There are many major occasions during which a man can wear or receive diamond jewelry. These include all of the winter holidays, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and on their wedding day. Because there are now so many excellent choices for men’s diamond jewelry, it is always a good idea to “avoid the crowds” and set out well in advance of the special day or event to locate the best choices.

So, what kinds of items are available for men to buy, or even better, to be given? A quick look at what kind of items women buy frequently, can guide a shopper in the right direction for a man as well. Rings, pendants, ear studs and bracelets outfitted with diamonds are all available for men as well. Let’s examine some of the latest trends.

“ID” tags – nothing like the metal pieces worn by people in the military, the ID tags sported by the likes of Justin Timberlake and Jamie Foxx are crafted of precious metals and are simply and elegantly adorned with a single, high-quality diamond placed in the center or along the bottom of the oblong panel. Because most men opt for white gold, platinum or even tungsten jewelry, a pendant of this sort will be a great and valuable gift.

Other pendant styles – not all pendants for men are of the ID style, and many would gladly wear some of the popular man’s charm pendants that can include shapes like religious symbols, dollar signs, skulls, dice, or even a money bag all crafted from diamonds and precious metals.

Rings with “bling” – rings are worn by the majority of married men, and today’s jewelers understand that unique metals and diamonds are required for both the bride and the groom. There are also diamond rings for men that appear in a more traditional format. For instance, many men’s diamond rings are of the “pinky” style or are paired with a flat setting, traditionally onyx or mother-of-pearl, where the diamond(s) are inlaid into the other stone. Additionally, many modern men’s diamond rings are also popular shapes, including initials, horseshoes, or signs from a club or organization to which they belong.

Ear studs – long gone are the days when men were limited to wearing a single stud in a single ear, and today it is perfectly acceptable for a man to wear several studs in one or both ears. There are many simple diamond studs made specifically for a masculine wearer, and the general rule is to wear, or buy, as large a stone as possible, and in the simplest or plainest setting available.

Wrist wear – while an elegant and classy watch set with diamonds is always something a man would like to wear, this is not necessarily appropriate for day to day life. There are other options for wrist wear that allow a man to don a diamond and some precious metal whenever he’d like. These include I.D. bracelets and simple chains. The number of options in this category can be incredibly overwhelming and it is advisable to have some styles in mind before beginning to shop. For example, if buying an I.D. bracelet, what kind of metal will it be made from? Will it have only a single diamond, or should it have several? Will it be a heavy chain with a dog tag style face or will it be less rugged? Such considerations will help to narrow the field when setting out to find the perfect diamond gift.

Engraving – many masculine jewelry pieces will also require some engraving to make them custom and special. If the item is intended as a gift it is fairly important to allow ample time for the process to occur as it may cause a delay in actually obtaining the piece. Dog tag pendants, I.D. bracelets, watches and even rings, and which can take several days or weeks depending upon the jeweler and the specific item.

Metals – remember that most modern jewelers are no longer limited to gold, silver, platinum or titanium. There are now also many alternative metals that offer a unique style and look, can be less costly and far more durable and can even pair beautifully with diamonds but in an entirely original fashion. These metals include tungsten, palladium, zirconium, rhodium and niobium and they should be investigated if a truly unique and customized piece of diamond jewelry for a man is desired.

Largest Diamonds

The Excelsior diamond held the title of the largest known diamond in the world until 1905. This diamond weighed 971 carats and was found in 1893. The stone which was bluish in color was eventually cut into ten smaller diamonds, although it’s hard to consider 13-68 carats small!

In 1905 the discovery of the Cullinan diamond usurped the title of the largest uncut diamond in the world. This bad boy weighed in at 3,106 whopping carats. Two of the largest cut diamonds from the Cullinan diamond were relinquished to the British Empire and now are a part of the crown jewels.

The Stars of Africa

Known as the Great Star of Africa, the largest piece of the Cullinan diamond was cut to weigh 530 carats. This stone now resides in the Scepter of the Cross that belongs to the current Queen of England and will be passed down to her son Prince Charles. It still holds the title as the second largest diamond in the world.

