10 tons of platinum ore need to be mined.

That’s not all!

Rarity is only one feature that determines the value of this white metal. It has many other properties that make it popular as well. Here are some of them.

It does not fade.

Surprised? Yes, it is true! In its natural form, platinum has a white luster. This may make it appear similar to white gold. However, there is an important difference between how these two metals look. White gold has a yellow undertone and must be coated with rhodium to achieve its white look. With time this coating wears out. Thus, white gold jewellery needs to be re-plated every few years.

That’s not the case with platinum.

It will never lose its shine. Whether it is new or handed down from one generation to the next, it will always shine brightly. This means your beautiful platinum earrings or rings will look as good down ten years as they do today!

It is the purest metal used to make jewellery

Gold in its raw form is 24 carat. But pure gold is soft and cannot hold its shape for long. Hence, it must be mixed with other metals such as nickel or copper. Gold jewellery usually has 58% or 75% purity. That is, 22k is the highest purity of gold used to make jewellery, followed by 18k and 14k,

On the other hand, platinum is a hard metal, so it doesn’t have to be mixed with other metals. Jewellery made from this metal usually has 95% purity. On its own, platinum is hypoallergenic. Hence, jewellery made of this metal is ideal for those with sensitive skin.

It is durable

Some forms of jewellery such as rings and bangles see more wear and tear as compared to others like earrings. For this reason the intricate details of gold rings tend to get ‘rubbed off’ with time.

However, platinum is a dense metal that is very durable. This is ideal for everyday jewellery and will not wear out. The details of a vintage platinum ring will be as clear today as they were when the ring was first made.

It is strong

The strength of this white metal makes it an ideal meat to set diamonds and other precious gemstones. In a prong setting, you can rest assured that platinum prongs will never break or loosen.

Platinum is expensive and hence you must be sure that the jewellery you are buying is in fact platinum. If you are not careful, you may buy white gold or silver in place of platinum. Here are a few tips to help you identify the metal.

The Platinum Hallmark - One of the first things to look for on a piece of jewellery is the platinum hallmark. This is written either as Pt or PLAT. It may be preceded or followed by numbers such as 900,950 or 999 to indicate its purity. In India, most platinum jewellery is marked as Pt950. Also, insist on a quality assurance card with each piece of jewellery you purchase.

The Scratch Test - This test helps distinguish between platinum and silver. Platinum is a hard metal as compared to the latter. When you buy jewellery, run your nail along the surface. If the metal scratches, it is not pure platinum. It may be silver or platinum alloyed with silver.

The Magnet Test - Do you know that precious metals such as platinum are nonmagnetic? So, you can use the magnet test to determine whether the metal you buy is real or not. To test the purity of your platinum, bring it near a magnet. If it reacts, the jewellery is not platinum or is a platinum alloy.

Platinum does not fade with time but it will take on a patina as it ages. With proper care, platinum jewellery can last for generations. Here are a few tips to help you care for your trinkets:

Avoid wearing platinum rings while doing manual work such as gardening. You should also take your jewellery off while handling abrasive chemicals. While the metal itself may not be damaged, this kind of work can damage stones studding the ring.

Store your platinum pendants, rings, and earrings jewellery in fabric-lined boxes with individual pockets. Alternatively, you could store each piece in a small fabric bag. This ensures that your jewellery does not rub against other pieces.

If your platinum jewellery needs to be repaired or resized, use pure platinum stock for the same. Many jewelers use white gold to resize jewellery. This can lead to dark marks along the places where the metals have been soldered together.

Clean your platinum jewellery regularly. For this, all you need to do is soak your jewellery in a warm water and soap solution for a few minutes. If dirt is still embedded in the jewellery, use a soft bristled toothbrush to clean the same.

Platinum takes on a natural patina finish. If this does not appeal to you, you can either have it buffed every year or plated with rhodium. The latter may also need to be repeated every six months or annually.

Now that you know everything (almost everything) about this white metal, why not buy a piece of jewellery made of it. Typically, people buy it to make special occasions. But guess what? Platinum will make every occasion special. So, don’t wait till your wedding or engagement to own a piece of platinum.

You may know a hundred things about the series streaming on Netflix. You may talk two hours straight about your favourite sport or food. Well, well, how much do you know about the world of jewellery, though? The first step of saving money on jewellery is to understand its fundamentals and current trends. So, you need to do your homework before you even start looking for an engagement ring. Understand the difference between size and carats and what makes an emerald cut look better than a round cut. To put in simply, get the lingo used in the world of jewellery. So, look up, read up, and get the basics.

Classic engagement ring designs have a precious gemstone in the centre. For such a ring to shine, the gem needs to be noticeable. However, large stones come with hefty price tags. This is where you should think out of the box. Instead of a single solitaire or gemstone, go for diamond rings with cluster settings. This is an extremely popular setting for engagement rings these days. It features several smaller diamonds arranged in a cluster such that they look like a single large diamond. This setting can be considerably cheaper, yet they look just as good. You can also go for the halo setting where a single stone encircled by a number of smaller stones. This is a classic example of how you can get a stunning ring at an affordable price.

If you have done your homework, you know that there are 4 Cs to look out for when buying gemstones. They are the cut, clarity, colour, and carat; they will impact not just the look of your ring, but its price too. Of these, you can settle for less than the best colour, clarity, and carat but never settle for anything less than the perfect cut. When it comes to colour, diamonds are graded from D to J with D being almost transparent and J being yellow. The difference between a diamond graded F and G is large in terms of cost but visually is not very noticeable. Similarly, when it comes to clarity, unless an inclusion is visible, you can settle for a lower clarity diamond to save some money. The cut is important because this is what determines how light will be reflected and how your diamond will sparkle. In other words, the fire and sparkle of a stone is determined largely by how it is cut. Also, certain cuts (for instance, the marquise cut) will make a stone larger than it actually is.

We all like to think in terms of round numbers but when it comes to buying diamonds and gemstones, sacrificing a few decimal points may be a good idea. A diamond with a round carat value can demand a premium price. However, a diamond that is sized .85 or .9 instead of 1.0 can be much cheaper. Trust us, visually there is little difference and only a jeweller will know the difference.

It needn’t be! Diamonds, especially solitaires, are the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. But they aren’t all you have to choose from. When Prince William proposed to Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge with his mother, Princess Diana’s ring, it wasn’t a diamond but a sapphire that took centre stage. Many celebrities including Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor wore rings featuring gemstones other than diamonds. Picking a ring with your spouse’s birthstone is a great idea. You can go for precious stones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires which will give the ring a vintage look.

It isn’t just the 4 Cs that determine the price of a ring. You also need to consider the amount of metal being used. When it comes to engagement rings, the gemstone is more important. Hence, look for a ring with minimal metal. This allows the stone to shine and reduces your cost too. The prong setting is ideal. You could also look at eternity band rings with pave diamonds. These are tiny diamonds that give a ring a crushed ice look. By lining the band with these diamonds, you will get the sparkle of a big rock without emptying your bank account. Likewise, your engagement ring doesn’t have to be yellow gold. You can also pick white gold rings or rose gold rings, which are the hottest trends in the industry these days.

Your jewellery shopping doesn’t end with finding the perfect engagement ring. At a later date, you are going to have to buy a wedding band to match this ring. So, consider buying both together. This not only ensures that both the rings look good together but can also help cut back on costs.

Diamond rings don’t often go on sale and hence there is no perfect time to shop for them. However, look out for good deals and offers. In India, many online and offline jewellers run great offers during festivals like Diwali, Akshaya Tritiya, etc. Check out such offers and see whether they are worth availing. Buy your ring only from a jeweller willing to give you an authentication certificate. Trusting a non-certified local jeweller just to save a few bucks can be a costly decision. Also, buy a ring only from a jeweller who is willing to give you a money back guarantee for at least 30 days from when you buy the ring.

Finally, don’t be shy to window shop. Cheap jewellery is no good and when you are spending a sizable chunk of your salary on a ring, it better be perfect. Inspect a lot of rings and ask as many questions as you would like. If one salesman doesn’t want to talk to you, find another one who will. Look online as well. Yes- it is safe to buy jewellery online as long as you get a certificate along with your ring.

An alloy refers to a metal created by combining two or more metals. The new metal will have some properties of both metals used to create it. Gold jewellery is typically crafted from an alloy of gold with copper, silver, nickel or zinc. Similarly, silver jewellery is crafted from an alloy of silver and copper, brass or bronze. The resulting alloys are harder, more durable and may have a different color from the initial metal.

Gold in its purest form is 24KT, but it is too soft to be moulded into durable jewellery. Hence pure gold must be mixed with other metals to make it harder and enable it to maintain its shape. 14KT gold refers to a gold alloy that features 14 parts of pure gold and 10 parts of another metal. Thus, approximately 58.3% of the alloy is pure gold. 14KT gold is harder than 18KT or 22KT gold but is lighter in color. Jewellery made in 14KT gold also costs less than its 18KT or 22KT counterparts. It may be expressed as 14KT, 14K or 58.3% on gold jewellery.

18KT gold is the most popular gold alloy used for making jewellery. This alloy contains 18 parts of pure gold and 6 parts of copper, zinc or nickel. In terms of percentage, 18KT gold contains 75% pure gold. 18KT gold jewellery may be stamped as 18K, 18Kt, 18KT or 75%. 18KT gold is usually used for any jewellery that is studded with precious or semiprecious gemstones. Gold with this caratage is relatively hypoallergenic but may bend or scratch easily.

Solid gold jewellery is typically made in 22KT gold. This gold alloy contains 22 parts of pure gold and only 2 parts of alloy metal. It is the purest form of gold used for jewellery. In terms of percentages, 22KT gold has 91.6% pure gold. It may be marked on jewellery as 22KT, 22K, 22Kt, 916 gold or 91.6%. 22KT gold has a vivid yellow color and is much softer than 18KT or 14KT gold. It is rarely used for designs that involve diamonds or other precious gemstones

American diamonds are synthetic, man-made diamonds. They are also known as Cubic Zirconia. These crystals are created using zirconium dioxide and look similar to real diamonds. However, there are a few prominent differences between real diamonds and American diamonds. Unlike real diamonds, American diamonds are not scratch-proof and they do not retain heat. They refract less light as compared to real diamonds and are approximately 50% heavier than their natural counterparts. American diamonds have a much lower price point as compared to real diamonds.

