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Diamond

Mens Platinum Wedding Rings – A Guide to Mens Platinum Wedding Bands

Platinum mens wedding band

A buying guide to men’s platinum wedding bands

Why would you choose Platinum over any other precious metal for your wedding ring?

Most people are aware of the existence of Platinum as a precious metal. However, few buyers understand the benefits and merits of choosing Platinum for their wedding ring.

Metal choices vary greatly in cost. For example, some buyers choose budget industrial metals like Titanium at one end of the spectrum. Conversely, others choose Platinum at the other end of the scale. Most importantly, different options offer different costs.

Mens Platinum wedding ring with womens Platinum wedding ring including heart shaped fingerprint engravings

Men’s Platinum wedding ring shown with women’s wedding ring—both featuring a heart-shaped fingerprint engraving.

What is Platinum? Why choose Platinum for a wedding ring?

So, what is Platinum? Through many articles, we have explored the benefits of Platinum for jewellery. Moreover, we recommend Platinum every week to new clients. Some take our advice—others do not.

Platinum offers a naturally white precious metal choice

Platinum presents an opportunity to choose a naturally white precious metal. To clarify, by white metal, we refer to a silver-white colour.

Many jewellers describe Platinum as grey-white in appearance. Most importantly, Platinum does not tarnish or change colour. It wears with a natural Pattina but does not tarnish in the same way that White Gold does.

To achieve its bright silver-white appearance, jewellers coat White Gold with Rhodium—a hard, electro-plated metal. Rhodium disguises the off-white natural colour of White Gold. This applies to both 9 carat White Gold and 18ct White Gold. Interestingly, 9ct White Gold is a less durable choice out of the two choices.

On the other hand, Platinum is uncoated and untreated with the exception of finishing. In the final stages, men’s Platinum wedding rings receive a mirror-polish or a matte-brushed finish depending on choice.

Mens Platinum heartbeat wedding ring from Serendipity Diamonds

Mens Platinum heartbeat wedding ring featuring a brushed satin outer finish.

What is 950 Platinum? The benefits of purity

Stamped 950, the number inside a Platinum ring identifies 95% purity. Additional metals make up the other 5%. For example, Cobalt and Iridium to increase surface hardness and to improve the flow of molten metal during casting.

The high level of purity benefits wearers with 100% hypo-allergenic properties. In fact, some wearers with allergies often misdiagnose Platinum as the cause of rashes whilst wearing this metal.

Overall, we regard Platinum as the purest choice of precious metal for men’s wedding rings.

Platinum 5mm wedding ring

The Osborne wedding ring, 5mm wide—our most popular Platinum wedding ring for men. 

Platinum comes back as new when re-finished

Many of our clients love the way that Platinum restores to an as-new condition. An old, dull Platinum wedding ring is transformed through professional polishing. It really is remarkable how different a ring looks after years of wear, once it goes through re-polishing. With this in mind, Platinum makes a great choice for a lifetime of wear.

Most importantly, we should point out that Platinum does scratch and wear over time. In fact, all precious metals scratch and wear.

Interestingly, many antique jewellery lovers covet the natural patina that develops over many years of wear.

Buyers love the luxurious weight of a Platinum wedding ring

Did you know, Platinum weighs a third heavier than Gold? We sometimes quote a fact that a 6-inch cube of Platinum weighs around the same weight as an average adult man.

During wedding ring appointments in our showroom, many clients agree that the density and weight of Platinum add to the luxurious feel of this precious metal. Platinum weighs a third more than the same ring made in 18ct Gold.

Platinum escapes the volatile price increases of Gold trading

During times of economic uncertainty, many investors pile money into Gold. As a result, the price climbs. Often, this has an adverse effect on the cost of jewellery. Unlike Gold, Platinum rarely experiences the same volatility as Gold.

But, at the same time, the rarity of Platinum helps this precious metal retain its intrinsic value. Most importantly, at the time of this article, 80% of wedding rings sold at Serendipity Diamonds are made of Platinum for all of the above reasons.

Different costs for the same men’s Platinum wedding ring

The cost of a single men’s Platinum wedding ring varies based on two main factors. Firstly, the depth of the wedding ring. For each of the different wedding ring profiles, we create a light, medium and heavyweight ring. In addition, we offer each variation in a choice of widths. For men, we recommend a width from 3mm upwards.

The following video shows a light, medium and heavyweight variation of three very popular wedding ring styles. (6mm wide).

