Today, necklaces and pendants are available in thousands of styles, this article will help guide you choose the ideal neckpiece for the occasion by considering two key factors: design and size.

Design:
As necklaces are worn to accent an outfit or a set of jewelry look to match the metal colors or gemstones of any jewelry she already wears. The safest bet when it comes to a necklace gift is a diamond solitaire as it compliments nearly every outfit and taste in style.

Length:
Necklaces and gold chains for pendants come in a variety of sizes ranging from 12” to 36” and beyond.
The most standard sizes are 16-18” as the chain will hang down below the collar bone and above the chest line.

At Mark Broumand we carry a wide variety of necklaces and pendants to suite nearly every occasion and budget.

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Sleek and Sexy. Elegant and sophisticated. These are words commonly used to describe the sublime beauty of an emerald cut diamond. Even though the cut has existed for over a century and enjoyed a boom in popularity during the art deco era, it exudes a perpetually modern appeal.

Description of cut

The cut itself is relatively simple when compared to other fancier diamond cuts. The cut is usually a rectangle, the ratio of which can vary from stone to stone, and features a step cut faceting on the underside with angled corners. The result is a large open table (top area of diamond) the serves as a clear window straight to the bottom of the stone. If you’re searching for a classically shaped emerald cut diamond, look for a length to width ratio between 1.30 to 1.40.

Tips on buying emerald cut diamonds

When shopping for an emerald cut diamond, it’s highly recommended that you select a clean stone, free of large imperfections. For diamonds SI clarity or lower, check to see where the imperfections on the diamond are located, ideally they will be towards the edges or corners of the stone where they can be hidden by the facets.

View our collection of emerald cut diamond rings

	8.34ct Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring This incredible 7.53ct Emerald Cut Diamond is one of those extremely rare diamonds you won’t see anywhere else in the world! It is extra white in color and pretty much FLAWLESS. It is certified by GIA at H-VVS1! It is accented perfectly by two large tapered baguette diamonds totaling 0.81ct bringing the total carat weight to 8.34ct!!
	5.25ct Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring This exceptional Emerald Cut Diamond will captivate you in every way possible. It is a very rare Emerald Cut Diamond that weighs 5.25ct. It is certified by GIA (one of the leaders in diamond grading) at G-VS2 – Perfectly white and very clear!
	3.27ct Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring This is a very special diamond. It is certified by GIA (one of the leaders in diamond grading) at G-SI1 – White and clear. The reason why this diamond is so special is because the reason GIA graded it at an SI1 is due to a small white feather that is on the bottom of one of the corners of the diamond.It is impossible to see, even under 10X magnification! Other than that the diamond is like a VS1!

The most common color diamonds are found in are earth tones, browns and warm yellows. However under some very rare conditions, over tens of thousands of years, diamonds can be created that sparkle in intense yellow or feature a deep pink hue. The rare colors are caused by combinations of various elements, heat or radiation.

Intense yellow diamonds: For a diamond to be formed with an intense yellow color, the gem must contain trace amounts of nitrogen. It’s important not to mistake the dull yellow of a common brownish stone with the intense yellow of what is commonly referred to as a canary diamond.

In the jewelry industry this yellow color is graded on a 9 point scale

• Faint
• Very Light
• Light
• Fancy Light
• Fancy
• Fancy Dark
• Fancy Intense
• Fancy Deep
• Fancy Vivid

Fancy yellow diamonds, rare as they are, have been gaining popularity and are gradually becoming more and more available in the jewelry trade.

At Mark Broumand, we’re glad to carry a fine collection of beautiful and rare fancy yellow diamond engagement rings and jewelry. Below are a few of our favorites in our collection.

View our fancy yellow diamond engagement rings collection.