The Lesser Star of Africa is the second largest cut piece of the Cullinan diamond. This gem weighs in at over 317 carats! It also belongs to the British royal family and as of now is located within the Imperial State Crown which is worn by the Queen or King at their coronation ceremony and for other stately events. It is another part of the crown jewel collection and as such is also passed down to each successive royal heir. This stone is the fourth largest diamond in the known world.

The diamond known as the Golden Jubilee holds the title of the largest cut stone and it weighs 545 carats. This stone usurped the number one spot from the Greater Star of Africa upon its discovery in 1985. This stone is also in a crown jewel collection currently. This time it doesn’t belong to the British. It belongs to the royal family of Thailand.

The Star of the Sierra Leone is the fourth largest diamond discovered to date. It is also the largest pink diamond in the rough and weighs in at 186 carats. This glorious gem is part of the crown jewels of Iran. The royal families have enough wealth to make these extravagant purchases so it is no wonder they are the ones who own most of them.

The Hope Diamond is a 45 carat blue diamond that has spawned legends since it was still part of the larger stone it was cut from called the Tavernier Blue. This diamond was over 110 carats and came from a mine in India. The stone was cut into the Blue Diamond of the Crown for the French monarchy. It was stolen and later cut into what is now called the Hope Diamond.

There is much confusion among movie goers about the Hope Diamond. It is frequently confused with the blue diamond that was used in the movie Titanic. This movie created the myths and rumors that the deep blue stone in the film was the Hope Diamond. While that is not so, curiously the owner of the diamond at the time of the fateful sailing of that ship nearly booked passage in it!

Diamond Legends

Diamonds are famously known as being the preferred stone to set in engagement rings since they became more affordable. The first diamond engagement ring was given in 1477 by royalty to royalty. These rings were meant to demonstrate the unbreakable joining of the two families to be united in marriage.

Debunking the Myths

The adage that diamonds are forever is not true. While they are extremely durable they are not indestructible by any means. That legend was a marketing ploy that had huge success as nearly everyone has heard that phrase. Another legend that doesn’t hold water is that the diamond is the rarest stone on earth. This is a complete fallacy.

Nor are they the most expensive stones in the world. There are rubies that are far more expensive than diamonds. Some stones are so rare that they are considered exhausted and no more can be found. The green diamond is the rarest of all diamonds.

The myths that surround most famous diamonds are merely byproducts of circumstances and have no bearing on the stone. From the most ancient of times right up to the modern age, jewels, and especially diamonds, have been treasured. It is a tradition that will continue on, as humanity is fascinated with all that glitters.

While there are many traditional gifts, such as chocolate, champagne or an evening out on the town, one of the most popular items to give on this most romantic day is jewelry. The “King” of all jewelry, of course, is diamond jewelry. So, how can someone be creative and give a traditional and popular piece of diamond jewelry? Luckily jewelry designers and sellers understand that people want some options and have created many unique diamond gifts just in time for the coming festivities.

Among the most popular items are those modeled after the old-fashioned “add a bead” necklaces from years past. Instead of simple beads however, these necklaces have unique diamond pendants that can be attached to a sturdy white or yellow gold chain. A single diamond and chain pendant makes a lovely gift and promises many more years, and diamonds, to come!

Of course pendants are always a valuable gift, and around Valentine’s Day an abundance of heart-shaped items begin to appear. While a small heart that is shaped from small, set diamonds is very classic and easy to wear, why not look for a diamond cut into the shape of a heart? There are many skilled diamond experts in the world today and it is actually quite simple to find colorless, pink, canary and other colored diamonds cut beautifully into the ultimate symbol of love – the heart. Such pendants can come in a variety of settings using almost any precious metal available, and are particularly stunning when placed on a very fine chain that makes the stone seem to float against the skin of the wearer.

If a man’s sweetheart is not a big fan of necklaces there are many other diamond jewelry options to choose from, and these can really show how much someone knows their partner’s sense of style and taste. For example, a current trend in diamond jewelry is for old-fashioned cuts and unique settings. A shopper could scout out a very trendy pair of “chandelier” earrings set in diamonds, or they could find some studs cut in the classic marquise style. Such choices would indicate that the shopper understands jewelry trends, but also sees that their lady is a stylish and elegant person as well. Simply buying something that is appearing in a lot of shop windows is not a clear indicator that someone will want to wear the item, but adding a spin, such as a unique cut to the diamond, will demonstrate some appreciation for a woman’s personal sense of style.

