PRESENTED BY BERKSCOUNTYWEDDINGS.COM • VOLUME 1 • Issue 12

 The Berks Bouquet

Planning a wedding can be one of the most challenging tasks anyone can experience. The Berks Bouquet is a collection of articles and information to help you plan a fantastic wedding and reception! Enjoy...

The Importance of a Diamond’s Cut
By John Schwartz

Of the 4 C’s used to evaluate a diamond - cut, clarity, color, carat-weight - perhaps the least understood by the general public is cut. After all, even someone looking for the first time at a diamond can often see flaws (which affect clarity), the color, and the relative size of a stone. But, how do you go about evaluating a diamond’s cut?

It’s actually not a difficult concept to grasp, once you learn that cut determines a gem’s brilliance (how effectively it reflects light back toward the viewer’s eyes). This is the true artistry of a diamond cutter’s work. The biggest flawless diamond with the most amazing color can be ruined by a poor cut that dulls its appearance to the naked eye.

There are, as you probably already know, many popular diamond cuts. They include: round, oval, marquise, pear, heart, emerald, princess, and radiant. While some cuts (round and radiant) are specifically intended to enhance brilliance, a properly cut diamond of any shape should appear sparkly - not dull - in bright light.

There is a lot going on when a diamond cutter does his work, but for a basic understanding, let’s concentrate on the three primary aspects: depth, symmetry, and polish. Remember that the main goal when shaping a diamond is to maximize brilliance in the final version.

Depth

Depth refers to how tall a diamond is from top (called the “table’) to bottom (called the “culet’). The depth partially determines how the expert cutter will angle the many facets (flat surfaces) as he shapes the stone. Ideally, those facet angles will divert incoming light in such a way that it gets routed down, across, and back up through the diamond. Properly done, the result is brilliance. Poorly done, the light leaks through the bottom and/or the sides of the diamond.

Symmetry

Symmetry refers to how well the facets (flat surfaces) are aligned. With perfect symmetry, a diamond looks “whole.’ It pleases the eye from any viewing angle. Beyond these overall aesthetic qualities, symmetry plays a big role in brilliance. Misalignment or disproportional cuts will wreak havoc on how light travels through the diamond. Just as with poor depth, poor symmetry will cause a diamond to appear dull.

Polish

Polish refers to the smoothness of the surface of every facet that is cut into a raw diamond. This part of the diamond cutting process requires the utmost care and attention to minute detail. With modern technology, polish does not vary nearly as much now as it did in years past. Excellent polish greatly enhances a diamond’s brilliance because it creates less diffusion as light enters and exits the diamond. Even a diamond with slight depth or symmetry problems will appear brilliant if the polish is of the highest grade.

To be sure, a lot more is involved than what’s covered here. However, for the average diamond shopper, all you need to know is whether the diamond shines with brilliance or appears dull. Specific cut grading details are issued on most diamonds you’ll find being sold in stores or from brokers, if you want the in-depth evaluation for investment purposes. But, for most of us, how the diamond looks in terms of brilliance is the way we evaluate it when deciding to shell out our hard-earned money. Now you know why that diamond sparkles (or doesn’t) – it’s all in the cut!

© John Schwartz (all rights reserved)

John Schwartz is a freelance writer and web site publisher. For more information on diamonds and to buy diamond rings and diamond jewelry, visit his site at http://www.diamond-rings-1.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Schwartz

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After The Engagement - Now What?

After The Engagement - Now What?
By Sher Matsen

Your minds in a whir all the things you need to do to have that perfect wedding. You begin to panic everytime you think of the planning ahead of you. Your mind is going a mile a minute with ideas and plans what to do when to do it, so many questions, so little time. First don’t get ahead of yourself. Before doing anything you should grab a pen and paper and follow these simple steps.

First you need to make a list of the things you need to discuss with your fiancée. Don’t go any further until you’ve done this. Although you might be inclined to rush out and start planning. Remember this is his big day too, and he should have a say in the planning of it.

You’ll need to discuss:

You'll need to make some time to meet with both sets of parents to further discuss the items above. You need to find out how much, if any the parents will be able to contribute to your costs.

You’ll need ask them to make a list of who they want to invite - get them to make the list from most important to least important, that way if you need to cut guests you know which ones to cut.

Next set your wedding date. Most wedding facilities advise booking 6 months to a year in advance. You’ll want to take into consideration the time of year you plan to get married, any holidays, vacations, or family events that might not work with your date.

Once you’ve determined a date that works for your bridal party and family members, as well as yourself, you can move ahead. It never hurts to have a couple of date options

Now you can get those creative juices flowing. Your wedding should fit both your style and your fiancée’s style. Will it be a trendy wedding, traditional, beach, park?? Get ideas from bridal magazines, books, and the internet which has a wealth of free information available.

Start a scrap book. Add items and ideas you like to the scrap book. Then you can use your scrap book for reference as you start to fine tune.

The more organized you are the easier it will be to plan and the less stressful it will be. Keep a day timer of what you’ve done and what needs to be done on or before specific dates.

Make to do lists and as you complete tasks scratch them off your list. Be sure to keep your list up current. You might want to buy a wedding management software package or print style. There are some great choices available!

Your wedding is the beginning of a whole new adventure in life. Make the planning an enjoyable part of that planning by being prepared.

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sher_Matsen

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