Are you attracted to the lower price tag of lab-grown diamonds? Think twice before making this particular investment! We all know one of the first steps to the perfect proposal: picking out the diamond ring your partner will swoon for! And our team at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange is thrilled to help you find the right match. We also want our customers to make the most informed decision possible when it comes to this investment, because it’s a big one! Which is why we’d like to discuss one of the newest trends in diamond-buying — lab-grown diamonds. The difference between natural and lab-grown can still be a bit muddy to consumers and sellers alike. In fact, some companies have landed in hot water for falsely advertising their lab-created diamonds. Here’s what you need to know: Natural diamonds are forged deep within the earth over many years under great pressure and heat. We mine, cut and polish raw diamonds to use in fine jewelry. For years, natural diamonds have been the only choice for that signature engagement ring sparkle. They are still what you’ll see in most engagement rings today. However, some companies have started creating diamonds in laboratories. They create them in one of two ways: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). The quality of these lab-created diamonds is increasing with time and reputable diamond-graders (like GIA) even grade them based on the four C’s. However, a professional jeweler can still spot the difference fairly easily. If you’re trying to find the right diamond within your budget, perhaps you’ve considered lab-grown diamonds. After all, their prices are up to 30% lower than their natural counterparts, according to Money Under 30. But, before you pull the trigger, consider your diamond’s resell value. Marriage is a life-long thing; you may want to upgrade your ring one day or the marriage may not last forever (unlike that diamond). That’s why Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange suggests investing in a natural diamond, even if you have to shell out a little more for it now. Natural diamonds hold their value extremely well. The supply of lab-grown diamonds is only going to grow, meaning the demand will inevitably go down, making them a poor investment. If you invest in a natural diamond now, you’ll thank yourself later when you need to resell and get at least 30-50% of your money back. If you go to resell your lab-grown diamond, that number decreases to the point where you’ll get next to nothing back. Still interested in a lab-grown diamond? Let us know. While we don’t typically carry them in our store, we can still help you find one with the best quality for the best price! Now that you’ve thought about how your diamond is made, check out our guide to picking the perfect diamond shape.
Category Archives: Diamond
So, you’ve decided to start looking for a diamond engagement ring. Good news — you’re in excellent hands! We’ll help you find your dream engagement ring at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange for the very best price. The first step in creating the perfect engagement ring is choosing the right diamond, starting with its shape. Choosing the diamond shape for your engagement ring is deeply personal, so take your time in making the right decision. To help you along your path to the perfect engagement ring, check out the Diamond Shape Guide from the experts at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange: Diamond Shape 101 Even if you’re just beginning your journey to your dream diamond, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is its shape. A diamonds shape (not to be confused with cut), refers to the general silhouette of the stone, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Each diamond shape has their own defining attributes that match different styles and personalities. Round Round diamonds reign supreme as the most popular engagement ring choice. They are a classic option that look gorgeous in a wide variety of settings. It makes them the perfect diamonds to pass down as a family heirloom because they stand the test of time and trends. This shape is well-suited for the woman with traditional style and who keeps their accessories simple and timeless. Princess As the second most popular diamond shape behind round, this diamond fits a wide variety of styles from contemporary to traditional. Like the round diamond, it fits perfectly many different settings. If you are on the hunt for a diamond that is easy on the budget, the princess cut is a great option since the process of cutting is simpler and keeps more of the rough diamond — and, of course, it shines just as brightly as other shapes! Emerald Emerald cut diamonds are a fabulous way to make a statement. They stand out among other cuts due to their mirror-like step facets and their elongated, rectangular shape. Emerald diamonds make wonderful solitaire options, three stone settings or settings with small accent diamonds. This diamond suits a wearer with sophisticated style and can also give an elongated effect to ring fingers. Asscher This royal shape is unique in that it is the first diamond shape to be patented — and it’s no surprise why The Asscher Diamond Company would want this cut all to themselves! This diamond shape is cut with step facets, similar to the emerald cut diamond. The “hall of mirrors” effect with the Asscher cut exudes old Hollywood glamour and royalty, so this is the perfect shape for the bride-to-be that dreams big and has a flair for vintage items Marquise This regal cut is making a comeback — and for good reason! The marquise diamond boasts a brilliant 58 facets and its slim figure can appear larger than its carat weight. Some are even opting to set it horizontally for a modern take on an antique-style shape. Setting it vertically can have a slimming effect, as well. This style is perfect for the recipient with a flair for vintage and elegant style. Oval This stone in particular is having a moment. Oval diamonds are a modern twist on the classic round diamond. Similar to the round diamond, they fit wonderfully in a variety of settings. The elongated shape of oval stones can also make a ring finger appear longer and leaner. This shape is a beautiful option for the bride-to-be with chic and modern style. Pear This unique style resembles a teardrop and, according to the GIA, “blends the best of the round and marquise diamond shapes.” A versatile shape, some romantics like to wear their pear-shaped diamond with the point facing their heart, while others find a slimming effect with the point facing the tip of their fingers. We find this cut gorgeous with a curved band shaped to hug the diamond — it makes a fabulous compliment to a stunning shape. Heart If your bride-to-be is a romantic with an affinity for pink, look no further than the heart-shaped diamond. Living up to its name, the heart diamond embodies the symbol of love and affection and therefore makes a gorgeous engagement or anniversary ring, or even as a special gift for Valentine’s Day. This diamond is cut similarly to the pear shape and features two rounded edges divided by one cleft. Here’s a little-known fact about heart shape diamonds: it is one of the most difficult cuts to create, making it all the more special!