In addition to seeking out good and classy examples of some trendier items, a really creative and unique diamond Valentine’s Day gift could be a bracelet, but not just any kind of bracelet. Why not start a beautiful diamond tradition? Begin by selecting a sturdy and appropriate charm bracelet – this will be blank and contain no charms so the type of metal and the style of the chain should match a woman’s personal taste. For this first Valentine’s Day the shopper could pick a small diamond charm, and it doesn’t have to be a heart, it could be anything a woman might find significant. For example, if your lady really loves her shoes, why not get a small diamond shoe charm for the bracelet? Other charms could include her astrological sign, a favorite animal, a traditional “Claddagh”, or even her favorite hobby. It is absolutely amazing just how many charms are available as white or yellow gold and diamond creations!

Of course there is one thing that all diamond shoppers must do when purchasing their jewelry gifts for their sweetheart – get the documentation! Be sure to get any receipts and any certifications for the diamonds. Remember that the price you pay for a larger diamond is due to its quality, and most such diamonds come with certifications. This is a crucial document as it guarantees the value of the stone purchased. Additionally, if the item is of high or significant value you may want to insure it right away. A homeowner’s or renter’s policy can usually have a rider attached for an individual item and this is always a wise choice where diamonds are concerned.

When presenting your sweetheart with her unique diamond jewelry gift this Valentine’s Day it might also be fun to try to wrap it or give it in a memorable fashion. Why not even try to trick her into thinking it is something else? You could put the item in a box of crackers or in a rolled up newspaper and watch as her eyes light up as brightly as the diamond she just received.

New Pearl Fashions

Pearls are vintage jewelry that can stand to be updated for modern looks. Pearls are great as a stand-alone jewelry accessory. They wear well at the office and at the bar. It’s also easy to update a pearl necklace to give it more oomph and style, without buying a whole new necklace. You can add pendant clips and baubles to give your pearls a whole new look. You can layer pearl necklaces or loop them twice to add more layers.

Earrings

Tired of wearing the same earrings over and over? You can easily change your style by adding more piercings on each lobe. Now, you can wear two sets at once, and create whole new looks with exactly the same number of earrings you had before. Two sets of piercings let you wear two pairs of studs, or one pair of studs and one pair of hoops, for casual occasions, and then dress it up with the same studs and a pair of fancy chandelier earrings for fancier settings.

Rings and Things

If you’re used to only one ring, you can use the same concept to double up and glamorize your wardrobe by choosing multiple rings to wear at the same time. Does the amethyst cocktail ring look stunning in conjunction with the diamond ring? Dare to wear both. Pins can be used on hats, scarves, belts, and with other pins to create new looks. Pendants are, by far, the easiest to change out. Use a different chain with a new ornament. Double up chains and ornaments. There’s no reason to only wear one piece at a time.

So, what kinds of presents are out there for men during Valentine’s Day? Well, just like the ladies, men like diamonds too and there are many unique diamond gifts that a woman could present to her sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.

Of course there are the old standbys like diamond cuff links, though there are not a lot of men who own shirts that require these beautiful button substitutes any longer. There are also some very useful goods like money clips, which can be crafted from precious metals, outfitted with diamonds and engraved with his initials or name. This would be a really lovely, affordable and memorable gift, but what if someone is looking for something a bit different?

The biggest trend in masculine jewelry is precious metal dog tags or ID necklaces that are incredibly simple and elegant. They are a single, flat rectangle of white or yellow gold or platinum with a diamond or several diamonds placed in a pattern along the metal. These can be engraved, but the most popular style is plain with only the diamonds for ornamentation. These are hung from a matching metal chain and present a very strong statement of personal style.

You say your man isn’t one for wearing a necklace? Well there are many elegant and durable watches in precious metals with diamond accents. Such a distinctive gift would be the ideal choice for a memorable day like Valentine’s Day as well. Of course watches, cuff links and pendants are not the only styles of masculine diamond jewelry.

