What Are The Four Cs By Which Diamonds Are Judged?
Diamond merchants and jewellers judge diamonds by four criteria: carat; colour; clarity; and cut. These are known as the Four Cs, and anyone wishing to buy diamonds to be mounted in jewellery should be aware of these.
Image by Campbell Muir via Flickr
Carat: The Weight Of The Diamond
Carats are the unit of weight used for diamonds. The word derives from carob, going back to times when old fashioned scales were used, carob seeds were a uniform weight and this became how diamonds were weighed. One carat is divided into one hundred points, so a diamond merchant could call a .50 carat diamond “a fifty pointer” or “a half carat”. The letters TW after a weight in carats means Total Weight, which is the combined weight of the smaller diamonds surrounding a central stone. There is a magic about a carat. A diamond of just over one carat will cost a lot more than a diamond of, say, .94 carats. To the untrained eye there will appear no significant difference in size, but the buyer pays for that whole number magic. There is nothing wrong with smaller stones; they just don’t have the cachet of the full carat.
Colour: The Lustre Of The Diamond
Diamonds are a naturally occurring stone and very few are totally colourless. The GIA grades diamonds on a scale ranging from virtually colourless to noticeably yellow. Traditionally, the whiter (or less coloured) a diamond is, the higher its price. Coloured diamonds suit some tastes, and currently blue, champagne, cognac, and yellow diamonds are sought after. Pink Argyle diamonds are also highly prized for bridal sets. When judging diamonds for colour, ask to see a Master Set of CZs, stones typifying the colour range, and compare the diamonds you are perusing with them.
Clarity: The Brilliance Of The Diamond
Diamonds contain flaws to some degree. Flaws in the stone are termed inclusions; flaws on the stone’s surface are blemishes. Costlier diamonds have fewer inclusions or inclusions so small as to be invisible to the naked eye. Inclusions can cause parts of the diamond to appear cloudy or milky. There is a GIA scale for clarity, have one to hand, and a magnifying glass when inspecting diamonds. Reputable jewellers should offer you these, so, if you are looking for diamonds in Canada, purchase from trusted diamond merchants in Toronto.
Cut: The Magic That Releases The Diamond’s Lustre And Brilliance
The art of the diamond cutter is to take a stone and work facets and planes into it to allow its colour to stand out, and its naturally light refracting properties to be released with the brilliance jewellers call fire. The most frequently seen cut for diamonds is the round brilliant. There are a number of other cuts, called fancy cuts. Among these, there are styles to suit a wide range of tastes. Lovers of Art Deco will be drawn to Emerald or Asscher cuts. Romantics may find the Heart shaped brilliant cut speaks best for them. Pear shaped diamonds have become popular with celebs and are often seen worn on red carpets. Princess, Oval, and Marquise cut diamonds are known or their fire and brilliance. When you are looking to buy diamonds, shape, and cut are the factors which will be most immediately apparent to you.
Whenever you plan on buying diamond jewellery or loose diamonds, make sure to remember the points we’ve discussed.
If you are like me, sometimes you don’t want to carry a large wallet or heavy handbag everywhere you go. I enjoy my large handbags; but there is a time and a place for them. Sometimes you just want a compact wallet that will carry just the essentials, your ID, some cash and the necessary credit cards. Thanks to a collaboration with KINZD, I am sharing a review of a women’s leather wallet and men’s cork money clip. These accessories are ideal for anyone on the go who does not want to be keeping a hold of that large handbag.
The Kinzd wallet stays closed with a button snap. The card space is more than some large wallets have inside.
This Kinzd wallet is RFID protected, it can go into your larger handbag for extra security if you do not have an RFID wallet. ● RFID Blocking Wallet: Keeps your vital information Secure. BE SAFE and Effective, Protect Identity Data from Electronic Pick pocketing; Blocking RFID scanners and readers from Scanning your Information. ● Compact Design& Full Capacity: Roomy enough for fitting plenty of cards, change and some bills, Coins, keep them well organized. With Good Metal Zippers, it works fine, better than others plastic zipper. ● With Wrist Strap, great to take with you or slip into a small purse.