Your jewelry holds a great deal of value — both monetary and emotional. To protect the monetary value of your jewelry, Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange offers you an appraisal on your prized jewelry pieces while you wait. Whether you’re a lifetime jewelry collector or just have a few select pieces you adore, you’ve worked hard to grow your collection! At Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange, we want your jewelry collection to be one of your greatest assets. That’s why we offer accurate jewelry appraisals from our GIA-trained experts to ensure your jewelry’s value for years to come. What is a jewelry appraisal? A jewelry appraisal is the process of assigning monetary value to a piece of jewelry by a certified professional for a specific purpose, such as tax, insurance, or reselling. You’ll receive a clear explanation process and the measurements used along with a signed statement of value from an expert appraiser with your jewelry appraisal. Our GIA-trained experts make sure to appraise your jewelry for the full retail price. When should you get a jewelry appraisal? Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange recommends a jewelry appraisal at least every two years. Because the prices of gold, silver, diamonds, and other gemstones fluctuate, be sure you have your jewelry valued accurately. Additionally, there are many events in which you should get your jewelry appraised, such as if you: Plan to re-sell your jewelry Switch insurance companies Modify a piece (such as a new setting) and change its value Give or bequeath the piece(s) Put the piece(s) into a trust or will Need to show ownership to your insurance company How long does a jewelry appraisal take? It depends on how many items you need appraised and their complexity. On average, an appraisal takes about 30 minutes so you can shop around or relax in our store while you wait. If you’d like to leave your pieces with us during the appraisal, you can rest assured knowing your jewelry is secure and protected. There are plenty of reasons to get your jewelry appraised and zero reasons not to. That’s why Dallas Gold & Silver offers jewelry appraisals at our Dallas location on Preston Road. Bring your beloved items for an appraisal to ensure their value today. You’ll thank yourself tomorrow!
The 2019 Academy Awards hosted hundreds of movie stars, famous directors, producers, and creators. Unsurprisingly, Lady Gaga was one of the most anticipated stars to walk the red carpet — but not for a meat dress or sky-high heels. While she typically rocks daring looks, Lady Gaga was the epitome old Hollywood glamour in an Alexander McQueen gown, matching leather opera gloves, and the famous Tiffany Yellow Diamond around her neck. What’s So Special About The Tiffany Yellow Diamond? The Tiffany Yellow Diamond is one of the largest Fancy Yellow diamonds in the world. It has only been worn a handful of times. Not only is this the first time this diamond has seen the flash of paparazzi cameras at an award show, it is the first time it has been worn by a starlet since 1961. Last worn by Audrey Hepburn in promotional photos for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Tiffany’s released this diamond from their vault specifically for Lady Gaga. She introduced this diamond to the glitz and glamour of modern Hollywood along with Tiffany & Co. white and yellow diamond earrings as accessories. The stone weighs over 128 carats and was discovered by Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of Tiffany & Co., 141 years ago in South Africa. “The rarity, beauty and sheer magnetism of the Tiffany Diamond are unprecedented,” said Tiffany & Co. chief gemologist Melvyn Kirtley. The legendary diamond is a brilliant cushion cut with a unique 82 facets — it is said to be priceless. What Does Dallas Gold & Silver Have to Offer? While we don’t quite have a diamond of this size at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange, we have plenty of diamonds that probably fit within your budget! Come in and see our collection of GIA-certified diamonds for sale whether you are looking to make a splash or for the perfect stone for an engagement ring. We have everything from cushion cuts like the famous Tiffany diamond mentioned, to pear and heart-shaped diamonds.
Buying engagement and wedding rings at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange was always a great idea and a great deal. Now it’s even better. That’s because – and maybe it’s not the ideal subject for this joyous occasion, but hey, stuff happens – odds are better than ever that you’re putting on those rings for good. Phillip Cohen, professor of sociology and the University of Maryland, has crunched U.S. Census Bureau numbers and concluded that millennials are leading the way in the decline of divorce rates in America. “We see people getting married at older ages, people getting married with college degrees already,” Cohen said. “They are less likely to be already divorced or have children when they get married, both of which are risk factors for divorce.” Overall, divorce rates dropped 18 percent from 2008 to 2016, even though surveys have tracked an increase in divorce among older Americans in recent decades – with far less social stigma than there used to be. But millennials are setting a new standard for not rushing into marriage, then sticking with it once they’ve tied the knot. “The change among young people is particularly striking,” Susan Brown, a sociology professor at Bowling Green State University, said of Cohen’s results. “The characteristics of young married couples today signal a sustained decline [in divorce rates] in the coming years.” So we’ll be even more conscientious about helping your pick the right rings. Because chances are better than ever you’re going to love them forever.
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