For centuries men have worn rings, and today a hefty pinky ring or traditional ring can be selected to match the everyday tastes of the recipient. There are as many styles of diamond rings for men as there are for women, but one of the more unique types of rings that can be given to a man as special gifts are those made from innovative and unusual metals. Men love to know they are wearing something indestructible or almost impossible to scratch and this makes rings made from titanium, tungsten and palladium great choices. Each of these metals has unique properties and some are far more costly than others, but they can make for a long-lasting and truly memorable gift that really shows how much thought went into choosing it.

Of course a men’s ring doesn’t need to be a plain metal set with a single stone. It can have a mixture of metals and several precious stones, such as the ever-popular onyx and diamond rings so often worn by many men.

Are there any types of diamond bracelets for men? Absolutely, and they are actually among the biggest sellers throughout the year. They would make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift, particularly if the shopper opted to have it engraved with the recipient’s initials or name. The date could be engraved on the reverse of the bracelet and serve as a permanent reminder of a special day.

What if I want to give him something really “over the top” for Valentine’s Day? What kind of diamond gifts are available for men in that sort of category? In April of 2007 a luxury car company outfitted a Mercedes Benz from bumper to bumper with diamonds, and though this was done as an “aftermarket” venture it is probably available to anyone who is interested.

There are diamond encrusted shoelace clips that can fit over the laces of his sneakers or gym shoes. Weighing in at two carats each they could give a lot of “bling” to his feet.

If he likes to cook, a Dutch manufacturer has a line of saucepans with golden handles set with over 200 diamonds each. Though it is probably not dishwasher safe!

The ever popular iPhones are also available with diamond enhancements and a British entrepreneur recently released a line of the phones accented with over 400 diamonds each. This means each white or yellow gold phone contains nearly six carats of diamonds and retails for more than forty thousand dollars. Of course there is also some competition from Blackberry in this area, and a solid gold and diamond encrusted case is now available for these handy gadgets. With more than three carats of diamonds on each case, they cost an average of twenty thousand dollars each.

Clearly there are many options for men’s gifts for Valentine’s Day and regardless of a budget a wonderful and memorable treasure can be presented to a sweetheart this February.

A London based company called DEOS started the trend with their line of snap on earphone covers. Black and white diamond encrusted models are about $4500, while Swarovski Crystal covers are only about two hundred dollars. For the big spender who wants the world to know how valuable music really is, there is a white diamond model encrusted with numerous stones that you can pick up for a mere sixty thousand dollars. The limited edition ear buds weigh in at almost nine carats of diamonds.

Not to be outdone, couture giant Dior has introduced the Dior phone. Made of black sapphire crystal, the phone is set with six hundred and forty diamonds, for a total gem weight of 3.251 carats. The phone costs a total of twenty eight thousand dollars and comes with an alligator skin case, though the company does offer a Swarovski Crystal alternative in a leather case for just over eight thousand dollars.

Goldstriker, another company who has made a name by adding diamonds and precious metals to tech devices, offers numerous diamond encrusted technical gadgets. The iPod Diamond Shuffle is a standard shuffle with a unique laser etched pattern. The shuffle contains five high quality diamonds with VS1 or better clarity, and weighing in at a minimum of .10 carats. Available in silver or “shocking pink”, the iPod is available for only around three hundred fifty British pounds.

The company also sells precious metal and diamond encrusted versions of all of the most popular cell phones, from the Motorola Krzr to the iPhone. The company even offers an iPhone made of diamonds and rubies. The diamond phones range from around one thousand British pounds to up to fifteen thousand British pounds for the Leopard Motorola Krzr, which is set with 325 diamonds arranged to make a leopard print design. This particular model contains between four and five carats of diamonds, all of which are hand set.

Always an innovator in diamond encrusted technical gadgets, Goldstriker offers more than iPods and phones. The company offers everything from a diamond encrusted computer mouse that retails for fifteen thousand British pounds to a gold remote control that sells for a mere five hundred British pounds. Perhaps most visually impressive, however, are the Crystal Encrusted Espresso Machine that sells for two thousand British pounds and is adorned with well over three thousand Swarovski Crystals and the Diamond Edition cigarette lighter that is made with 68 grams of 14 carat gold and almost thirty four carats of diamonds.

Not to be outdone, Keymat, a company from Italy, has manufactured a diamond encrusted LCD television. This TV is encrusted with over twenty carats of diamonds and has a price tag of one hundred thirty thousand dollars. With about 160 diamonds and white gold plating, this is one television that everyone would like to watch.

