How to Choose Your Next Diamond!

My jewelry career started 12 years ago when I got my first retail jewelry store job. I have always been interested in the way fashion trends change...how they come about, how long they last, and why they are important to us. Jewelry and fashion are big business and staying on the top of upcoming trends is the number one way to stay fresh in your customer's minds, grab your market share, and beat your competition.

Analyzing past trends and predicting new ones is a painstaking task involving staying on top of retail reports, studying trade show statistics, and being aware of the cultural changes both in the media and in our everyday activities. I find this to be a challenging, yet most rewarding endeavor. I know alot of retailers and consumers alike find this to be very valuable information and I am glad that I can do my part.

Please visit my Jewelry Trends 2008 and Jewelry trends 2010 lenses for the best trend predictions and updates!

And check out these lenses:
Sweet Honeymoons
Castle Honeymoons
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Choose Between 18 kt. Gold or Platinum.

If you're unsure what ring metal to choose, consider the differences between 18k gold and platinum:
Enduring.
Platinum is the strongest, most pure metal. It will last a lifetime. It is more expensive than gold.
Platinum is rarer than gold. Platinum jewelry is composed of 90-95% pure platinum.
*Strongest jewelry metal
*Resistant to damage
*Won't wear away
*Develops a satin finish
*Difficult to polish, repair
*Won't tarnish


Classic.
18k gold is the most common engagement ring setting. It is less expensive than platinum.
18k gold is composed of 75% gold and 25% metal alloys to give it strength.

*Softer, malleable metal
*More easily damaged
*Will wear away over years
*Easy to polish, repair
*Won't tarnish


A setting with diamonds or gemstones adds additional sparkle or color. Channel settings protect sidestones from abrasions by keeping them flush. The bar-channel setting allows more light to enter the sidestones, and creates a scalloped edge of brilliance.
If you'd like a wedding band to wear on the same finger with your engagement ring, consider settings with wedding bands designed to match.
Three-Stone Settings-
For a classic ring that's truly unique and created by you, choose all three diamonds to be set in a three-stone setting. The three-stone ring has one diamond for the past, one for the present, and one for the future.

To start, find out what shape she likes. Popular diamond shapes include round, oval, princess-cut, emerald-cut, Asscher-cut, marquise-cut, radiant-cut, pear-shaped, and heart-shaped diamonds. The majority of diamond engagement rings today are set with a round diamond. And most of the remaining rings are set with princess-cut diamonds.




Cut refers not to the shape of the diamond but to the proportions to which the stone was polished. This is a touchy subject because it is difficult to measure "brilliance" in a diamond. However, there are several theories behind cutting the "ideal" diamond such as Tolkowski. The AGS (American Gem Society), has come up with a "cut grade" with all their diamond reports. Based upon this theory and others we can conclude that the best cut diamonds fall into a range. AGS grades their perfectly cut diamonds 0 on a scale of 0 - 10. AGS ideal 0 cuts are extremely rare and consequently will cost much more. Very fine cut diamonds, AGS 1 and 2 grades, are also rare but also exhibit extreme brilliance and provide a great value.

IDEAL CUTS:
Depth % 59% - 62.5%
Table % 52.4% - 57.5%
Girdle Thickness Thin to Medium
Culet Size None - Medium
Polish Excellent Excellent
Symmetry Excellent Excellent
Florescence None - Faint

How Much Should I Spend?
This is an emotional event, and a purchase that will last a lifetime. The two-months salary convention is a common starting point, but we believe that regardless of the amount you budget, your most important considerations should be quality and value.

The best way to know prices for the specific Diamond you are looking for is to shop around for a Certified Diamond of a quality range you desire, within your budget.

Don't pay a premium for one of the C's only to turn around and get low quality in another C. While there are exceptions to this rule, for example if you are getting a great price, why would you pay a premium for a branded ideal cut diamond and then get a low color or clarity? Save some money on the brand name and upgrade the other C(s).

There are many conflicting assumptions about engagement ring prices: that a higher price means a better ring, more commitment, and a stronger relationship, for example, yet those statements have nothing to do with the ring's actual price. As the costs of engagement rings continue to soar, couples must determine exactly what type of ring they are interested in and how such a purchase fits in their budget before hitting the jewelry case.

Average Engagement Ring Prices:
Today's average engagement ring cost ranges from $3,500 to $4,000. But what does this mean to a soon-to-be-engaged couple? In truth, average numbers shouldn't mean much at all. For every ring that costs thousands of dollars, another happy couple chooses a ring that costs only a few hundred. The price should be a reflection of what the couple can afford and how much they are comfortable investing in this symbol of their relationship, keeping in mind that such sentimental objects are rarely resold with the intention of making a profit. To choose a ring based solely on a price tag could indicate a lack of depth in the relationship, and the couple may want to reconsider their commitment to marry if the glitz and glamour of the impending event is more valuable than the vows to be exchanged.

Get Ready For The Best Year Ever! The Recession Is Coming To A Close...Are You Giving Your Customers The Jewelry They Want? Beat Your Competition By Knowing What's HOT!