An anklet is a piece of jewellery that can be worn around the ankle. In India, it is also known as a payal, pajeb, pattilu, and nupur. This ornament usually takes the form of an ornamented chain with hooks or clasps at both ends. The thickness of the chain and the elements used to ornament it vary according to design. Some designs may also feature sonorous bells that chime as you walk. An anklet may be worn only on one ankle or on both. In certain parts of India, anklets have cultural significance.

The aquamarine stone is a blue-green beryl that derives its name from the Latin word for seawater. This is a semi-precious stone and can be found in colours ranging from light blue to sea green. Aquamarines are also pleochroic in nature i.e. they display different colours when viewed from different angles. This gemstone is the official birthstone for March. Brazil is the leading aquamarine producer, but it is also mined in India, USA, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. The largest aquamarine mined to date weighed 110kgs.

Bail or bale refers to the top loop of a pendant through which the pendant can be attached to a chain. This is normally placed in the center of a pendant. Bails are usually mass manufactured and attached to a pendant only after it has been made. They are available in many different designs, shapes, and sizes.

A ring of uniform width is known as a band. Bands usually have no raised elements and may or may not feature gemstones. Some bands such as wedding bands may be left plain with no ornamental elements. Others may feature intricate cut out designs or engraved designs. If a band is set with gemstones, the stones are usually the same or similar size. Wedding bands are the most common example of this type.

A bead is a small object that has been pierced through and through. This hole allows it to be strung on a chain, wire or cord. Beads can be made from gemstones, glass, wood, metal, shell etc. Beads are usually round but can be found in other shapes as well. The size of a bead can range from less than 1 mm to over 1 cm in diameter. They may have a smooth surface or be enhanced with etched or engraved designs.

Bead setting refers to a way in which gemstones may be set in a piece of jewellery. This is usually used to showcase gemstones in a series or continuous row. This setting involves making a small hole in the metal into which the gemstone is placed. Tiny bits of metal are then placed over the edges of the gemstone. A beading tool is then used to make the metal look like a bead. Bead setting was first made popular in the late 1800s.

The bezel setting is said to derive its name from ‘Bezalel’, the makers of the Biblical Ark of the Covenant. This setting involves moulding thin strips of metal to the contours of the stone and placing the gemstone into the bezel. The gemstones are them locked into position by burnishing the metal over the edges of the stone. This type of setting may be used for faceted stones or cabochons.

A blemish refers to defects on the surface of a diamond, pearl or any other precious gemstones. This could be in the form of a crack, spot, pit, hole, dull spot, chip, bump or a wrinkle. They may not always be visible to the naked eye. Blemishes affect the clarity of a gemstone and thus influence its value as well.

Bloodstone is a type of chalcedony. It is available in two forms - plasma and heliotrope. Plasma bloodstone is opaque and deep green in colour. It may be dotted with bright red spots resembling blood. These red spots are caused by the presence of iron oxide. Heliotrope bloodstone is transparent and red in colour. Both forms of bloodstone may have a waxy or glassy lustre. This gem is the traditional birthstone for people born in the month of March. It is found mainly in Brazil, India, Australia, China, USA, Russia, and Germany.

Blue Topaz is a semiprecious stone and one of the most popular variants of topaz, a silicate mineral. The presence of iron or chromium can make topaz appear blue. Exposure to heat can also be responsible for the blue hues of the stone. Blue topaz is available in a number of shades ranging from pale blue to a bright, vivid blue. This gemstone is pleochroic i.e. it shows off different colours depending on the angle it is viewed from. The stone can be found in very large size and when polished, it is slippery to touch. It is the birthstone for people born in December.

The brilliance of a gemstone indicates the intensity of colourless light emitted out of the stone. Simply put, it refers to the brightness of the stone. This depends on the way the stone has been cut and the different facets have been polished. If a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, the refraction of light will make the stone appear dull and lower its brilliance.

This is one of the most popular cuts for a diamond. A diamond or any other precious gemstone cut in such a way has exceptional brilliance and therefore, it is said to have a brilliant cut. The shape of a brilliant-cut gemstone resembles a cone with a large face through which the refraction of light can be maximized. A brilliant cut consists of 58 facets including the culet with 33 facets on the crown and 25 facets on the pavilion. The facets on the girdles are not included in this count. This cut is generally preferred when the raw gemstone is mined in the form of an octahedron.

Carat or ct is one of the 4Cs used to evaluate a gemstone. It is a misconception that carat refers to the size of a gemstone. It actually refers to the stone’s weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. It can also be divided into 100 points where each hundredth of a carat is termed a point. The relationship between carat and size may be different for each type of gemstone. For example, a ruby is heavier than a diamond and hence a 1 carat ruby may be smaller than a 1 carat diamond. The price of a diamond typically increases with the carat size, but it is also determined by the cut, clarity, and colour of the stone.

Carat or ct is one of the 4Cs used to evaluate a gemstone. It is a misconception that carat refers to the size of a gemstone. It actually refers to the stone’s weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. It can also be divided into 100 points where each hundredth of a carat is termed a point. The relationship between carat and size may be different for each type of gemstone. For example, a ruby is heavier than a diamond and hence a 1 carat ruby may be smaller than a 1 carat diamond. The price of a diamond typically increases with the carat size, but it is also determined by the cut, clarity, and colour of the stone.

This is a type of setting for mounting diamonds and gemstones. A channel setting is renowned for its clean, well-defined edges. This type of setting involves suspending gemstones between two strips of metal known as channels. In the traditional channel setting, notches are cut into the channel for each stone. The modern channel setting may feature a groove instead. When set this way, no metal is visible between the gemstones which, in turn, give a visual impression that the gemstones are floating. The channels may be taller than the gemstones or be flush with the face of the gemstones.

Carat or ct is one of the 4Cs used to evaluate a gemstone. It is a misconception that carat refers to the size of a gemstone. It actually refers to the stone’s weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. It can also be divided into 100 points where each hundredth of a carat is termed a point. The relationship between carat and size may be different for each type of gemstone. For example, a ruby is heavier than a diamond and hence a 1 carat ruby may be smaller than a 1 carat diamond. The price of a diamond typically increases with the carat size, but it is also determined by the cut, clarity, and colour of the stone.

The term charm refers to a small object that can be worn on a necklace, bracelet or anklet. They usually symbolise significant events in the wearer’s life. Charms may also be worn to keep evil spirits away. They may be made of gemstones, shells, beads, metal, stone, bone, wood etc.

Citrine, a semi-precious stone, is a type of quartz that ranges from being pale yellow to brownish orange in color. It derives its name from the French word citron meaning lemon. Traces of iron are responsible for the color of this semi-precious stone. It is a hard gemstone that may be found in large sizes. However natural citrine is rare. This may be cut into fashionable, unusual shapes for jewellery. Citrine stones are affordably priced and are the birthstones for people born in November.

Carat or ct is one of the 4Cs used to evaluate a gemstone. It is a misconception that carat refers to the size of a gemstone. It actually refers to the stone’s weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. It can also be divided into 100 points where each hundredth of a carat is termed a point. The relationship between carat and size may be different for each type of gemstone. For example, a ruby is heavier than a diamond and hence a 1 carat ruby may be smaller than a 1 carat diamond. The price of a diamond typically increases with the carat size, but it is also determined by the cut, clarity, and colour of the stone.

Clarity is one of the 4Cs on the basis of which a precious gemstone may be graded. This refers to the degree to which imperfections are present in a diamond or gemstone. Gemstones with a low level of clarity have apparent imperfections while those with a high clarity have imperfections that may be visible only under a microscope. These imperfections could be in the form of surface blemishes or inclusions. A 10x magnifier is used to determine a stone’s clarity. Depending on the clarity of a diamond, it may be graded on an 11 point scale as I to FL with I being the lowest. The clarity of a diamond or gemstone impacts its price to a considerable extent.

A clasp is a device that helps join two ends of a bracelet, necklace or anklet together. It can be manually opened and closed. There are many different types of clasps. The lobster clasp is the most popular amongst them. Many pieces of jewellery also use the spring ring clasp and the S hook clasp. Clasps are usually hidden from view.

A cocktail ring is a large, 3-dimensional ring that may be set with precious or semi-precious gemstones. These rings are usually worn to parties and are not considered practical for everyday wear. Cocktail rings became popular in the Prohibition Era as a symbol of female independence. These rings may feature a single large gemstone with a unique cut or a cluster of smaller stones. They may be worn on any finger excepting the ring finger on the left hand.

The color of a diamond is one the 4Cs used to determine its price. The color of a white diamond ranges from being colourless to having a yellow or brownish tinge. On the basis of its color, a diamond of the normal colour range can be graded from D to Z with Z being the bottom of the scale. The more colourless a diamond is, the greater its value will be. Fancy coloured diamonds are graded on a different scale. Color is hard to detect after a stone has been set as it will be influenced by the reflection of the metal color.

Since pure yellow gold is unsuitable for making fine jewellery, it is often mixed with other metals to form more durable and stronger alloys. The metals used to harden gold and form the alloy may influence its color. Alloys created with copper could appear pinkish. This is known as rose gold or pink gold. The amount of copper added determines the shade of gold. An alloy created with equal amounts of copper and gold is known as red gold. Similarly, an alloy created by combining gold with nickel or palladium could appear white in colour and is known by the name white gold. White gold and pink gold are valued on the same scale as yellow gold.

Coral refers to the skeleton of certain marine invertebrates or polyps. Its colour can range from being pinkish white to a blood red hue. The deeper the color, the higher the value of the coral will be. Corals are usually fashioned as beads or set as a cabochon. Large corals are rarely used in jewellery. In their raw form, corals may appear dull but when polished, they can have a rich lustre. This shine may fade with time. Corals are also sensitive to acids.

The method of replicating the natural process by which a pearl is created was invented by a Japanese man named Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893.Cultured pearls are pearls created by manually introducing an irritant into an oyster or mollusc in a controlled environment so that it can become the nucleus of a pearl. This irritant could be in the form of a grain of sand, bead or a piece of shell. Over time, the mollusc secretes layers of nacre to cover the irritant and forms a pearl. Cultured pearls can be classified as fresh-water pearls and sea-water pearls.