For the computer crowd, the Tulip E-Go laptop is the way to go. This laptop features eighty carats of VVS quality diamonds and carries a price tag of around five hundred thousand dollars. It also features two unique square cut rubies in the logo. The company also makes a standard version of the laptop without diamonds but with a different outer cover for around five thousand dollars.

Certainly for fans of gadgets like these, no technology is complete without diamonds and precious metals. These items certainly stand out in a crowd and are designed to turn heads. While certainly not in the price range of most people, they are quite interesting to see and read about. Who wouldn’t like, for even a day, to walk into the kitchen in the morning and turn on their gold radio while they wait for their morning coffee to come out of their diamond encrusted espresso machine?

While for many of us it is hard to imagine needing a diamond laptop, there are many customers who feel it makes the perfect gift or gadget. As long as there are customers, there will be new diamond encrusted gadgets, which means that we will have plenty of new diamond encrusted technology to marvel at in the future.

Astrological Jewelry

What’s your sign? Remember that? Astrological jewelry was very popular with the 1960’s crowd, and it still retains some popularity today. Symbols from astrology are interesting visually and help to define certain characteristics of people born within certain times of the month. It’s a fun way to reveal something about yourself, or project an image, without necessarily verbalizing it.

Birthstone Jewelry

In the same thread, birthstone jewelry isn’t a completely overt way of self-identifying, but it does have much to do with when you are born. People born in January might wear garnet jewelry as part of celebrating who they are, and those who are born in those months will recognize that. The theme of birthstone jewelry can even be expanded to include a group identity, like a family. A mother’s bracelet or ring might include the birthstones of all her children, giving her a unique reminder of who she is and her place in the world. Giving birthstone jewelry as gifts to your children is a fun way to celebrate them and to give them a way to express who they are too.

Name Jewelry

Other types of self-identifiers come in all sorts of accessories from jewelry to key chains and monograms. That’s your name or initials, of course. People like bracelets that have their first initials or full name dangling from the band. An initial also makes a perfect pendant. It can be as simple as a metal ornament or as luxurious as one in pave diamonds. The same way birthstone jewelry is expanded to include a group, name or initials can be used to create a group or couple identity. Take the initial of your boyfriend or spouse and include it in your jewelry along with your own, and you have a great way to express how happy you are with your relationship. If you have children, you can also create jewelry with their initials or names too.

Engraved Jewelry

If you want to include your own unique messages in jewelry to give it a touch uniquely your own, you can with engraving. Some couples like to engrave their initials in the inside of wedding bands as a couple. Some like to add a short message or phrase that identifies their love for each other. Some will even include dates to celebrate memorable events in their lives. It’s up to you what you choose to make a piece of jewelry uniquely your own.

Where diamond jewelry and teenagers are concerned the saying “a few good pieces” should really apply. Some adult women will have various necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches and earrings made from diamonds and other gems. While this is perfectly acceptable for an adult, there are very few teenagers who will require a full wardrobe of diamond jewelry. Instead they can be given the opportunity for selecting some personal favorites, which should also be well-made and stored properly.

What are acceptable pieces of diamond jewelry for a teenage girl? The real expert in this situation is the teenage girl herself. Only she will know what sort of jewelry she will want to wear, and self-expression is one of the most critical factors in most teenagers’ lives. There are several methods for determining a girl’s particular style, and one of the simplest is to take her shopping!

Browsing jewelry cases and counters will allow an adult to really see what shapes, sizes, materials and styles appeal to a teenaged girl. Additionally, many clerks and sales staff are entirely aware of the trends in jewelry and can usually direct a shopper to the items that have been recently or regularly purchased by other teens.

It may come as a pleasant surprise to many adult shoppers that teenagers frequently like less expensive jewelry, such as stud earrings, silver or white gold settings, and less complicated designs that significantly lower the cost of the items.

Additionally, teenagers may also be interested in high-quality watches, special rings or even charm bracelets, and these too can be considered excellent foundations for a jewelry collection.

What is “hot” in teenage jewelry right now? Industry trends point to a few items that have received a lot of attention from teenage consumers. The first are diamond stud earrings. Most teens are not interested simply in a huge carat count, but many are choosing a stud that is composed of several smaller pieces such as a floral motif, or geometric shape, such as a triangular or oblong stone. While a pair of high-quality diamond stud earrings can easily cost a few thousand dollars, most teenagers will be satisfied by a lower carat count and unique cut.