This wallet is perfect for going to the movies, shopping, grabbing a bit to eat and not wanting to carry a lot with you. Also, reiterating the bonus of added RFID protection.
● New Updated Material : Eco-friendly Red Wine Cork Fabric Leather Wallet, looks Classical and Fashionable for gentlemen and ladies. Measures: 4.3″ x 2.8″ x 0.1″ (11cm x 7.1cm x 0.3cm).
● 6 Card Slots: 1 clear ID Display Window for credit and debit card , 3 separate slots to hold credit and debit cards, 1 Change pocket,1 Strong Magnetic Money Clip.
● Powerful Magnetism: With 4pcs Strong Magnets, can Hold Plenty of cashes and cards; better than normal ones which is Only 2pcs Magnets.
● RFID Blocking Wallet: Keeps your vital information in cards from being stolen. Does Block 13.56 MHz Frequency (Credit or debit cards, driver license and ID cards). Does NOT Block 125 KHz frequency.
● Minimalist & Slim, Perfect fit in Front Pocket, Good Choose to replace bulky wallet. The wallet ID card slot of new wallet will be slightly tight first time, after used it for few weeks, you will feel more easy to put and take the used cards from slot.
The money clip can be placed inside a suit jacket or in the front pocket of your trousers. The magnet is strong, your money is not going anywhere. My hubby thought it was stylish and compact and could even go in a larger wallet if it needed too. After carrying the wallet for a few weeks it softened and did not feel tight. He will be using the wallet when he does not want the bulk that a traditional wallet can give a suit pocket or pants pocket.
We both give the wallets a thumbs up. If you need a compact wallet that can fit in your handbag, and then pulled out and used on its own, I suggest trying the KINZD wallet. The wallet is well-built and will work for you. And, if a gentlemen needs a compact minimalistic wallet that is discreet and provides security this is just right for them.
FTC Disclaimer:
Kinzd provided Bubbling With Elegance And Grace with these two wallets in exchange for this review. All opinions are our own. We did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this review.
*Praying for the people in Texas effected by Hurricane Harvey.*
Shopping – you either love it or you hate it! We all need to buy groceries at some point each week. Of course, there are lots of different ways to shop, and lots of different things to buy. Whether you love it or loathe it, there are a few healthy habits you could adopt to make shopping more cost effective, time efficient, and physically beneficial. Try some of these next time you need to pop to the store:
Walk Most of us live within a couple of miles of a store that sells many of the things we need to buy each month. Walking there and back each time can be a very healthy approach. You’ll get the fresh air and exercise you need to stay fit and sleep better at night. If you walk, you won’t want to carry much back, so it will also prevent you buying more than you need! This could be one of the most cost effective and healthy approaches to shopping you might find.
Do A Deal Those that love living frugally will do their best to never pay full price for anything. This might be quite challenging outside of the sales season. Fortunately, there are several approaches you might take. The first is discount coupons. Sign up with your favorite stores and pick up customer loyalty cards wherever you go. You can also find vouchers for discounts online at websites like DontPayFull.com for some of the biggest brands you know. Market stalls, dealerships, and independent traders might be more willing to haggle than you think. Can you do a deal?
Image: Pexels
When You Need It Fashion is a big weakness for lots of people. You might see a blouse in the store window and just have to have it. Unfortunately, this can easily get out of hand. If you’re regularly buying items that weren’t on your shopping list or in your budget, it’s time to change your habits. Instead, regularly clear out your closet. If you replace old for new, you’ll know you’re only buying what you need. It’s a great way to avoid clutter and excess clothing! If tech is your weakness, try the same approach. Buy when it’s broken, or sell the old one before investing in the latest model.
Food – Friend or Foe? Food waste can be heartbreaking. Nobody likes to throw food in the trash, but most of us are guilty of it every month. Produce that has reached its sell-by date or wasn’t stored correctly can be wasted. Instead, plan your meal menus ahead of your shopping. Weigh out correct portions, so you know how much you have and how much you need. If you think it might spoil, cook in big batches and freeze for later. This can also help to encourage you to eat more fresh foods and fewer processed items.