	1.87ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring The gorgeous 1.02ct Cushion Cut Diamond set in the center is certified at Fancy Yellow – VS2 – It has a very vibrant yellow color and it is very clear! 1.87ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring The gorgeous 1.02ct Cushion Cut Diamond set in the center is certified at Fancy Yellow – VS2 – It has a very vibrant yellow color and it is very clear!
	2.58ct Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring The center features a 1.53ct Facy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond. It is certified at VS1 in clarity. It is very clear, the cut is exceptional and the color is so rich and beautiful!
	3.03ct Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring The gorgeous 2.08ct Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond set in the center of this ring is VS1 in clarity (extremely clear) and has a tremendously beautiful cut that gives off unbelievable brilliance.
	2.27ct Fancy Vivid Yellow Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring This 2.27ct Round Diamond is certified through GIA (one of the leaders in diamond grading) at Fancy Vivid Yellow, Even – VVS2 – An extremely deep and vibrant canary yellow color and practically flawless!

Diamonds are a terrific form of alternative investment

Today, with the world economy on shaky ground, a few standout investments have been gaining popularity. Art, for example has remained a fairly stable investment.

One of the most seriously underutilized
alternative investments is diamonds.

Reasons you should consider investing in diamonds

• Since 1934 DIAMOND prices have increased more than the rate of inflation thereby protecting the real value of capital. In recent years diamond prices increased during a benign inflationary period, thereby offering solid capital protection in addition to capital growth.
• Diamonds are the most concentrated form of storing wealth. They also offer you financial privacy not available elsewhere.Unlike other financial investments a diamond investor has 100 percent direct ownership of a portable tangible asset of proven value.
• Diamonds require no ongoing management or up keep .They do not incur property taxes or require liability insurance. Unlike commodities and other investments, diamonds are insulated from the daily fluctuations of the markets and are not as likely to reflect sharp price changes. The international demand for collectible diamonds greatly exceeds the supply.

Diamonds have performed consistently well throughout economic downturns and today continue to be a top choice among investors. Diamonds, unlike many other alternative investments, retain their value even when the rest of the economy bottoms out. The value of diamonds has been climbing even higher in the last decade. Just five years ago, the average retail per-carat price of a ten-carat colorless diamond was $70,000. Today, it is more than $200,000 per carat.

Additional reasons that Diamonds are such a great investment choice is their almost-guaranteed rarity. Diamonds are rare and getting rarer every year. An investment in diamonds will grow in value as the world’s supply of diamonds decreases. There is an almost universal belief that diamonds have enduring value. When asked by outsiders about “investing” in diamonds, I always said to invest in a beautiful stone or piece of diamond jewelry like you would in a beautiful piece of art or fine furniture: because you love it and it will bring you pleasure to look at it and use it.

History of the cushion cut diamond

The famous Alnatt Cushion Cut Diamond

The cushion cut diamond enjoyed a tremendous amount of popularity throughout most of the nineteenth century and well into the early twentieth century. The cut was based on what is now referred to as an “old mine cut”, a diamond with 33 crown facets and 25 pavilion facets. The cushion cut has a similar depth, but features 64 instead of 58 facets; a square cut and rounded corners.

The charm of the cushion cut was not it’s fiery sparkle but rather in it’s glistening luster. A deep shine that shimmers much like the wind rippled surface of a lake during sunset. It’s this unique shine that gives the stone a romantic appeal.

Overtime the cushion cut as evolved to maximize both that romantic luster while adding more fire and sparkle. The result is a unique checkerboard faceting that gives modern cushion cuts a unique and remarkable brilliance.

Some of the most famous gem stones in the world were shaped into cushion cuts, the Allnat Diamond (101.29 carats) an intense yellow gem from De Beers premier diamond mine, the blue Hope Diamond (45.52 carats) and the yellow Tiffany Diamond (128.54 carats).

Tips on buying cushion cut diamonds

Due to the large open facets on a cushion cut diamond, it’s a good idea to shop more for a higher clarity and color than carat size. We recommend buying a stone that is at least an H color and SI1 clarity. Also it’s important to note that cushion cuts come in a variety of shapes ranging from perfectly symmetrical squares to longer rectangles and the prices range based on the symmetry of the cut with equal faceting on all sides.

As popular as the cushion cut diamond is today, it’s still difficult to find in the market. At Mark Broumand we search out the some of the highest quality and best values available in the diamond market directly from the cutters.