How depth affects the price of a Platinum wedding ring

In contrast, a lightweight men’s Platinum wedding ring weighs far less than a heavyweight ring of the same design. As a result, the cost will be far less for the ring. For this reason, there is an enormous difference in cost for every single design available.

Do you need additional help with women’s or men’s Platinum wedding rings?

If you’re struggling to find the perfect Platinum ring. Or, if you just need some additional guidance, please contact us. We have a lovely, friendly team on hand Monday to Saturday to help.

We provide showroom appointments to try designs from our UK store. In addition, we offer a try-at-home service for most of our designs. Look out for regular monthly promotions online and don’t forget to subscribe for updates and to follow our work on social media.

The post Mens Platinum Wedding Rings – A Guide to Mens Platinum Wedding Bands appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Categories
Diamond

What’s the Best Diamond Clarity for an Engagement Ring?

Choosing the best clarity for an engagement ring

What is the best diamond clarity?

The best diamond clarity is Flawless (FL). To explain, a Flawless diamond features no internal or external blemishes. Similarly, the Internally Flawless (IF) grade means the diamond has no internal flaws, but might have external blemishes. But how important is the Flawless or Internally Flawless grade for a diamond ring?

A Diamond clarity grade gives a standardised value expressing the concentration of natural characteristics present within a diamond. 

What is the best diamond clarity for an engagement ring?

Flawless diamonds demand very high prices. It is important to realise that you don’t need to choose an Internally Flawless diamond for the assurance of a high-quality eye-clean diamond.

Through our work at Serendipity Diamonds, we regularly advise clients to choose a good clarity grade. But not necessarily the best. In addition, we guide clients towards a good whiteness for the colour grade.

SI1 clarity diamonds in the Daisy diamond cluster ring

SI1 clarity diamonds work very well in the Daisy diamond cluster ring

Most of our diamond rings come in a choice of clarity. However, most rings with multiple diamonds are priced in SI1 clarity. Why? SI1 provides a clear unaided eye-clean diamond. In addition, most SI1 diamonds appear clear to the naked eye. Also, known as eye-clean diamonds. Marks present in the stone remain unseen without the use of a lens.

Best diamond clarity for an engagement ring

 

The above diamond bubble engagement ring is created using SI1 clarity diamonds —our standard for eye-clean diamond brilliance.

A few important notes on buying a diamond

There are some important notes to consider when choosing the best diamond clarity for an engagement ring. Although the SI1 clarity level is suitable for many rings, please keep in mind the following.

Why choose GIA certification when it comes to choosing clarity?

Most good quality diamonds above 0.30 carats include a report. Despite a certificate, some labs will grade diamonds better than they are. For this reason, we advise GIA reports (Gemological Institute of America). Their strict grading is well respected. GIA certified SI1 clarity diamonds appear clean to the naked eye. In contrast, some laboratories grade worse diamonds better. See below for an example.

GIA and IGI clarity grades compared

 

Showing identical clarity grades but graded by IGI (left) and GIA (right)

SI1 Clarity and Emerald Cut Diamonds

Step cut diamonds (Emerald cut, Baguette cut, Carré cut) show inclusions and blemishes more easily. For Emerald cuts, we advise buying VS1 clarity. This is important when choosing the best diamond clarity for your engagement ring.

Choosing the best clarity for big diamonds

Diamond inclusions within 1.5 carats and above can be more visible due to the diamond size. A larger diamond will naturally have a larger table facet. Small marks below the table may be more visible to the naked eye. Once you see the diamond inclusions, it can become easier to spot.

Choosing clarity when buying small diamonds

Small marks are less visible in small diamonds. For this reason, a diamond cluster ring will appear bright, and clear even when it has average clarity diamonds. Despite this, a less brilliance results from the inclusions in each diamond. For this reason, consider the size of diamonds when choosing the best diamond clarity for your ring.

How do I know where the inclusions are within the diamond?

Here at Serendipity Diamonds, the offer of detailed photography and microscopy of the Diamond can be supplied upon request if needed to show you any inclusions within your Diamond. This option works particularly well if visiting our showroom is not an option.

How does Diamond Clarity appear on a Certificate?

When buying a diamond it is always a good idea to request to view the diamond certificate. The most respected diamond grading lab as mentioned above is GIA – Gemological Institute of America.

All of the diamond characteristics appear noted onto a diamond certificate. These range from the carat weight of the stone down to the diamond tables measurement.