The cut of a gemstone is one of the 4Cs used to determine its value. The cut of a gemstone refers to its proportions. This influences the gemstone’s brightness, refraction of light, and sparkle. The ideal cut of a gemstone is one that shows off most brilliance without too much wastage. A smaller, well-cut diamond can often command a higher price than large, poorly-cut stones. Diamonds can be graded as poor, fair, good, very good and excellent on the basis of the way they are cut. More often than not, the term cut also refers to the shape of a gem. Round, oval, cushion, princess, marquise, emerald, and trillion are some of the popular cuts used for shaping gemstones.

The depth of a diamond is one of the two factors that influence its cut. This refers to the total height of the diamond from the tip of the pavilion to the table. This has a direct impact on how light bounces off the facets of the stone. If a diamond is too shallow, the light will pass through the stone and it will appear dull. Similarly, if the diamond is very deep, the stone’s sparkle will be compromised and it will appear smaller than its carat weight. A diamond’s total depth divided by its width determines its depth percentage.

A diamond is a precious gemstone made up of 99.95% carbon. The remaining 0.05% trace elements determine the color, clarity and crystal shape of the diamond. Diamonds are formed when carbon is put under extremely high pressure and temperature at a depth of about 100 miles below the earth’s surface. It is the hardest natural substance and can be cut only by another diamond. Diamonds are valued on the basis of 4Cs or cut, clarity, color, and carat. This gemstone is the birthstone for people born in April and used to mark 75th wedding anniversaries.

A drop refers to a teardrop-shaped ornament. A drop can dangle from a necklace, pendant or earring. They hang just below the base of these pieces of jewellery and hence their range of movement is very limited.

Embossing is an ornamentation technique where a pattern is pressed onto a sheet of plain metal so as to leave a relief pattern. An embossed pattern is raised from the surface of the metal as compared to an etched or engraved pattern. Embossing is usually used to ornament pendants, earrings, and bracelets.

Emeralds are precious gemstones that were first mined in Egypt in 3500BC. This is a type of beryl, the colour of which ranges from greenish blue to a green. The color of an emerald is influenced by trace elements present within it such as iron, chromium, and vanadium. It is a hard gemstone and the birthstone for people born in the month of May. Clear emeralds are rare and hence their clarity does not affect their value as much as it does for other gemstones. Emeralds have a low density and hence a 1-carat emerald will appear larger than a 1-carat diamond. They are most commonly cut in a rectangular step cut because of their crystal structure.

Enamel jewellery is categorized as non-precious jewellery. Enamel can be used to create earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, and necklaces. This refers to a glass paste or powder that is fused to the metal using heat. Baking this material creates a glass-like surface. In some cases, enamel may have a translucent finish. Enamel is available in a range of colours and therefore is ideal for making colourful jewellery without using gemstones. The colours depend on the metal oxides present and the temperature at which it is fused to metal.

Enamel jewellery is categorized as non-precious jewellery. Enamel can be used to create earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, and necklaces. This refers to a glass paste or powder that is fused to the metal using heat. Baking this material creates a glass-like surface. In some cases, enamel may have a translucent finish. Enamel is available in a range of colours and therefore is ideal for making colourful jewellery without using gemstones. The colours depend on the metal oxides present and the temperature at which it is fused to metal.

The term engraving refers to a technique of ornamenting metal. Engraved jewellery features a pattern that has been cut out of metal using hand tools or a drill. In some cases the gouged out area may be filled with coloured enamel. The practice of engraving is often used to inscribe on the inside of a ring or the back of a pendant with dates, names or other personal details. Engravings were very popular in the mid-Victorian period.

Eternity rings can be described as a band with a series of similarly sized diamonds or other precious stones set in a continuous line. The concept of an eternity ring was created in the 1960s. Traditionally, these gemstones cover the entire circumference of the ring in an unbroken line with no beginning or end, like eternity. And that’s where the ring got its name from. Modern variants of this ring may feature gemstones only in the top half of the ring. This makes the ring easier to wear on a day-to-day basis. Eternity rings are typically used to mark a couple’s first wedding anniversary.

Filigree jewellery is made by twisting gold or silver wires into intricate patterns and soldering them in place. This may be soldered onto a sheet of metal or left as is. Some designs may also feature a combination of open filigree and backed filigree. Open filigree is finer and more difficult to make. The origins of filigree can be traced back to ancient Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. In India, the state of Telangana and Odisha are recognised for their filigree work.

All parts of a piece of jewellery except the gemstones, beads, and stringing material are known as findings. This includes catches, pins, lobster claws, hooks, clasps, settings, claws, etc. The term originated from the time when jewellers had to make every element of a piece of jewellery themselves. As a precaution, they drew out a little more metal than was needed into the wire. The leftover bits of this wire were called findings. They could be used to fix an existing piece of jewellery or re-melted and reused. Today, findings are usually manufactured separately and bought at wholesale rates by jewellers.

The value of a gemstone is influenced heavily by its clarity. Any imperfections on the surface of the stone or inside it can affect the stone’s clarity. This is known as a flaw. Flaws include scratches on the surface, blemishes, chips, inclusions, fractures, spots, dull patches etc. Not all flaws are visible to the naked eye. In most cases, these can be seen only through a ten power magnifying glass.

A gemstone without any visible flaws when seen under a 10x magnifier is termed as flawless. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare. Only one in every 5000 diamonds can be said to be flawless. These stones are categorized as ‘FL’. Flawless diamonds are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch very high prices at auction houses.

A gemstone is priced on the basis of 4Cs. These are cut, clarity, color, and carat. Cut refers to the proportions and shape of the gemstone. This is often considered the most important ‘C’ as it influences the color and clarity of the stone. Clarity speaks of the presence of absence of surface blemishes and inclusions. When it comes to diamonds, the more colourless a diamond, the higher the price will be. On the other hand, for stones like emeralds, the deeper the color, the higher the price. Carat weight refers to the weight of a gemstone. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams.

Pearls that have been cultured in molluscs in rivers and freshwater lakes are known as freshwater pearls. These pearls usually have an elongated shape and have a translucent milky appearance. These are easier to produce and hence cheaper than seawater pearls. Many freshwater pearls have unique, interesting shapes. This variety of pearls is measured in terms of grains. One grain is equivalent to 0.25 carats.

Garnets are semi-precious silicate gemstones that are available in colours ranging from red and orange to green. Red garnets are the most common while green garnets are relatively rare. Red garnets do not usually have any visible inclusions. Horsetail-like inclusions in a green garnet can increase the value of the stone. Garnets are the birthstone for people born in January. This gemstone is available in a range of sizes and carat weights.

Any precious or semi-precious stones can be called a gemstone. This includes minerals such as amethyst and organic materials such as pearls and amber. Four gemstones are classified as precious gemstones. These are diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. All other stones are termed as semiprecious gemstones. When polished, gemstones may be used in jewellery. The science of studying gemstones is known as gemmology.

The outer edge of a diamond where the crown and the pavilion meet is termed as the girdle. The width of a girdle may vary at different points along the circumference of a diamond. This may be polished smooth or faceted i.e. have a series of tiny facets that are individually polished. The way a girdle is treated usually has no effect on the diamond’s value or appearance. However, the thickness of a girdle can affect the carat weight and the cut of a diamond. Diamonds with an extremely thin girdle are also more susceptible to chipping.

Gold is a precious metal that is yellow in its natural form. Pure gold is classified as 24kt gold. This is very soft and cannot hold its shape. Hence, gold that is to be used in jewellery is alloyed with other metals. These metals include copper, silver, zinc, nickel, and palladium. Most solid gold jewellery is made of 22kt gold while pieces that feature gemstones are crafted from 18kt gold. The metal being alloyed with gold can also influence the color of gold. The most commonly used gold colours for jewellery are yellow gold, white gold, and rose or pink gold.

Gold plating is a process through which a base metal is covered with a thin layer of gold. Gold plated jewellery is cheaper as compared to gold jewellery but with time, the gold layer may wear off exposing the metal underneath. When buying ornaments plated with gold, their price is not influenced by whether the gold used is 14kt gold or 22kt gold. A piece of gold plated jewellery may be re-plated from time to time but this may be difficult for pieces with moving parts.

Grading refers to the evaluation of a diamond on the basis of its cut, color, clarity, and carat or the 4Cs. In terms of cut, a diamond can be graded as poor, fair, good, very good, and excellent. When it comes to color, diamonds are graded from D being the most colourless to Z. Diamonds that are graded as Z have a tinge of yellow. The clarity scale goes from I1, 2 and 3 to FL. Most diamonds used for jewellery are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. These diamonds have very-very slight inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye.

The total weight of a piece of jewellery is called its gross weight. This includes the weight of gemstones, precious metal, and any other elements present in it. The weight of a piece of jewellery minus the weight of gemstones and other non-precious elements is known as net weight. The price of gold for a piece of jewellery is calculated on the basis of this weight.

The total weight of a piece of jewellery is called its gross weight. This includes the weight of gemstones, precious metal, and any other elements present in it. The weight of a piece of jewellery minus the weight of gemstones and other non-precious elements is known as net weight. The price of gold for a piece of jewellery is calculated on the basis of this weight.

A series of marks or mark that is made on jewellery to certify the type of noble metal it is made of is called a hallmark. This is used to protect the consumer against being duped. Gold and silver jewellery in India is hallmarked by the BIS hallmark. A BIS stamp on a piece of jewellery means that its value has been attested by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This stamp will be accompanied by the year of mark, carat weight and the jeweller’s identification stamp.

A hammered finish can be created on both gold and silver. This can be described as having crater-like depressions on the surface. A hammered finish is popular for the way it makes the surface reflect light and gleam. It is typically achieved with hammers that have different heads. The amount of pressure with which the hammer strikes the metal and the angle at which it is struck determine the type of pattern created.

The heart shape can be described as a pear-haped cut with a cleft at the top. This is considered the most romantic cut for a gemstone. A heart-shaped cut is difficult to master and hence, gemstones that are cut in this way can be more expensive than others of the same carat weight. The heart shape cut is generally reserved for gemstones of a higher carat value. These gemstones are most commonly set as pendants and rings.