Click here to show our large collection of cushion cut diamond rings

A few of our favorite cushion cut diamond rings:

	4.02ct Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring
	3.91ct Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring
	3.07ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring

Stylish rings began to emerge featuring rare and beautiful gemstones; these were called baubles or cocktail rings. In the early 2003 a new style emerged that has unleashed some of the most creative and stunning jewelry designs ever created, the Right Hand Ring. Instead of a design featuring a large center gem-stone, these rings are almost always set with only fine sparkling diamonds. Also, as the name indicates, these rings are designed to be worn on the ring finger on the right hand, the hand representing a woman’s independent and fun side.

Many right hand rings feature an open design where one side of the ring never touches the other, these and other design motifs not only make for fresh an endless array of fresh and unique styles, but also reiterate the fashion statement of independence.

Most right-hand rings compliment a nice pair of jeans as well as they accent a glittering evening gown. When shopping for a right-hand ring, don’t think about what anyone will think about the ring or how many compliments you will get as you flash your diamonds around town, this shopping experience is all about you. Find a design that truly speaks to you and about who you are.

This is one piece of jewelry you’re sure to have fun wearing for many years to come!

Here are some of our favorite new right hand rings:

	It features exceptionally white and clear Round Diamonds in a micro-pave setting. They are set so perfectly next to each other. The ring is made of high polish White and Rose Gold. The vibrant color combination makes this magnificent piece really stand out!
	This stunning round cut diamond ring, is showered in radiance. The center is accented with fancy yellow diamonds, gorgeous trillion cut diamonds, dazzling oval cut diamonds, and immaculate pear shape diamonds.
	Large round brilliant cut diamonds in a prong setting shaped like a beautiful flower sit on each side of thi exceptionly made diamond ring. A row of round diamonds seperates the two flowers.
	This spectacularly beautiful Black and White Diamond ring will astonish you with its exceptional quality and brilliance! It features a layered design set with over three and a half carats of exceptional Round Diamonds in a pave setting.
	This remarkably beautiful Diamond Ring features 2.10ct of super brilliant Round Diamonds set in a unique and extraordinary design. The ring is made of 18K Black and White Gold! It is stunning. The contrast between the Black and White Gold is magnificent.
	The elegance and sparkle of this magnificent piece is second to none! The ring is set with Round Diamonds in a micro pave setting. The quality of the diamonds are exceptional! Each Diamond is set under a microscope and they are set to perfection

At Mark Broumand, we can help you find the ideal pair right hand ring for your style and budget. Some of our collection is posted on our website www.markbroumand.com , you may also call us toll-free at (866) 676-9676 or email us at sales@markbroumand.com to speak with one of our jewelry experts who can personally help you find the perfect ring.

The versatility of diamond studs truly makes them a life-long investment, a purchase that is ever resistant to the changing winds of fashion. As a gift, diamond studs are always a thoughtful and meaningful choice.

In this article, we’re going to discuss some of the variations in size, shape and price that are available to help you find the perfect pair.

Size: The carat weight of the diamonds is the most obvious factor. The difference between a 2ct pair of studs (1ct each) and a half carat pair (.25ct each) is significant, not just in size but also in price. The photos below can help guide you in visualizing how a diamonds carat weight affects it’s appearance.

0.10ct diamond stud	0.25ct diamond stud	0.50ct diamond stud
1.00ct diamond stud	1.50ct diamond stud	2.00ct diamond stud

Shape: The most popular and available shapes for diamond stud earrings are round and princess. As a general rule, try to match the shape of the diamond studs with the shape of diamonds currently worn on rings or necklaces. While round is the safest choice, women who wear more modern styles are often found to prefer the elegance of a square princess cut diamond.

Round Diamond Bezel Set Studs	Round Diamond Prong Set Studs	Princess Cut Diamond Prong Set Studs

Price: For the most part 4 key factors affect a diamonds price: cut, color, and clarity and carat weight. When shopping for a pair of diamond studs, your focus should be more on the carat weight/size and the cut quality of the pair. The size is important for obvious reasons, the larger the diamond the bigger the shine. As for cut, a well cut diamond will sparkle much brighter than a poorly cut one. While color and clarity significantly affect the price of the diamond, when worn as studs, these factors are not noteworthy.