Choosing healthier approaches to your shopping habits might save you money, time, and even help you improve your fitness. All of this can add up to a healthier lifestyle as well. You might spend less, waste less, and eat better than ever before. What will you try first?
FTC Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
The leaves are starting to fall. Before long, the temperatures will be falling too. I can’t wait. I enjoy the cooler days and the changing of the colors.
It is about the skirt for me. When it is warm and muggy, all I want to wear is skirts with natural fibers. A skirt can be made causal, or dressy; depending what you pair it with. In the outfit below, I dressed it up a bit. The Romantic puff sleeve blouse by Ralph Lauren is a classic style that has always been a favorite of my mine. I recently found an updated version of it at Macy’s. The skirt is from B.The Collection, a local company that offered preppy, boutique styles. Unfortunately, the company went out of business earlier in the year. My wedge sandals are from Fly London. This is my first time trying this brand and I like its fun, updated style. My super fun backpack by Renwick is an unexpected accessory that finishes off the outfit.
You see Gio in background; sniffing away looking for that squirrel.
This picture is inside because it was too hot and humid for a long photo shoot.
Gio had enough of the looking for the squirrel and wanted to be in this photo.
Skirts are cool in natural fibers and make a carefree statement on those hot and muggy days.
It was 108 degrees this weekend in the Show Me State, but it was only 94 degrees today; so enjoying the coolness inside. Thank God, for air conditioning. When the weather is like this, it is great to wear something comfortable and breathable.
Sheryl Crow has a new line on HSN and her pieces are hip and retro. I liked the new vibes of the rocker-chic style. I purchased the jeans below because it really describes my enjoyment of music and effortless style.
I styled the jeans for a casual Monday at work.
Love Will Save The Day Style Embroidered Jeans by Sheryl Crow
The Missouri History Museum has a Civil Rights exhibition now, so I purchased the T-shirt at the Museum shop; so cool.
Even though I work out hard, I do not always like showing my hips. Word to the wise, body shaming has to stop so here I am in the jeans without the Tommy Hilfiger chambray shirt. On the right pocket is an embroidered star and guitar. These jeans are so unique and out of the box. I think I am singing, I am just looking at my expression. Too funny!
Love Will Save The Day by Sheryl Crow Jeans
On the left pocket of the jeans is , “Love Will Save The Day,” which is a lyric from one of her songs.
Love will save the day lyric on the pocket
Here’s more information about the lyrics
The Song, Love WIll Save The Day by Sheryl Crow.
Here’s an interview she had down earlier this year.
When I wear the jeans, it is not just about a pair of jeans but there’s a meaning behind the clothing. The Sheryl Crow embroidered jeans are on clearance on HSN for $39.95 (Good deal) and please take a look at her collection click here on Sheryl Crow Style.
With slightly not as hot temperatures; but thick humidity, I have been going solely natural fibers because they are breathable and don’t stick to my body. When I say natural fibers I mean, cotton, rayon, and linen blends. When going through my closet, I realized that a lot of my summer dresses are polyester. I am not going to get rid of them. I will not wear them right now. Even though Missouri is not a southern state, it feels like it. Maybe it feels even warmer because we had a warm winter. Well when I think about 100 degrees is 100 degrees no matter the way you slice it.
Dooney and Bourke Croco Leather Satchel
I styled myself casual and cool for church. It’s really warm outside but can be chilly in church so I have on long sleeves. My blouse is by Joan Rivers and my pants are from the brand Margaritaville that was on HSN exclusively a couple of years ago. My sandals are from Earth Origins that were purchased from DSW. My glasses were received at a discount from OTTICA.com, and my wing necklace was purchased at JTV.com.
Summer Style
Inspiration
The picture of the flower in the upper left corner of the collage is a Crepe Myrtle that is in our backyard and bursting with colorful flowers. Bees are getting drunk on the nectar.
The crepe myrtle and the Hibiscus flower were the inspiration for the pants.
I have been hearing that it’s chic to wear neutral colors. That’s fine if that’s what you want to wear. However, I have never been like everybody else, even when I tried to fit in I stuck out of the crowd. I realized that it’s okay being different, peculiar, and not average.
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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