Hook clasps are a type of clasp used to bring two ends of a necklace, bracelet or anklet together. The clasp is shaped like a hook and hence derives its name from its shape. The most popular types of hook clasps are the hook and eye clasp and the S hook clasp. In both cases, a hook-shaped clasp is on one end of the chain and a small oval loop is at the other end. To close the necklace or bracelet, the hook must be put through the oval loop.

Earrings that are shaped like a hoop or a ring are called hoop earrings. These hoops may be left as is or decorated with charms. Hoop earrings are available in a range of sizes beginning with those that merely skim the ears to those that almost touch the shoulders. Hoop earrings first became popular in the 1960s and have become a classic style ever since. They are a very popular style of earrings for young girls. There are many different types of hoop earrings such full hoops, half hoops, huggie hoops, latch hoops, and hinged hoop, to mention a few.

The acronym IGI stands for "International Gemmological Institute". This is an organization that certifies coloured gemstone and diamond jewellery. IGI was established in 1975 and is headquartered in Antwerp. It is the largest laboratory for diamond certification. It has 17 offices worldwide including 6 offices in India. IGI also runs professional courses on gemmology.

Imperfections inside a gemstone are called inclusions. Bubbles, internal breaks, mineral deposits, internal grains, and clouds are some of the common inclusions you can find inside a diamond or gemstone. These may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Inclusions may be present from the creation of the gemstone or come into being at a later stage. In either case, they affect the clarity of the stone and its brightness. Most inclusions decrease the value of a gemstone but in some cases, they are prized. For example, spangles in amber and needles in rutilated quartz greatly add to the value of these stones.

The purity of gold is measured in terms of karats. This is also known at kts. Gold is a soft metal and hence before it can be used to make jewellery, it must be alloyed with other metals and hardened. This ratio of gold to other metals is measured in 24 karats or parts. Hence, pure gold is valued at 24 karats. This is not used for jewellery. The purest gold used for jewellery is 22kt gold. This has 22 parts of gold and 2 parts of an alloy metal. As the karat value of gold reduces, so does the price. Gold jewellery may also be made out of 18kt and 14kt gold.

Jewellery is made in many individual parts that must be soldered together to complete a design. Gold jewellery marked with a KDM stamp has been soldered with an alloy of cadmium and 92% gold. This does not affect the gold purity. However, working with cadmium is believed to be harmful for humans. Hence, it is banned in many countries. Today most jewellers have replaced cadmium with zinc or other metals. At Bluestone, we do not use KDM in our jewellery.

Matte refers to a finish that may be given to gold or silver jewellery. This involves putting very minute pits on the surface to create a non-reflective surface. These pits can be created with chemicals or with abrasive materials that can scratch off the top layer of gold. A matte finish is also known as a brushed finish.

Navaratna is a type of gemstone setting. It is created with nine gemstones, namely diamonds, rubies, emeralds, corals, pearls, sapphires, garnets, topaz, and cat's eye. Each of these stones has celestial significance and it is believed that navaratna jewellery can ensure the wellbeing of the wearer. Navaratna jewellery can be designed in the form of rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces, and bracelets. It may be worn by men and women. These gems are placed in a particular order in a piece of jewellery with the ruby – the stone that represents the sun – in the centre.

An oval cut can be described as an elongated round cut with 65 facets. The oval cut was created in the 1960s by Lazare Kaplan. This is rarer as compared to round or princess cut gemstones. The ratio of length to width can vary in an oval cut gemstone depending on the designer’s preference. Most oval cut gemstones have a bow tie effect. A small bow tie effect is considered an advantage while a large bow tie effect indicates a poorly cut gemstone.

Palladium is a soft, silvery-white metal. This is similar to platinum and shares a number of its properties. It is found in North America, South Africa, and Russia. Palladium has a high density and high melting point. Like platinum, it is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion. When soft, it is ductile and can be easily moulded into varied shapes. It is often used to create white gold.

Pearls are organic gemstones. These are naturally created when an irritant enters a saltwater oyster or mussel. The oyster covers the irritant in layers of nacre and a pearl is formed. This process can take several years. Pearls are available in a range of colours with white being the most common. Other colours include pink, grey, blue, purple, green, black, and peach. The value of a pearl can be determined by its size, shape, lustre, color, surface quality, and nacre thickness.

A pendant is a small charm or ornament that is hung from a chain and worn around the neck. This typically hangs lower than the chain. Pendants can be made in many styles and sizes. The most common types of pendants are lockets, medallions, talismans, and ornamental pendants. They may be attached to a chain with a single bail or a double bail.

The peridot gemstone belongs to the olivine family. The color of this semi-precious stone ranges from yellowish green to brownish green. Impurities in the gemstone such as iron traces are responsible for its color. This gemstone is available in a range of sizes and mined in USA, Vietnam, China, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Finland. Grass-green peridot with no visible inclusions is said to be the best quality peridots. They can be cut in a variety of styles. This stone is the birthstone for August.

The traditional unit used to measure mass in India is known as a ratti. In the olden days, this was measured against the ratti seed. Today, the weight of a ratti has been standardised as 0.12125 gram. One ratti is also equivalent to 0.91 carats.

The traditional unit used to measure mass in India is known as a ratti. In the olden days, this was measured against the ratti seed. Today, the weight of a ratti has been standardised as 0.12125 gram. One ratti is also equivalent to 0.91 carats.

Rhodium is a rare metal that is part of the platinum family. It is one of the most expensive precious metals used for making jewellery. Rhodium plating refers to the practice of covering a piece of gold or silver jewellery with a thin layer of rhodium. This increases the lustre and shine as well as the durability of the jewellery piece. In the case of white gold, rhodium plating also helps hide the yellow tinge of gold and makes it appear brighter. Rhodium plated jewellery is corrosion resistant and hypoallergenic. However, the rhodium layer may wear off with time and the piece may need to be re-plated from time to time.

Synthetic gemstones are not fake stones. They can be described as manmade gemstones with the same crystal structure, chemical composition, and physical properties as a natural gemstone. A synthetic gemstone and natural gemstone of the same size will have the same weight. It is difficult to differentiate between natural gemstones and synthetic gemstones unlike you are expert in gemmology. One of the ways to tell them apart is to look for inclusions. Synthetic gemstones do not usually have any. However, finding natural gemstones without any inclusions is extremely rare.

The most common diamonds used for jewellery fall into the VVS1 or VVS2 category. This refers to the clarity of the gemstones. In both cases, blemishes or inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. Thus, they appear identical to diamonds of a higher grade. However, they can be seen when viewed under a 10x magnifying glass. VVS1 grade gemstones have inclusions that can be seen only from the pavilion. VVS2 grade stones have inclusions that can be seen from the crown.

Gold is alloyed with other metals to make it harder. The metals mixed with gold can also influence the color of gold. When mixed with silver, nickel, zinc or palladium, the yellowness of gold in the alloy is reduced. This alloy is known as white gold. It is valued as much as yellow gold. The ratio of pure gold to other metals determines the intensity of yellow. Rhodium or platinum plating is often used to enhance the lustre of white gold and veil the remaining yellow tint.

They say all that glitters is not gold. And true that! The yellow metal is hugely popular in our country. However, many buyers are not aware of the standards of its quality. Naturally, sellers often try to dupe their customers with low-quality gold and jewellery. Hallmarking is a means to safeguard the interest of the buyers. BIS Hallmark is a system that helps you determine the purity of gold and silver jewels sold in the country. It is a certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards organisation in India. The certification given by this body, which is called BIS Hallmark Certificate, confirms that a piece of gold jewel adheres to the standards set by BIS.

In India, hallmarking of gold is not a very old concept. It started in April 2000. Prior to this, buyers didn’t have a sure shot way of determining the purity of gold. Hallmarked gold ensures that the metal used to make the ornament conforms to international and national standards of purity and fineness. No wonder, the BIS hallmarking has become the benchmark of trust for a large number of gold buyers in the country.

In our country, and in many parts of the world, gold is not just a means to adorn bodies. It is one of the best modes of investment as well. Since the ancient times, parents have been gifting gold ornaments to their daughters during their wedding. It is given as a form of security. If you look at it, you can see that gold is an integral part of every wise investor’s portfolio.

But in the absence of any method to determine the purity of the metal, the buyer is always at a risk. As a buyer, you will have to accept the quality of the metal as per the claims of your jewellery. Gold is a precious metal. If you are investing your money to buy it, why not be sure about its quality? This way, you will know that the metal you are buying is worth the money you are spending on it. When you buy gold hallmarked by the Bureau of Indian Standards, you can be about the quality of the metal. So, whether you are buying gold bangles or diamond nose pins or anything else, always go for hallmarked items.

No one can determine the purity of gold touching or looking at it. Even experienced jewellers can’t assess the purity of gold without proper evaluation. Two gold ornaments may be of same design and style, but they can greatly vary in value due to the difference in gold purity. A hallmark certification can resolve all such issues. It can provide all the necessary details and confirm the purity of the gold.

Now, imagine that you are planning to sell your necklace or bangle. Note that self-certification by a jeweller won’t help if you decide to exchange your gold at another jeweller. But if you are armed with a hallmark certification, you won’t have to worry. Hallmark spells trust and confidence in the gold jewellery industry. Not just buyers, even sellers accept it.

No, only BIS certified jewellers can do so. That’s why it’s better to buy your gold items from reputed jewellers who offer hallmarked products.

BIS Hallmark for gold items consists of five components or marks. The presence of these marks on your gold indicates that the metal conforms to the purity standards laid out by the Bureau of Indian Standards. These marks are:

BIS Standard Mark: It is a triangular mark. It indicates that a third party assessor has done the hallmarking after proper evaluation and confirms the purity of the metal.

Purity Grade: It is a fineness number that corresponds to the carat value of gold. The word carat or karat is an indication of the purity of gold. In its purest form, gold exists as a 24 carat or 24k metal. But 24k gold is not suitable for making gold ornaments, so it is often mixed with other metals to form strong and durable alloys. In India, the carat value of gold ornaments usually ranges from 22k to 14k and is measured in three digits. For instance, a 22k gold ring will have a purity grade of 916. It means the purity is 916 parts of 1000 or 91.6%. Likewise, jewellery made of 18k and 14k gold will have a purity grade of 750 and 585, respectively.