GIA Diamond Certificate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On occasion for larger diamonds, typically 1.00ct and over the certificate will feature a clarity diagram. With markings showing where the diamonds’ inclusions are located.

For diamonds graded at i1 – i2 these will appear particularly included. With inclusions and blemishes visible to the eye.

These characteristics will more than likely include heavy black marks.  For this reason, Serendipity don’t offer diamonds with a clarity grade under Si2. Unless under special request.

Viewing the diamond under a loupe

Although viewing a diamond on paper can help with finding the perfect stone. Some clients prefer to view the proposed diamond in the flesh prior to making a decision.

Here at Serendipity Diamonds, we arrange appointments to visit our Ryde Showroom. By having a range of diamonds to be available upon arrival they can be viewed under a 10 x jewellers loupe or under our microscope.

Our knowledgable team can then point out the diamond inclusions.

No two diamonds have the exact same clarity characteristics. Which makes the diamond you select a truly unique diamond.

 

Demonstration of diamond Microscope

The post What’s the Best Diamond Clarity for an Engagement Ring? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Categories
Silver

2020’s Massive Gold Market Rally: Is This Normal for a Recession?

It’s official. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the U.S. is in the midst of an economic recession. With gold prices hitting new milestones, some people wonder whether this is normal—is this how gold is supposed to perform during a recession? What might we expect in the coming months?

Learn about the current recession and what we can learn from gold’s past performance during recessionary times.

The Current Recession

In June, the National Bureau of Economic Research declared that the U.S. had entered a recession, which the Bureau defines as a “broad contraction of the economy.” This contraction includes declines in employment and manufacturing. The Bureau determined that the current U.S. recession began in February.

No one knows when the recession will end. However, many economists predict it could conclude in late 2020 or early 2021.

How Does This Recession Differ From Others?

The Great Recession, which lasted from December 2007 to June 2009, hit the U.S. because of factors such as the subprime mortgage crisis, a dramatic cutback in bank-to-bank lending, and a stock market crash. In 2001, the dot.com recession resulted from tech stocks’ overinflation, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and several accounting scandals. The Gulf War recession, which stretched from July 1990 to March 1991, was triggered by increases in interest rates that slowed the economy.

This time around, a public health crisis prompted the current recession—perhaps the worst economic calamity since the Great Depression. (By the way, what’s the difference between a recession and depression? Simply put, a depression is a more dramatic version of a recession.)

Bottom line: All recessions are not created equal. Any number of events could trigger a recession.

How Gold Performs During Recessions

During a recession, a time of great economic uncertainty, many people flock to gold as a “safe haven” versus, say, stocks or currency. Because gold is a tangible asset with a track record of independent performance, the yellow metal often is seen as a smart method for preserving wealth when the economy is shaky.

As such, it’s safe to say that a rally in the price of gold is not unusual during a recession. (Silver, too, has historically seen price spikes during recessions.)

In the middle of the Great Recession (March 2008), for instance, gold soared past the $1,000/oz. mark for a couple of days before settling in the $900/oz. range. And during the dot.com recession of 2001, the price of gold saw a generally upward trajectory.

Gold’s Performance During the 2020 Recession

This year, the price of gold also has enjoyed a lift amid recessionary conditions. In fact, gold broke a record in August, surpassing $2,000/oz. It climbed to a record high of $2,072.49/oz.

“Gold is the clear beneficiary of safe-haven demand,” Stephen Innes, chief global market strategist at AxiTrader, said in a July 2020 research note cited by CNN Business.

Some market watchers forecast gold could keep posting solid gains as a result of low U.S. interest rates, a weakened U.S. dollar, fears of inflation, and lingering trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Michael Cuggino, CEO of the Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds, believes it would “not be unreasonable” for gold to fly past $4,000/oz.

Results of a mid-September survey by Kitco News show that half of the Wall Street professionals who participated are bullish on gold. At the same time, 43% are essentially neutral, and just one analyst thinks gold prices would go down.

Analysts at Canadian bank CIBC forecast that gold prices could average $2,300/oz. in 2021.

“The outlook for continued low real interest rates, increasing government debt burdens coupled with geopolitical uncertainty arising from the upcoming U.S. election are all supportive of further significant price appreciation,” the analysts said in a report cited by Kitco News.

At U.S. Money Reserve, we’re always watching gold prices to better understand the gold market and serve our clients. You can watch and learn, too. Bookmark our Gold Price Chart and call U.S. Money Reserve when you’re ready to add gold to your portfolio.