At Mark Broumand, we can help you find the ideal pair of diamond studs for your style and budget. Some of our collection is posted on our website www.markbroumand.com , you may also call us toll-free at (866) 676-9676 or email us at sales@markbroumand.com to speak with one of our jewelry experts who can personally help you find the perfect pair.

Jewelry Cleaning Tips

At Mark Broumand we offer life-time free cleaning and inspection for all of your jewelry purchased from us. Here are some tips on keeping your jewelry clean in between visits to our showroom.
Keeping gold & platinum jewelry shiny

To keep your gold jewelry shining like new, you can use a soft wet cloth and a gentle detergent. Harsh chemicals or abrasives can damage the outer surface of your jewelry so that it would require polishing. I recommend using a polishing cloth and jewelry cleaner, both are available in our jewelry show room for only $20. One more tip, avoid storing your gold near diamonds or other hard gemstones, as they may scratch gold surfaces.
Cleaning gemstones

Some precious gemstones like emeralds and tanzanites and semi-precious gemstones, like turquoise, amber, opal, jade, etc., are very porous stones and can absorb liquids if soaked. Over the years, water and detergents trapped inside the stones can wash out their natural color. I recommend cleaning your gemstone jewelry using a soft cloth moistened with warm water.
Cleaning diamonds

As one of the hardest substances found on earth, diamonds can be cleaned to a fiery sparkle using any ammonia based cleaner. For diamonds that are set in jewelry, I advise cleaning according to the most sensitive element of the piece. For example, when cleaning a ring featuring diamond set in gold, follow the instructions for cleaning gold. If your diamonds are in a setting featuring a tanzanite (or other soft gem-stone), the same ammonia solution would leave your diamond sparkling but could damage the tanzanite. See my notes for gemstone cleaning above.
Keeping pearls lustrous

To retain their beauty pearls require much more care than diamonds and gemstones. The luster of natural pearls can diminish, over the years, with excessive contact to perfumes, oils, hair products, etc. Pearls are porous and soft, owing to the fact that they are comprised of 2-4% water, which makes them prone to be scratched and flawed easily. Finally, excessive dry air and heat can make pearls become brittle (remember, pearls all pearls are created in relatively cool water).

Here are some tips on keeping your pearls in new condition:

• Put your pearls jewelry on AFTER you apply perfumes, hairspray, use a blow dryer or any other beauty product.
• Gently wipe them down with a damp, soft cloth after every use.
• Store them at room temperature, separately from the rest of your jewelry, in a breathable bag.

Our assortment of diamond earrings are sure to please anyone. We have items ranging from studs and solitaires, drop earrings, and diamond hoop earrings. All of them vary in weight and cut so you’ll be able to have a variety of sizes and styles to choose from. They are all set in white, rose, or yellow gold as well as Platinum.

Our collection of diamond necklaces are stunning. All of their styles are different and beautiful, and will make whoever is receiving it very happy. Some of the necklaces are very simple and elegant and can be worn for several occasions. Other diamond necklaces are intricate and unique and can be worn for a very special occasion.

We carry a variety of magnificent loose diamonds that have excellent quality. These loose diamonds can be placed in anything you want and you can even have Mark Broumand custom make something for you by using the loose diamonds of your choice. They are a great choice if you want to personalize something or create a unique piece of jewelry.

All of our diamond collections will make a wonderful gift for any occasion, even if you just want to say I love you. Our pieces are all unique and carefully hand crafted to suit any personality and style.

Pave diamond rings are made from smaller pieces of diamonds that are set inside smaller holes that are drilled within the band, or ring shank. Tiny metal prongs mold over each diamond to hold it in place. When they are all set together, you see a beautiful continuous row of diamonds that shine in every angle.

There are two different styles of pave settings– single band with one row and wide band with several rows. With single band pave, there is one single row of the pave diamonds and are all the same size and luster. The single band can be thin or wide, with the wide band accommodating larger diamond pieces. The wide band with several rows may have the diamonds set at different angles. Pave diamonds bands that do not have a center stone are referred to as anniversary bands or eternity rings.

The most popular metal for pave styles are white gold or platinum and they tend to have a more contemporary look than the traditional solid band and solitaire style engagement ring.