Hallmarking Centre’s Mark: This is the mark of the hallmarking centre or the third party assayer that has been approved by the BIS. The mark is embossed on every item assessed and verified for purity at that centre. This is done so that if any discrepancy arises later, the item can be traced back to the centre.

Year of Marking: This indicates the year in which the item was hallmarked. The year of marking is denoted by a code letter decided by BIS. For instance, code letter ‘A’ was for the year 2000, ‘B’ was for 2001, and so on.

Jeweller’s Mark: It is the mark of the jeweller or the manufacturer of the item. Each jeweller certified by BIS has a unique logo that is embossed on their ornaments.

All these marks are clearly stamped on hallmarked items. Are you buying a piece of jewellery? Or are you buying a gold coin? Check the item carefully to see these five marks imprinted on it in tiny forms.

A diamond is a symbol of love, commitment, and investment. It is a precious stone that requires considerable thought; therefore, purchasing one can be a significant responsibility. A large question is whether the creation is worth committing to. Certification is a way of answering the question while ensuring the jewellery's quality, authenticity, and value. A certified diamond or gemstone is graded and evaluated by a gemologist or a gemological laboratory, assuring the customer that they are getting a genuine and high-quality stone. Furthermore, certification provides detailed information about the diamond's characteristics, such as the carat, colour, clarity, and cut. This information enables the customer to make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond and allows them to compare diamonds and gemstones based on the same criteria.

The Gemological Science International (GSI) is a globally recognised gemological laboratory that provides certification services for diamonds and other precious stones. GSI is an independent organisation headquartered in New York and provides services to customers worldwide.

Their wide range of services, including grading, identification, and appraisal of diamonds, coloured stones, and jewellery, is based on the 4 Cs of diamonds: carat, colour, clarity, and cut. Besides a detailed description of the precious stone's characteristics, GSI can detect treatments and enhancements that may affect the diamond's value using advanced technology such as fluorescence imaging and UV light, thus assuring you of the jewellerys standard of purity and trust

A critical difference that sets GSI apart is transparency and integrity. An independent organisation that remains unaffiliated from any players in the diamond industry, the certification prides itself on being unbiased and impartial.

Another significant difference is the level of detail provided in the grading reports. GSI provides a more comprehensive report with detailed cut, colour, clarity, and fluorescence information. GSI also uses advanced technology to detect treatments and enhancements that may affect the diamond's value. Their grading process is centred on its state-of-the-art proprietary software. This state-of-the-art software reduces the chances of human error by automating the grading process, giving customers the assurance they need when purchasing fine jewellery.

When purchasing fine jewellery, we always recommend doing your due diligence and seeking reputable certifications from recognised gemological organisations to ensure you get a high-quality product. Suppose you purchase jewellery without GSI certification or any other recognised certification. In that case, there is a risk that the jewellery may not be worth the price you paid or that the quality of the gems may be lower than advertised. You may also need proper certification to insure the piece.

International Gemological Institute, also known as IGI, is an organisation that certifies diamonds, gemstones, and fine jewellery. It is the largest independent lab in the world for the purpose. The institute was established in 1975 with Antwerp as its headquarters. They have offices spread across the world, including Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mumbai, New Delhi, Tokyo, and several other places. Around the world, certificates issued by this institute instil trust in gemstone buyers and sellers.

When it comes to buying precious stones, trust is a big issue for the buyers. The experts at the institute help you overcome this issue. They carry out full analysis of diamonds and gemstones and provide detailed reports on the same. They analyse each stone and grade them accurately. The final report carries all details about the colour, cut, clarity, and carat weight of the stone. Such a certificate helps you to know in detail about the stones you want to buy. It serves as a promise of authenticity and quality. Buyers from around the globe widely accept IGI certificates as a mark of excellence. The information about the diamonds and gems is stored in their database. You may get a copy of the report if the need arises.

Are you planning to buy a solitaire diamond ring? Or are you looking for gemstone gold pendants? Either way, you can’t overlook the importance of certification. Not all stones are created equal. The value of a precious stone depends on a lot of factors, including its finished quality. The natural rarity is another factor contributing to the value of gemstones. You may find that two diamonds or gemstones look the same. But their value may differ greatly.

You cannot determine the value of gemstones by simply looking at it. Often, gemstones undergo treatments and other enhancement processes. Also, there are synthetic gems available in the market these days. Even an expert in the field needs powerful tools to analyse and find their true value. For instance, a proper analysis can help to find out if a diamond is a natural one or not. It will also help you make out whether your gemstones are treated or altered. A certificate discloses all such things and helps you make an informed choice. So, when you buy that shiny diamond nose pin or the sapphire ring, you will know exactly what you are buying.

Are you planning to buy gemstones in future? Make sure that this certificate is a part of the deal. When you are investing your money, why compromise on the quality? It is the report card of a stone and tells you how good it is. Without it, you are just taking a big risk with your money.

IGI offers three types of reports. They are the diamond report, the coloured stone report, and the jewellery report.

Diamond Report: It is a statement of a diamond’s quality. This report provides an accurate assessment of the 4Cs – the cut, color, clarity and carat weight of a diamond. It is based on international standards. You can get this report for a diamond of any size. At these labs, each stone is analysed by experts using latest tools and techniques. Apart from the 4Cs, the stone is also analysed for any treatment or enhancement. Reports for coloured diamonds and lab-grown ones can also be availed. The detailed report is presented in an easy to understand format.

Coloured Stone Report: This report states the gemstone’s exact variety. It also tells you about the stone’s cut, shape, carat weight, colour, and other details. If the stone has gone through any treatment, you will be able to know about it from this report. This report will tell you if the stone is a natural one or not. You may even get to know about the stone’s country of origin, if you ask for it. Coloured stones are often treated to enhance their beauty and value. As such, it becomes important to have them analysed before you buy them. You will know for sure that the stone you are buying is real or fake.

Jewellery Report: This institute was the first lab to offer such a report. Experts here analyse both the metal and the mounted stones and provide a complete report on the jewellery. Details such as the content and weight of the metal are clearly stated. Also, the stone’s details are provided. These include the stone’s cut, clarity, shape, colour, finish, weight, etc. This means now you can have a complete report on any trinket. It doesn’t matter whether the trinket has diamonds or any other gemstones. You will be able to get a full report without causing any harm to the stone setting. That way you can be sure of the jewel.

The Bottom Line A stone with an IGI certificate will provide you all the details you need to know to make the right choice. On top of that, it will assure you that the price you are paying for the stone is justified. When you are shopping for a diamond or a gemstone, always remember to look for the grading report. One thing to note is that not every jeweller sells IGI certified diamonds. Go for a reputed one that provides you the same. In other words, make it a point to see the report before you buy diamonds or precious stones.

Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories Ltd. (SGL) is an international gem testing lab. This independent lab is trusted by gem sellers and buyers for their reliable gem grading certificates. Here, each stone goes through a complete analysis by a team of experts before the report is made. All the details are given in the report so that the buyer can make an informed decision. Reports issued by the lab are valued for their authenticity.

SGL offers its services through a number of centres spread across the world, including London, Dubai, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, and many other places. Their highly equipped labs use the same process and technology to provide the same standard of reliable report across all their centres. If your diamond is SGL certified, it means you can be sure of the diamond’s authenticity and quality.

Every diamond does not come with a certificate. Moreover, many diamonds look the same regardless of being certified or not. So, why should you bother about a certificate while buying that pair of diamond earrings or nose pins which you want to own so much? Well, that is because a certificate will prove beyond doubt the worth of the stone. It will give you peace of mind that the 4Cs of the stone- cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight are exactly what they are said to be.

Diamonds are precious stones. But even within them, some are splendid and some are not so good to behold. Then there are others who may look like flawless but may not be so. That is why the quality of a diamond needs to be determined through certification. It takes an expert and various powerful tools to analyse diamonds. A lot of things are considered when a diamond is analysed. These include its natural rarity, inclusions, finished quality, etc. Once a diamond is analysed, you can know for sure if it is a natural stone or not, if it’s been treated or not, etc. A certificate tells you clearly about the various aspects of the diamond. So, when you buy a diamond, the deal must involve a certificate. It is the universal language of trust in the jewellery world. Without it, you are at the mercy of sellers, who may not be always honest.

You can get two types of reports from this lab. They are the diamond reports and diamond jewellery reports.

Diamond report: SGL aims to make you aware of the quality characteristics of a diamond. That is why their report includes a detailed description of the diamond’s 4Cs.

Cut: The cut is the most important factor that decides the beauty and value of a diamond. It tells you about the reflective quality of the stone. So, look for a diamond with a high cut grade.

Colour: Colourless diamonds are the most desirable ones. The less the colour, the higher the colour grade! When you are buying a diamond, try to go for one that has a higher colour grade.

Clarity: Most diamonds have slight imperfections known as inclusions and blemishes. Sometimes they are not visible to the naked eye. The clarity grade tells you how clean and free of imperfections your diamond is.

Carat Weight: Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. As the weight increases, the price of the diamond also increases. Note that the carat weight does not impact the beauty of a diamond in any way.

Apart from these 4Cs, an SGL certificate gives you a fifth C: Confidence. When you buy an SGL certified diamond, you will be confident of your diamond’s quality.

Diamond jewellery report: SGL analyses not just loose diamonds but mounted ones as well. Their diamond jewellery report includes details of both the stone and the jewellery. Each such report carries the SGL diamond trust mark. This mark reflects strict diamond quality control.

SGL also provides two other services, namely diamond sealing and lab grown diamond screening. When you buy an SGL certified diamond, you can even verify the report. This enables you to be sure that the report matches the records stored in the SGL report database. You can easily check the report online and clear any doubts that you may have before you go ahead with the deal.

Does It Mean that a Diamond without an SGL Certificate is Bad?
No, that’s not the case. SGL certificate does not turn a diamond into good or bad. It just tells you about the features of the stone. Buying an uncertified diamond is a big risk. A certificate from the lab protects you from such risks. You will be sure that you are paying the correct price for your diamond.