Another popular trend in teenage jewelry are “chastity” or “purity” rings which are given to teenagers who have sworn to remain celibate until a specific age or event in their lives. Many parents reward their teenaged daughters with a special ring to signify this personal commitment. They are available in all of the precious metals, including platinum and yellow gold, and are a single band encircled with diamonds. Such rings are also available at a range of costs, with higher carat counts or better quality stones as well as some with a mixture of stones, including both precious and semi-precious selections.

Traditional charm bracelets have been slowly making a comeback, but for modern teenagers a wrist full of jangling charms does not hold much appeal. Instead, many teenagers are choosing a white gold or silver charm bracelet with a single valuable charm mounted in the middle of the chain. Most charms are set with diamonds, and the most popular motifs are hearts, horseshoes, stars, and various symbols such as the classic “peace sign” or whimsical figures such as miniature shoes or purses.

In addition to bracelets, rings and earrings, popular diamond jewelry for teenagers also includes pendant necklaces. Some of the most popular items are single, well-cut stones hanging elegantly from slender chains. There is also a great deal of attention on diamond charms suspended from the chains as well, and these include the popular circle of diamonds, the horseshoe symbol and the three diamond drop.

While many teenagers are interested in simple and elegant jewelry, almost all are interested in technology, with cell phones, MP3 players and iPods, laptop computers and a whole array of other “gizmos” in their possession. In response to a teenager’s desire for individuality many jewelers have begun to produces cell phone and iPod covers with a lot of “bling”. While allowing a teenager to select a cell phone cover accented with diamonds and other precious stones may sound extravagant, the fact of the matter is that there is a huge trend for such accessories, and many teenagers are in possession of such decorative items.

While it is a good idea to limit the amount of money a teenager spends on expensive possessions, it is also a wise choice to help them experience the satisfaction of purchasing high quality jewelry or accessories as a way of developing a personal collection with significant value.

As time has gone by, just any old colorless diamond will not suffice when it comes to celebrity engagement rings. It would certainly seem as though celebrities getting engaged today have a distinct need to one up the last celebrity that got engaged and they do it in some very interesting and unique ways. Some of the most popular engagement rings in the last few years have actually been colored diamonds that have included pink, yellow and yes, even black.

Given the wide number of unique designs and themes that have emerged in celebrity engagement rings in the last few years, it would certainly seem as though an engagement ring has to be unique and set new standards for Hollywood’s elite.

Size is also definitely a consideration when it comes to engagement rings and celebrities. A number of celebrities have sported massive diamond engagement rings over the years. Perhaps one of the most well known and largest engagement rings to be worn in the last few decades was sported by none other than Elizabeth Taylor when she was presented with a whopping 30 carat engagement ring by one of her future husbands.

She is certainly not the only one either. When Catherine Zeta-Jones promised to marry her now husband, she was presented with a ten carat marquise diamond ring. Brandy, well known for her starring role on the hit TV show Moesha, accepted an even larger engagement ring from Quentin Richardson. That 11.5 carat diamond engagement ring certainly made puny little three and five carat engagement rings pale in comparison. Of course, even that could not compare to the ring that Donald Trump presented to Melania Knauss: a 13 carat emerald cut diamond.

That is not to say that diamond engagement rings are always about size, of course. There are plenty of celebrities who are sporting somewhat smaller diamonds. Tori Spelling is a case in point. When she promised to marry her now husband, she was presented with a 1.5 carat diamond engagement ring. Of course, that one engagement ring really isn’t all of the story. When her husband proposed again while the couple was in Canada he presented her with an antique Edwardian ring.

The selection of an engagement ring is certainly an important matter and celebrities are no different than anyone else in wanting to make sure that they get the ring of their dreams when the right time comes. Like most people, celebrities have a number of different ways of getting the message across regarding the type of ring that they want to wear when they promise to marry. Unlike some of the more time honored traditions such as having one’s best friend drop a hint in the guy’s ears, there are some modern and completely independent celebrities who prefer to simply take matters into their own hands when it comes to selecting their engagement rings. Britney Spears is a case in point. Although ultimately the marriage did not last, when Britney and Kevin Federline became engaged it was the famous singer who popped the question to K-Fed and then splurged on her own 4 carat diamond engagement ring.