The post 2020’s Massive Gold Market Rally: Is This Normal for a Recession? appeared first on U.S. Money Reserve.

Categories
Silver

What the First Presidential Debate Means for the Markets

“We’re seeing volatility and uncertainty. It’s here to stay until we get some kind of resolution. Until we see who wins.”
— Damian White, Senior Precious Metals Advisor at Scottsdale Bullion & Coin

If you’re like most Americans, you have a lot of questions right now:

How long until the next stimulus bill is passed?

Who will win the presidential election and carry us out of this crisis?

When you tuned in to watch the first presidential debate for one of the most important elections in the history of America… You needed answers.

Instead you got chaos. Name-calling. Interrupting. Unfounded accusations. It was a complete mess rather than at glimpse at the nation’s next leader.

And you know what? That’s exactly how the markets responded. Precious metals were up. Precious metals were down. Equities were up. Equities were down. The overnight trading session mirrored the presidential debate, explained Scottsdale Bullion & Coin’s Senior Precious Metals Advisor Damian White and Information Consultant Joe Elkier.

Watch their analysis of last night’s presidential debate in the video above.

Get the answer to one of the most important questions of all: how to protect your wealth amid all this crisis and uncertainty.

CLICK HERE to request our FREE Wealth Preservation guide.

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Silver

Silver price to get a boost from higher gold price, improved demand into year-end, says Capital Economics

Kitco News

(Kitco News) – Silver will get a boost from higher gold prices and better industrial demand into year-end following a sharp price drop down to $23 an ounce in September, according to Capital Economics.

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The post Silver price to get a boost from higher gold price, improved demand into year-end, says Capital Economics appeared first on WorldSilverNews.

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Silver

Mexico Silver Mining Is Flourishing With New High Grade Silver Discoveries – PRNewswire

Mexico Silver Mining Is Flourishing With New High Grade Silver Discoveries  PRNewswire
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Silver

GR Silver Mining channel sampling show significant underground discovery at Plomosas Silver project – Proactive Investors USA & Canada

GR Silver Mining channel sampling show significant underground discovery at Plomosas Silver project  Proactive Investors USA & Canada
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Silver

The Sky Is Falling – Gold and Silver Are Following!

The Sky Is Falling – Gold and Silver Are Following!
SilverSeek.com
Wed, 09/30/2020 – 14:34
Categories
Gold

Gold macros are beyond powerful; price to see $3000 to $5000 says billionaire investor, Thomas Kaplan

Stansberry Research/Interview of Thomas Kaplan/9-28-2020

photograph of various gold bars“Let’s put it this way, gold still remains on Wall Street and in the west probably the most under-owned, least crowded trade in the global financial markets. … The era in which gold was the asset which people loved to hate and hated to love is starting to come to an end. We’re still in the very early innings. It’s still a smart money trade as opposed to a big passive money trade but that’s about to happen.”

USAGOLD note:  Daniella Carbone, who is now with Stansberry Research, interviews Thomas Kaplan, who offers some interesting views on the impact of what he calls “bold-faced” names now involved in the gold business – like Buffett, El Erian, Mobius, Dalio, Gundlach, Rogoff. This interview is highly recommended. As always, Kaplan has profound things to say and Carbone does a good job of drawing him out on the important subject introduced above. (We referenced this interview in this morning’s DMR and repost it here for those who may have missed it.)

The post Gold macros are beyond powerful; price to see 00 to 00 says billionaire investor, Thomas Kaplan first appeared on Today’s top gold news and opinion.

Categories
Gold

Revealed: The destruction of value in U.S. commercial real estate

Financial Times/Joe Rennison/9-27-2020

graphic image of street sign showing the corner of Wall Street and Main Street USAG“Commercial properties hit by the economic effects of coronavirus could have lost as much as one-quarter of their value or more, laying bare the scale of the damage being wrought across American malls, hotels and other commercial buildings.”

USAGOLD note: The implosion in commercial real estate values is well-known to those of us who remember the 1980s. What began in the real estate market, though, quickly flowed through to the banks (Wall Street) and ultimately the overall economy (Main Street). It was the 1980s and one could see the destruction first-hand, i.e., in the number of buildings boarded up in downtown America.

The post Revealed: The destruction of value in U.S. commercial real estate first appeared on Today’s top gold news and opinion.