Here’s the bottom line. If you are not highly experienced in buying diamonds or if are not confident about determining the quality of the stone by yourself, go for an SGL certified diamond to be sure of the quality.

Yes, this indeed is a question because the less you touch your diamonds the better it is for them. Do you know that every time you touch your diamonds, oil from your skin is transferred to the stone? Over time, this builds up a film on the stone and makes it appear dirty. You don’t want your favourite piece of diamond jewellery to lose its sheen, do you? So, don’t touch it every now and then.

Yes, this indeed is a question because the less you touch your diamonds the better it is for them. Do you know that every time you touch your diamonds, oil from your skin is transferred to the stone? Over time, this builds up a film on the stone and makes it appear dirty. You don’t want your favourite piece of diamond jewellery to lose its sheen, do you? So, don’t touch it every now and then.

Diamond rings or bangles should also not be worn when applying hairspray, creams or lotions. This can temporarily discolour the diamonds and make them lose their lustre. It is important to note that while diamonds repel water, oils and grease can easily stick to diamonds. This holds true for cut and uncut diamonds.

A diamond sparkles because of the way light passes through it. However, oil, sweat, and dirt can block the passage of light. Thus, unless you clean your diamonds regularly, you cannot expect them to sparkle as they should. Diamonds are easy to clean. All you need is warm water, a soft toothbrush, and mild soap. Do not use toothpaste to clean diamonds. Soak your diamonds in soapy water for a few minutes and gently clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Along with the face of the diamond, also clean the back where dirt is easily accumulated. You can then wipe it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. If you are cleaning your diamond jewellery in the sink or wash basin, make sure that you have blocked the drain before you start. Ideally, diamonds should be cleaned once a fortnight. Do not use any chemicals to clean your diamonds. This can erode the metal prongs or even dissolve it.

Though it isn’t easy to break a diamond, the prongs holding a diamond in place can be broken. Hence, don’t be rough with your diamond ornaments. When cleaning them, do not scrub them too vigorously or put too much pressure on them. For the same reason, do not use a hard toothbrush to clean your diamonds. If a diamond gets caught in your clothing, do not pull it out. Gently disentangle it from the cloth. You really don’t want to spend a day searching the floor for a tiny diamond.

When it comes to diamonds, it is important to know when to wear them and when to leave them in your jewellery box. Though diamonds can be worn even on a daily basis, they are not ideally suited to all occasions. For example, if you are heading for a beach holiday, they your diamond bracelets and earrings are better left at home. This is especially true in the case of diamond rings. Not only can sand and salt dirty your diamonds, salty water can also make your finger shrink and make it easy for a ring to fall off.

Similarly, if you are using bleach or chlorine to clean something, make sure that you take your diamonds off before you start. When deciding whether to keep your diamonds on or leave them at home, pay attention to the way your diamonds are set. Jewellery with micro pave stones can be easily damaged and hence should not be worn during any kind of vigorous activity. It is also avoidable to wear diamonds while you gym or exercise.

Diamonds need to be protected not only against getting lost or being stolen but also against damage. When diamond rubs against another diamond, the gemstones can scratch each other. Similarly, your diamonds may also scratch and damage any other jewellery they come in contact with. Once a diamond gets damaged, there is no way to restore its original sparkle. So it is in your best interests to store each piece of jewellery individually and not to allow them to rub against each other. It is a wise idea to invest in a fabric-lined jewellery case with individual compartments for all your diamond jewellery. Alternatively, you could wrap each piece of diamond jewellery in soft tissue.

With diamonds, you need to look after not just the stones but also the metal holdings that keep diamonds in place. Look at the prongs holding your diamond and ensure that all of them are of equal length. If one of them is shorter than the others, it is time to take your jewellery to a jeweller. A jeweller can also help shine up your diamonds with an ultrasonic cleaner. This uses a vibrating fluid to clean the dirt and grime accumulated on diamonds and the metal. When it comes to diamond studded rings, ensure that your ring fits well. If your ring is loose, your diamond will undergo more wear and tear.

Diamond jewellery is indeed a thing of beauty and a joy forever, but they will remain beautiful only if you pay extra care to keep them so. With these tips, your diamonds can last a lifetime and look just as good as they did the day you first wore them.

It goes without saying that all precious and semi-precious stones must be cleaned frequently. You do not need any special appliances to clean them, though. Most stones respond well to mild detergent and warm water. Scrub them using a soft brush, preferably a baby brush with soft bristles. Avoid scrubbing too hard else you may end up scratching the stone. Rinse the stone and dry it gently with the help of a soft, lint-free cloth. Always rinse your gem-studded jewellery in a bowl of water. Sometimes the stones on a piece of jewellery become loose in their settings. Rinsing them in a sink or wash basin poses a risk of losing such gems.

Almost all precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and others can be cleaned with mild detergent and water. But you should understand a little more about different gemstones and their nature before cleaning them. Some stones are of a sensitive nature. Learn how to clean them before attempting to do so at home. If you are applying any soaking method to clean your gem-studded jewellery, do so with care. For instance, you shouldn’t soak soft stones like turquoise and amber for a long time in water; it may damage their polish and shine.

Make sure to wipe off any trace of makeup from your gemstone jewellery when you remove them after use. A soft pure cotton cloth is the best choice for wiping such jewellery. Do you have jewellery with organic gems, such as amber or pearl? Always use a soft cloth to wipe them clean.

If yes, you need to keep certain things in mind. Ultrasonic cleaners offer an effective way to clean your stone jewellery. But you should take a note that they are not safe for cleaning all kinds of stones. Some gemstones like moonstone and emerald are prone to damage when you clean them in an ultrasonic cleaner. Use it only when you are sure about how and which gemstones are safe to be cleaned in it. When you are unsure how to clean your precious stone jewellery, take them to a jeweller.

All precious and semi-precious stones, by their very nature, are hard. However, not all of them have the same degree of hardness. For instance, diamonds are the hardest stones in the world closely followed by rubies and sapphires. Emeralds, topazes, and aquamarines come next in the hardness scale. Pearls and peridots are comparatively softer gems. On the hardness scale, they are only half as hard as a diamond or ruby.

That is why you should store your gems separately. If you store all such ornaments together, your diamond rings may rub against your pearl bracelet, thereby causing damage to the latter. The best way out is to store them in separate compartments of your jewellery box. You can even store them in different pouches. Keep in mind that some gems like opals and pearls draw moisture from the air. So, avoid storing them in safe deposit boxes. It is best to store such jewellery in a jewellery box with fabric lining.

The harsh rays of the sun can be harmful to not just your skin but your stone jewellery as well. Heat and light can impact a precious stone’s colour and durability. Direct sunlight can fade a lot of stones, including amethysts and smoky quartzes. Some gems like pearl and ivory run the risk of getting bleached due to sunlight. Heat can dry up the natural moisture of some gemstones. Sudden temperature changes and extreme heat can also cause a fracture in some gemstones. So, always take care to keep your gemstones away from sunlight and heat.

Chemicals can be very harmful to your gemstone jewellery no matter whether it is made of gold, while gold, or platinum. And when we say chemicals, we don’t mean a bottle of sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid. Even things you use every day can damage them. Such things include perfumes, hairsprays, cosmetics, lotions, etc. because they all contain chemicals in different amounts. So, it is important that you protect your gem-studded trinkets from your cosmetics box.

You can follow a few simple steps to keep your sparkling beauties away from chemicals. To begin with, make it a habit to wear your gem-studded earrings, bangles, rings, and necklaces as the last item. It should also be the first item that you remove. This will make sure that your gems do not come in contact with any kind of chemicals.

If you love swimming, make sure that you remove your jewellery before diving into a swimming pool. The chlorinated water can do much damage to these beauties. You should keep your gemstone jewellery away from any household item containing bleach, chlorine, and other strong oxidisers.

Sometimes coloured gemstones are treated to improve their colour and clarity. For instance, pearls are typically bleached with hydrogen peroxide. Colourless topaz stones are coated with metal oxides. Likewise, substances like glass and resin are often used to conceal numerous fractures on the surface of rubies and emeralds. Solvents, ultrasonic cleaners, heat, and steam can damage the effect of such treatments.

First, find out if your gemstone has undergone any such treatment. Then take care of it accordingly. As a general rule, all bleached and coated gems should be wrapped in a soft packaging and stored in a dry place. Filled gems should be kept away from heat and changes in air pressure.

And you should do it periodically. Do you regularly use ornaments studded with gemstones? The chances of these stones becoming loose in their setting are high. Losing one or more stones from your favourite platinum rings or gold necklaces is probably the last thing you want. You need to regularly check your stone trinkets to ensure that the prongs holding the stones are not worn down. Take it to a professional jeweller periodically and get them checked for loose settings and damaged prongs.

There are some things that you must avoid doing in order to maintain the beauty of your gemstones. These include the following:

• When travelling, do not carry your gemstones in a single box or pouch. Always carry them in separate cases. Keep them wrapped in jeweller’s tissue.
• Do not wear your gemstone jewellery while gardening.
• Make sure that you don’t toss your gemstone jewellery on top of your dresser or in a drawer. It is possible that these precious stones get scratches when you keep them carelessly in such places.

Gemstones are your precious possessions. They are the best heirlooms you can hand down to your children and grandchildren. Take proper care of them and their lustre will last for generations.

If there is any gemstone that is a living jewel, it’s a pearl. Pearls are nature’s gift to humanity. They are classic, feminine, and iconic gemstones favoured by women across the globe. They flatter anyone and everyone who wears them. However, these gems are as fragile as they are lusturous. Whether the pearls you own are simulated or cultured, they need special care and attention. There are different ways to clean, store, and maintain pearls to make them retain their shine. Giving them proper care can make them last for generations. Here is everything you should know about caring for pearls.

The reason why pearls need special care lies in the way they are formed. A mollusc, often oysters, secretes a lustrous nacre substance on a tiny bead, seed, or particle. The thickness of the coating depends entirely on the creature and the water where it lives. It also depends on how long the particle that entered was allowed to remain in place before it was removed. The more the thickness of the nacre, the greater the durability and quality of the pearl will be. This soft nacre coating is the primary reason why pearls are considered delicate. Pearls with thin, fragile nacre can easily chip off, leaving ugly gaps and cracks. So your pearl rings or earrings will be more easily damaged than your gold rings or diamond earrings. Hence it is important that you give your pearls the care they deserve.