Regardless of who chooses the ring, one thing is certain and it is that diamond engagement ring styles will continue to be driven by whatever it is that celebrities happen to be wearing at a particular time. Many celebrity diamond engagement rings are custom designed and are often unique and interesting. More down to earth couples who are still looking for a ring that is somewhat different from the classic round solitaire can find a number of ideas to consider by simply studying the engagement rings that celebrities select for themselves.

The world is still waiting to find out what kind of ring Brad Pitt might choose if and when he ever proposes to Angelina Jolie, his partner of several years now and the mother of his six children. Given the couple’s unorthodox and modern lifestyle, whatever ring they might happen to choose is certain to be a stunner and definitely unique.

From small and traditional to luxurious and weighty, celebrity diamond engagement rings continue to charm and delight the world.

LifeGem is a U.S. based company that will take the carbon from the cremated remains of your loved one and turn it into a diamond. They will even let you choose the color of the stone, and for an additional fee will even have it mounted into the setting of your choice. The idea is disturbing for most, but many people have already used the service, and more people appear to be signing up every day.

The folks at LifeGem can also create the diamond using a lock of the person’s hair if you prefer to have them buried or would like to make a diamond from someone who is not deceased. They require eight ounces of cremated remains or enough hair to be equivalent to that lost in a standard haircut in order to create the stone. The carbon is then removed from the hair or remains and heated to exceptionally high temperatures to turn it to graphite.

The graphite must be exceptionally pure, so it is put into a special container that is only used one time and is etched with a unique number that is given only to your diamond. The graphite itself is also unique, which means that each diamond is one of a kind. The container holding the graphite is heated to over 3000 degrees, which purifies the graphite within.

The graphite is then subjected to intense heat and pressure of over 1,000,000 P.S.I. This causes the graphite to break down internally, breaking down individual atoms and forming a unique diamond. All of these diamonds are structurally identical to natural diamonds, and are the same with the exception of having been created in a lab. The diamonds are then cut according to the wishes of the person having them created and etched with the unique number assigned previously.

The prices on LifeGem diamonds range from three thousand to twenty-five thousand dollars, depending on whether you choose red, green, or yellow stones. The general idea of marketing is to keep someone precious whom you have recently lost close to you forever. While many people choose to do this through memory, it seems to be a growing trend now to instead have them turned to jewelry.

In a somewhat unique move, the LifeGem Company announced the completion of a set of three diamonds made from the hair of Ludwig van Beethoven. One of the diamonds was put into an archive and one kept by LifeGem to start a collection of famous LifeGems. In a surprising move, the third diamond was put onto the popular auction site eBay from which the proceeds were donated to charity. Originally listed at $1,000,000, the gem only sold for just over $200,000.

LifeGem adds to their list of unique services by offering to turn your deceased pet into a diamond. For the same price as with a human, you can have your dog or cat turned into an everlasting diamond. For some pet owners, this means never having to go a day without their beloved furry companion.

The company also offers a family plan for people who wish to provide the service for all members of the household in the event of great personal tragedy. For those who long to provide family members with diamonds after their own passing, there are even pre-planning options that allow you to make payments so that your family members do not have to pay to obtain a LifeGem after you have passed.

In all honesty, this service, while unique, is not a necessity. In addition, it is not something that appeals to the general public. While the company may have had grand intentions, it is at best a niche market, and at its worst it is disturbing. LifeGems appeal mostly to the lonely, to people dealing with an immeasurable loss and looking for something to hold on to. Most people would be better off to buy a comparably priced piece of diamond jewelry that reminds them of their loved one, through a favorite color or an engraving.

While perhaps not the biggest selling idea ever, LifeGems have had the unexpected effect of drawing people’s attention back to why they buy natural diamonds. Perhaps these stones are made of the remains of dinosaurs, compressed over millions of years, but we are not buying them as such. While the company may make thousands off of brokenhearted and devastated people, most jewelry connoisseurs are truly better off to purchase memorial jewelry in memory of their loved ones rather than jewelry made from their loved ones.