You will not believe what trends are in store for 2010. The attitude has changed...it's not anything like 2009! Stay on the cutting edge with Lisa Jesse's Jewelry Trends 2010 Report

With over 100 pages of unbelievable, jam-packed information this report is twice the size of last year's report. This is critical, time-sensitive information that you will need to survive the belt tightening of consumers. This is not one of those bloated, impersonal Big Industry reports, but down to Earth real trends from the trenches.

I've been to where the action is HOT and the jewelry is incredible!

Over 100 pages of the HOTTEST jewelry trends info anywhere. Check out all you will get:

* Lisa's QuickStart Guide to the most popular trends - all important info at a glance

* State of the economy - is the recession really over?

* Jewelry Retail Sales Outlook - where we have been and where we are going...where are you?

* The HOTTEST trends in Gold, Silver, Platinum and Gemstones!

* All important Diamond industry news - Get important updates from the #1 Diamond expert in Virginia!

* Necklace, Bracelet and Earring trends - things are getting big, bold and colorful

* Men's jewelry and Watch trends - DO NOT overlook this powerful retail sector. NEW!

* Beads, Lampwork Glass and Body jewelry trends - intimate info to take your store to the top!

* Handmade jewelry trends - important designs in the fastest growing sector of jewelry. NEW!

* Eco and Green trends - this is the future of jewelry design...are you ready to take this on? NEW!

* Wedding jewelry and Engagement rings - Spring is coming...and you won't believe the designs in store.

* The important Spring Colors Outlook - my insider at Max Azria gives me the #1 pick (only found here!)

* Future jewelry trends - Incredible designs for a new year with attitude!

* Important retail jewelry store marketing techniques .

* Gemstone Reference and Colors Guide!

** And included as a BONUS: Internet Marketing Strategies for small business! Find out how I use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and tons of FREE social media to get my sites to #1 on Google and drive thousands of prospects a week to my stores! This is worth the price of the entire report! Grow your online business and make big $$$. Google "jewelry trends 2010" and see who's at the top!

24 BIG chapters! 108 pages! Dozens of full color photos!

"Lisa, I can't thank you enough! This report gave my business new insights as to what my customers are looking for. The section on body jewelry was alone worth the price. I have the greatest faith that this will be a profitable season and an even better 2010. I'll raise a toast to you!" - Elizabeth Franklin, Kamala Silver Express

"Wow! I had no idea the trends for next year were so WILD! This report is giving me the design ideas to blow my customers away. I can't wait for a bright, new 2010. This past two years have been a Hell of a ride. With your help, we have made it through with flying colors!" - Shelia Potts, Bright Lights By Shelia

Who is Lisa Jesse and why should I listen to her?

I have a GIA Diamonds Diploma and a Registered Gemologist certificate from ISG. I majored in geology/earth studies at ODU, VA. and received an Associates degree in Marketing. I have been studying the latest jewelry trends for over 10 years and I'm in the top 1% of diamond experts on the East Coast. I have had the #1 jewelry trends website on Google for over 3 years (squidoo.com/diamondgirl) and designers from all over the world consult me daily on all aspects of trendsetting prediction. Plus I'm beautiful and awesome as Hell!

How much would you pay to take your jewelry business to the top?

$75? $150? $250?

How about $17!
That's right. You get this 108 page report and BONUS Internet Marketing chapter for just $17.


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BIG BONUS: Get all three of my past reports for only $30!

2008 report / 2009 report / 2010 report



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My dream? To see all my jewelry friends have the best year ever! I have worked very hard to bring you the best information that will make a huge difference in your retail and design business. We can't do it alone...together we'll make 2010 the best year ever!

Tips for the Perfect Wedding Proposal - Asking Your Girlfriend to Marry You:
Thinking about proposing? Before you get down on one knee, read these proposal tips!

Do:
Talk about Marriage:
Before you propose, talk about the possibility of getting married. Make sure it's something that you both want, and agree on major issues such as children.

Make it a Surprise:
Even though you have discussed marriage, the proposal itself should still be a surprise. Find a moment and a way that she won't be suspecting.

Find The Right Engagement Ring:
Since wearing an engagement ring is a lifetime committment, make sure it's the right style. You might find an opportunity to window shop for rings when you are walking past a store, or bring it up in converstion. You can also ask her mother or best friend to help choose the ring. Read this lens about engagement rings before shopping.

Know if She Wants to Pick the Engagement Ring:
Most brides want their proposal to include an engagement ring, but others are very particular about their jewelry, and want to be part of the buying/designing process.

Talk to Her Parents:
We've come a long way from when women were property who needed their father's permission, yet, there is still something nice and respectful about asking for the parents' blessing.

Pick a Personal Spot:
Think about your favorite romantic places -- choose a meaningful spot to pop the question. It could be as simple as in your living room, or as complicated as whisking her away for a weekend in Paris. Just don't ask her in a supermarket aisle!

Be Creative:
Incorporate your personality, favorite things, foods etc. into the proposal. Make it memorable rather than a cookie cutter proposal.

Drop to One Knee:
It's not 1950, but there is something so charming and romantic about a man on one knee asking the love of his life to marry him. Even if you're not a traditional guy, it will add to the seriousness and lovingness of the proposal.

Tell Her Why You Want to Marry Her:
Don't just utter those 4 little words, tell her why she's the one for you, what marriage means to you, and what your hopes for the future are. You might say something like "My life has never and could never be the same after I met you. You've made me more joyful, more stable, and more inspired!"