Another reason for the extra care pearls need is the way they are held together in a piece of jewellery. In most cases, they are strung with different types of strings. Such a setting can be seen in a classic pearl necklace, the kind Jackie Kennedy often wore. These strings can weaken, stain, or break if they are not cleaned, maintained, and stored properly.

Being organic gemstones, pearls are highly vulnerable to acidic and alkaline environments. Extreme humidity can also cause damage to your precious pearl trinkets. To preserve their shine, make sure that your perfumes, hair sprays, and other cosmetics do not come in contact with your pearl rings, necklaces, pendants, and other trinkets. As a golden rule, let your pearls be the last thing you put on and the first thing to come off. Your sweat can also cause harm to pearl jewellery. To keep them safe, wipe them with a soft cloth before storing them away for later.

Your love for pearls and your love for rain won’t go hand in hand. If you are wearing pearl jewellery, resist the urge to get wet in the rain! Avoid getting pearl strands wet at any cost. That means you should not wear pearls to the bath or shower. Also avoid exposing pearls to direct sunlight or places with high heat and humidity, such as sauna. Are you planning a holiday on the beach where you intend to enjoy the sand and sea to the fullest? It is in your best interests not to pack your pearl earrings or bracelets.

Now, what to do if your pearls come into contact with liquids that might cause them damage? If you spill fruit juice on them, wipe them gently with a clean, soft cloth immediately. Do the same if they come in contact with detergent, vinegar, or any other strong liquids.

Pearls are resilient gemstones. They are also shock resistant. However, they can get scratched easily if they come in contact with other hard gemstones such as diamonds or sharp objects. You need to store them properly to avoid scratches on your pearls and prevent tangles. The best way to do this is to first fasten pins and clasps on your pearl jewellery. Then lay out each item of jewellery separately. You can do this either in a jewellery box with compartments or by using separate boxes. It is a good idea to invest in a fabric-lined box. If you have to carry your pearl rings, bracelets, earrings or necklaces while travelling, always use a soft pouch. Try to avoid storing pearls for a long period of time. They love being worn often!

No matter how careful you are with your pearl jewellery, some of their parts might come loose over time. Always ensure that you check and inspect different parts of the jewellery before wearing them. The different parts in ornaments that need attention include prongs holding the pearls, screws of brooch pins and earrings, clasps on necklaces, etc. Even if pearls on your jewellery are strung with the best silk threads, they can stretch and loosen over time. They can also break suddenly. To avoid losing pearls to unforeseen thread accidents, get your pearls restrung yearly.

You don’t always need an expert to clean your pearls. You can easily do it at home. Lay the jewellery flat on a soft, clean cloth. Make a solution with mild soap and warm water. Using a clean (ideally new), soft brush, gently apply this solution on the ornament. Scrub gently without pulling or pushing the strands. Turn it over and repeat the process. To rinse the soap off your jewellery, submerge it in cool tap water for not more than five minutes. Remove it from the water and let it air dry on a fresh towel. Ensure that for drying too you lay it out just the way you did in the first step. Don’t disturb the jewellery until it’s completely dry.

Stringing is one of the most important ways to take care of pearl jewellery, especially necklaces. If you notice the pearl strands of your jewellery are beginning to loosen, make it an annual practice to get them restrung. The most common materials used for stringing pearls are nylon or silk beading threads. When you are getting your pearls strung or restrung, you can get the strands knotted between beads. Knotting provides maximum protection for pearls—you lose only one bead no matter where the necklace breaks. If you’re not knotting between each pearl on the strand, ensure there are knots after the first few pearls on either side of the clasp. These areas are the most prone wear and tear, and breakage.

This is going to be a list of several “nevers” that will help you keep your pearls clean and radiant.

• Never use hard brushes, such as a toothbrush, a scouring pad, or any rough material for cleaning your pearls or pearl jewellery.
• Never use steam to clean your pearls.
• Never use chemicals or any commercial cleaning material with chlorine bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. These liquids can damage pearls.
• Never expose your pearls to extreme heat. Avoid keeping them near a direct source of heat, including a stove, on top your TV, or on a fireplace mantle.
• Never store pearls in plastic bags. The chemicals that plastic emits can damage the glossy coating on pearls.
• Never store pearls in bank lockers or storage boxes for a long time. Pearls get dehydrated when they’re locked up for a long time.

Pearls are beautiful gemstones. Wear your pearl jewellery more often, and flaunt them whenever you can. If you follow the right methods to clean, store, and maintain them properly, you can be sure that they will last you a lifetime.

Diamonds are probably the most popular gemstone in the world of jewellery but if you are looking for something that symbolises love and passion, rubies are your perfect pick. From rings and necklaces to bangles and pendants, these crimson beauties are used for making a wide range of jewellery. One of the most significant aspects of a ruby that affects its look and price is its colour which ranges from bright red to reddish brown, depending on the element of chromium present in it. The colour, value, and hardness of the stone has earned it the title Ratna Raj or the King of Gemstones, and rightly so.

While the cut of a ruby does influence the colour and its appeal, the way you handle it also makes quite a difference. Do you own a piece of ruby jewellery? Here are a few tips on how to take care of it.

Rubies are such beauties that you might want to touch and feel them every time you look at your jewellery. Wait before you do that! The oil on your hands is something that goes unnoticed. When you touch gemstones like rubies, this oil is transferred to your jewels. With time, it forms a thin film of grime. This alters the colour and brilliance of your rubies. Therefore, you shouldn’t touch your ruby jewellery every now and then. Keep them safe away from dirt and oil and touch them only when you absolutely have to. Good to see, good to wear, but keep your fingers off it!

Even with minimal touch, grime does build on a ruby. Thankfully, these red gemstones are easy to clean. You don’t need highly sophisticated equipment to clean your ruby jewellery. All you need is a bowl, warm water, gentle detergent, and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Dilute the soap in warm water and soak your jewellery in it for a few minutes or even overnight. This will loosen the dirt and oils. Then, use the toothbrush to clean the crevices of your jewellery and wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth. Don’t forget to clean the inner side of your jewellery as this comes in contact with your skin the most. Do not use abrasive cleaners or toothpaste to clean ruby ornaments. Ideally, you should clean them at least once a month. Additionally, you may also choose to have them polished and cleaned by your jeweller once in a while. When you own something as precious as rubies, you wouldn’t want them to lose their lustre, would you?

You should wear your jewellery only after you have finished getting ready. Your jewellery should be the last thing you wear before you leave the house for a party or to the office. Even perfume should be worn before you wear any jewellery. This ensures that your rubies have minimal contact with creams, lotions, moisturisers, and perfumes. This is important because like the oils on your skin, these lotions can create a film over the jewels and make them look dirty. When you come home, the first thing you should do is to take off your jewellery and put it back in your jewellery box.

Rubies are part of the corundum family. They are stable gemstones that are resistant to normal conditions such as heat and light. However, even a mild acid like lemon juice can damage the surface of a ruby. The amount of damage an acidic substance can cause is higher for rubies with fractures or cavities or dyed stones. Similarly, boric acid can cause damage to the surface of treated and untreated rubies. Hence, make sure you take your ruby rings and bangles off before getting around to doing your chores.

How your jewellery is stored also affects their life and sparkle. It is not advisable to store your jewellery in a bag or plastic container. Instead, invest in a fabric-lined box with individual compartments for your ruby earrings, plain gold rings, diamond and gemstone necklaces, platinum pendants, etc. As far as possible your jewellery should always be stored flat. This reduces the risk of them rubbing against any other jewellery. While a ruby itself is a hard gemstone, it can cause damage to other ornaments when they come into contact. At times, it can even damage the prongs holding the rubies in place. As a result, your ruby may fall out of its setting.

Every time you take your jewellery off, you should inspect it for any damage. Even though a ruby is hard, hitting it against a rough surface can cause the stone to chip or fracture. However, damage to the prongs is more common. Ensure that all the prongs holding the rubies in place are of an equal length and none of them are loose. When it comes to ruby rings, ensure that your ring is never too loose. This may seem insignificant but if a ring does not fit you well, it may fall off your fingers thereby causing damage to the stone. If your ring is loose, take it to a jeweller who can resize it for you.

When a ruby is set in a piece of jewellery, it is difficult to differentiate between a real ruby and a fake one with our naked eyes. Hence, if your ruby needs to be refitted, it is advisable to have it fitted in front of you. This ensures that it is not replaced with an inferior stone. While you are at the jeweller, ask them to take a look at the metallic part of your jewellery. The shine of gold or platinum can also affect the look of your rubies. White gold rings, earrings, bangles, etc. need to be periodically re-plated with rhodium so that it complements the colour and lustre of rubies.

As you can see, taking care of your rubies is not difficult. With these tips, your rubies will sparkle like new for years. So, let them shine, shine forever!

Before we start talking about the tips and tricks of cleaning gold ornaments, it’s important that we understand the factors that cause them damage. There are many reasons why both new and old gold trinkets lose their shine over time. The primary culprit why your gold trinkets lose their natural sheen is – yes, you guessed it right - regular use. The more and longer your wear them, the more they lose their sheen and glitter. But that’s not all. From dirt to cosmetics and everyday chemicals, there are many factors that affect gold’s natural shine. Even the perfumes your wear and moisturisers you apply on your body can damage your gold accessories.

Then there are some reasons owing to the chemical composition of the gold used for making your jewellery. As you know, the purest form of gold or 24k gold is extremely soft. To make it sturdy enough to use in the making of ornaments, it’s mixed with other metals such as nickel, palladium, silver, zinc, and manganese. Based on the ratio of gold to other metals, you get different purities of gold such as 22k, 18k, and 14k. Gold is an inert metal and doesn’t tarnish on its own. But the other metals mixed with it react on exposure to oxygen and air moisture. These reactions can make your gold jewellery dark or discoloured. The discolouration depends on the metal used to form the gold alloy.

Yes, you heard it right. You don’t have to make a trip to your local jeweller every time your gold chains or earrings start losing its sheen. One of the easiest and the most effective way to clean your gold ornaments is by using water and soap. Don’t be sceptical! A simple soap and water solution is all you need to clean plain gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, bangles, and other ornaments. Cleaning your plain gold jewellery with soap water rids it of accumulated dirt and oils. This method is one of the fastest ways to restore your gold jewellery’s shine without any hassles.

However, remember that you shouldn’t use this method to clean gemstone-studded pieces. We will get to that later. So how do you clean your plain gold ornaments with soap and water? Here you go.

• First, take a bowl and fill it with warm water. Add mild soap and mix to form a solution. You can use mild detergents or a few drops of dishwashing liquid to make the solution.
• Dip your gold jewellery into this mixture. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes
• Next, rinse with cold water and lay it flat on a soft, clean, and dry cloth or towel. Let it air dry completely.
• You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt from the nooks and crannies. Don’t rub the jewellery hard, though.
• Don’t forget to store it safely and properly, preferably in a jewellery box.
• This soap-water-brush method can be used for cleaning jewellery made of yellow, white, and rose gold.

ALERT: Don’t use boiling or freezing cold water. Instead of tap water, you can also use sodium-free seltzer water or club soda. These carbonated liquids will loosen up the dirt accumulated in your jewellery. Alternatively, you can use a jewellery cleaning solution from a professional jeweller.

Gold jewellery studded with gemstones is a pure delight to own and wear. From precious stones like diamonds and rubies to semi-precious varieties such as topazes and tourmalines, any gemstone adds to the beauty of gold. Although you can use soap water solution, never soak gemstone-studded jewellery in water. Soaking it can trap water in the setting and make it rust or discolour over time. Instead, rinse it and use a very soft toothbrush, perhaps a baby toothbrush to clean it. Before washing, check your ornament and ensure that it doesn’t have any loose stones. After washing, let it dry completely before storing. You should make sure that the water is not hot, especially if your jewellery contains fragile gemstones like opals.

Tried every home remedy to clean your gold ornaments without any results? If your diamond rings or sapphire pendants still look discoloured or dark, it might need more than your household items. The next level of cleaning is machine cleaning. Many jewellers have the automatic jewellery-cleaning equipment to clean ornaments of all sizes and types. It can be an ultrasonic cleaner, a steam cleaner, or an ionic one. They might be the right people to advise whether either of these techniques is safe for your ornament. If it is, then let them clean your gold for you.

Things to Keep in Mind for Cleaning Gold Jewellery

• To ensure the longevity of your gold jewellery, you should be extra careful while cleaning it. Never use any cleaner, solid or liquid that contains bleach. It can permanently discolour gold. Pay extra attention to items studded with precious gemstones.
• Also, always use a bowl to clean your gold trinkets. Never wash them directly under tap water in the sink or wash basin. If you are rinsing the ornaments in the sink, make sure that the drain is covered. You don’t want your favourite ring or earring to end up in the drainage, do you?
• When rinsing your gemstone gold jewellery, do not allow the tap water to flow in a powerful stream.

Gentle cleaning can help your plain gold and gemstone-studded pieces retain their natural sheen. Whenever you are in doubt, visit a trusted jeweller.

When platinum is polished, it attracts things like fingerprints easily. This can make your jewellery look grimy and reduce its shine. And the solution to this problem? Simple! Don’t touch your platinum jewellery every now and then. When wearing your jewellery try and handle it by the sides.

Do you have the habit of wearing your jewellery first, even before you wear your perfume and cosmetics? Well, it’s about time you change that habit. Chemicals in your cosmetics and perfumes can leave a residue on the metal. Make sure that you wear your platinum ornaments only after you have finished getting ready. As a general rule, they should be the last thing you wear and the first thing you remove. Likewise, those who wear platinum rings take it off before washing or moisturising your hands.

Don’t you look so much fresher after you have washed your face? Similarly, platinum also looks brighter when it’s clean. Dirt may not harm the metal but will make it appear dull and lifeless. Hence, your everyday platinum trinkets, such as platinum earrings or chains, should be cleaned at least once a fortnight. To clean your platinum jewellery all you need to do is to soak your jewellery in a diluted detergent solution for a few minutes. This will help remove dirt and grime. This applies to all types of jewellery made of platinum, without any stone embellishments.

However, if your jewellery is mounted with gemstones such as topaz, opal, emerald or tanzanite, do not let it soak in water. To clean the crevices and intricate elements of your jewellery, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Follow this up by rinsing your jewellery in clean water and drying it with a lint-free cloth. Believe it or not, in less than 10 minutes, your platinum jewellery will have a renewed sparkle! You can also buy a jewellery cleaning solution from your local jeweller. Do not use toothpaste, baking soda or any other such products to clean your jewellery.

Platinum is a hard metal but this does not make it free from scratches. Thus, avoid storing your platinum jewellery with other ornaments. When many pieces of jewellery are stored together in a single box, they rub against each other, thereby causing scratches and other damages. Instead, store your jewellery flat in a fabric-lined box. It is best to invest in a storage box with individual compartments for the different pieces of jewellery. Alternatively, you could wrap each piece of jewellery in soft tissue paper or store them in individual fabric bags.

Platinum jewellery may suit all occasions but it does not suit all activities. If you plan on cleaning your home, put your platinum rings and bangles away before you start. Abrasives and chemicals such as bleach can mar its beauty and discolour diamonds and gemstones. You should also avoid wearing such jewellery, especially stone-studded ones, while doing labor-intensive work or gardening.

Age not only affects your looks, it can also affect the look of your platinum jewellery. However, this precious metal ages differently than many others. With time, this precious metal takes on the look of a soft aged patina, which makes your ornaments appear darker than before. Many people consider this as a unique feature of the metal and prefer the rich finish of patina. However, others may prefer to have their platinum sparkle like brand new, forever. If you belong to the second category, you can choose one of the two options - buff your jewellery or plate it with a fresh coating of rhodium.

Buffing your platinum jewellery will renew its sparkle by removing the layer of patina and scratches. This lustre can last for anywhere between 6 months and a year. Rhodium plating involves plating your platinum jewellery with a thin layer of rhodium. Rhodium shares the lustre and sheen of platinum and has a highly reflective sheen. This too will last for around 6 months to a year.

How your jewellery is stored also affects their life and sparkle. It is not advisable to store your jewellery in a bag or plastic container. Instead, invest in a fabric-lined box with individual compartments for your ruby earrings, plain gold rings, diamond and gemstone necklaces, platinum pendants, etc. As far as possible your jewellery should always be stored flat. This reduces the risk of them rubbing against any other jewellery. While a ruby itself is a hard gemstone, it can cause damage to other ornaments when they come into contact. At times, it can even damage the prongs holding the rubies in place. As a result, your ruby may fall out of its setting.

It is a good idea to have your platinum jewellery inspected by a jeweller once or twice a year. If your jewellery has gemstones, your jeweller will check for unequal prongs and damage to any of the prongs. You can also have the loose stones checked and fixed securely in their setting. Your jeweller can also polish your jewellery and help it shine. If you need your ring to be resized, ensure that the jewellery uses platinum and not white gold for the same. If white gold is used, your ring will have dark markings where the two metals have been soldered.

You have indeed taken a wise decision by investing in platinum jewellery. Now all you need to do is to keep them beautiful. Follow the above mentioned tips and your ornaments will keep shining, forever.

It is unlikely that you take off your nose pin every time you moisturize your face or put your make up on. Unlike other jewellery that is typically the last item you wear, a nose ring is more or less a semi-permanent fixture. Thus, it is the most easily dirtied piece of jewellery. When diamonds get dirty, they cannot reflect light properly which, in turn, affect their shine and sparkle. This makes your stone look dull and old.

• If your piercing is recent, clean your nose pin sparingly. But later on, your diamond nose pin should be ideally cleaned once a fortnight.
• It is also a good idea to clean it every few days if you have a cold or if you are down with the flu.
• Do not use toothpaste or any other such abrasive chemicals to clean your diamonds. These chemicals will not harm the diamond itself but may damage the gold prongs holding it in place.
• Also, do not exert too much pressure on the stone while cleaning it. Diamond nose pins are delicate and a little extra pressure can bend a prong or break it thereby making it easier for your diamond to fall out.

Cleaning this piece of jewellery is easy. The things you need are warm water, mild detergent, soft-bristled tooth brush, and a piece of lint-free fabric.

Firstly, if you are clearing your jewellery over the bathroom sink, make sure that you block the drain. Dilute a gentle detergent with water and soak your nose pin in it for a few minutes. This will help loosen the grime. You can then use a toothbrush with baby bristles to brush off the residual dirt. Follow this by rinsing the nose pin in clean water. A lint-free piece of fabric can be used to dry the nose pin after which you can put it back on.

Diamonds are the hardest gemstones available on earth and hence have a very low risk of breaking or fracturing. However, a diamond can easily scratch other gemstones. Hence, do not store your diamond nose pins in a bag worth any other jewellery. Instead, invest in a box with fabric lining. It is a good idea to look for a jewellery box with individual compartments for each piece in your collection. Given the value of your jewellery this is a wise investment.

Alternatively, you could store your nose pins in individual packets or wrap each nose pin in tissue papers. A ring box can also be easily repurposed to store nose pins. When handling your jewellery, do not touch the stone but rather handle it by the gold edges.

Though your nose pin is literally in front of your nose, you may not really look at it unless you are cleaning it. Hence, every time you take it off, take a close look at the prongs and the diamonds. See that all the prongs are of an equal length and that none of the prongs are missing. If you do notice loose stones, take your nose pin to the jeweller as soon as possible. Your jeweller will be able to decide whether the prongs can be fixed or if the diamond needs to be reset. In case your diamond needs to be reset, it should ideally be done in front of you. This way, you don’t have to worry about your genuine diamonds being replaced with ones of inferior quality.

It is indeed a good idea to take your diamond nose pin for professional jewellery cleaning once in a while. Your jeweller may also be able to clean it with an ultrasonic cleaning machine. This uses low-frequency sound waves to get rid of any grime that may have got embedded into the setting and is difficult to remove at home. If you want some extra sparkle, get the metal prongs that hold the diamond polished. While this does not directly affect the sparkle of a diamond, it does make the entire piece appear brighter.