Author - Mandira

Ruby Puzzle Ring with Claddagh Band – A Letter Post to a Client

Hi Kelly,

Thank you again for emailing that you are interested in a princess-cut ruby puzzle ring with a Celtic Claddagh band, along with a matching band for your fiancé.

Allow me to show you several options, along with current prices.  You mention that your hands are small, so you may prefer the medium weight (16 gauge) puzzle ring.  It is a matter of taste, though, as we’ve made 13 gauge puzzle rings holding a 1Ct stone in sizes as small as 4, as shown in the image of Laura’s ring, below.  Bear in mind that the addition of a wedding band will make her set about as wide as the 2CT set that first caught your eye.

Laura's 13-gauge puzzle ring with 1CT diamond in about a size 4

Laura’s 13-gauge puzzle ring with 1CT diamond in about a size 4

 

Below is the set that caught your eye.  This puzzle ring is also a heavy 13 gauge.  The Cambridge is the only puzzle ring we carry that is not named for the style of setting holding the stone. This one is named for this particular style of four-band puzzle ring.  The weight is an appropriate size for such a large gemstone, and clearly you’ve said you don’t want something this big.

We can make a gemstone puzzle ring in any weight from 13 to 16, in other words four weights, including this one and the medium, 16 gauge shown further below.  The claddagh ring is available in this heavy weight with trim, shown, which is  7mm wide, and a light weight with trim, which is 6.5mm wide.  6.4mm = 1/4 in.

 

2CT ruby Cambridge 13 gauge puzzle ring with heavy weight 7mm wide Claddagh band with trim

2CT ruby Cambridge 13 gauge puzzle ring with heavy weight 7mm wide Claddagh band with trim

Though the medium weight, shown below,  is the one we make most frequently, and it works for gemstones up to .72CT, the weight of your bridal set is a very individualized decision.

 

These next sets are made with the untrimmed version of the Claddagh band, which is 4.5mm wide and which we often pair with the medium weight puzzle ring.

Guinevere puzzle ring with Celtic claddagh band in palladium; also available in 14K yellow gold with 14K white gold gemstone setting

Guinevere puzzle ring with Celtic claddagh band in palladium; also available in 14K yellow gold with 14K white gold gemstone setting

Avalon puzzle ring with Celtic claddagh wedding band in palladium; also available in 14K yellow gold

Avalon puzzle ring with Celtic claddagh wedding band in palladium; also available in 14K yellow gold

 

This Avalon puzzle ring has an “open-weave” which we don’t usually do with the Claddagh band (though we can), because the band doesn’t lie flat against the open puzzle weave. Know that we can make this puzzle ring “flatter” on the sides in a standard or tight weave, which will lie flatter with the band.

Select your style of puzzle ring and your weave.

You will have noticed by now that each of these puzzle rings has a different gemstone setting.  Each of our puzzle rings are named for the setting style that holds the gemstone.  If you want the very setting that holds the 2CT ruby in the image above, then the setting we’ll use is the “Juliet” shown in these images:

Juliet puzzle ring showing our exclusive Celtic trinity knot diamond or gemstone setting. This puzzle ring has an open weave, but we can make it with a standard or tight weave, whichever you prefer.

Juliet puzzle ring showing our exclusive Celtic trinity knot diamond or gemstone setting. This puzzle ring has an open weave, but we can make it with a standard or tight weave, whichever you prefer.

 

We created the Juliet setting with the sculptural trinity knot on each side, so that you could have something incredibly unique holding your gemstone.  But having a puzzle ring in any style is unique in itself, so pick whichever style looks prettiest to you.

If he wants a wider band, then we can create his Claddagh band with trim, available in two weights – light at 6.5mm wide  – or heavy in widths of either 7.7 or 8.7mm.

If you like, I can provide prices for this version.  I find that men who wear a size 10 to 11 usually prefer the wider 5.5mm band (unless they want a very-much wider band with trim), but once men need a size 11 or up, they usually opt for the trim version.

For the princess-cut lab-created ruby, the next stone size up from .43CT is .79CT.  If you’d like to look at that, we can do that next.  It means a little heavier puzzle ring, but nowhere near as heavy as the one holding the 2CT.

I look forward to your feedback.   Thank you so much!

Celtic-Inspired Puzzle Engagement Ring with I am my Beloved’s Poesy Ring

The image below shows the Hebrew I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine poesy ring with a standard weave marquise diamond puzzle ring.   Yes, this Celtic-inspired puzzle ring really does come apart and go back together.  We have really great written, animated, and video instructions on our site.

Hebrew I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine poesy ring with marquise diamond Celtic-inspired puzzle ring

Celtic Inspired Marquise Diamond Puzzle Ring with 16th C. Italian Hebrew I am my Beloved’s poesy ring

When you want to pair a puzzle engagement ring with a traditional poesy ring, I usually recommend that you go with the standard weave.  A puzzle ring with a tight weave is flatter along the sides, so a wedding band will lie flatter alongside it.  But most people prefer the standard weave, because to most of us, it is a little prettier than the tight weave.

This set is shown in 14K white gold.  We can make it in 14K yellow or rose gold or platinum.

And what on earth is Italian Hebrew?  Well, it is a script that was developed in 16th C. Italy to express the Hebrew language.   You can think of it like a “font.”  Today we type English in Times New Roman, in Arial, or in any number of fonts.  They all express English equally well (not to mention any of many other languages).   So you could call this an Italian Hebrew font.

This poesy ring celebrates Solomon’s Song of Songs from the Bible, the most romantic passage in that holy book.  It is a beautiful sentiment for a bridal set, don’t you agree?

Choose your puzzle ring style, weave, and diamond size.  And see this set and its options for different precious metals and sizes of diamonds.

And you can also find the groom’s poesy ring in the same metals.

Celtic-Inspired Puzzle Engagement Rings


 

This is perhaps our most popular Celtic bridal set. The engagement ring is a four-band puzzle ring made exclusively for Crystal Realm, and it is paired with a claddagh band made in Ireland and hallmarked at the Dublin Assay Office in Dublin castle. We can make this set in palladium or 14K yellow gold with a 14K white band diamond setting. 

Choose Hand-Engraved or CAD Inscription for your Custom Celtic Poesy Wedding Band

Here’s a little tutorial on the differences between hand-engraving (a dying art!) and CAD (computer-aided design) lettering for your custom poesy ring.

#1 Hand-engraved German myn genyst in a Gaelic font
myn genyst literally translate to my heart; but it means much more: my heart, my soul, my spirit
5mm wide domed, comfort-fit platinum band
(Yes, historically there were many Celts of Germanic origin)

Notice that each letter is formed from a series of single cuts, one for each letter part, and the lettering looks like a “V” shaped tool was used to make each cut.  The letters are well shaped and more delicate than the CAD letters pictured below.

Platinum hand-engraved poesy ring

Myn Genyst (pronounced “mine einst,” meaning, “My heart, my soul, my spirit,” in German. Platinum hand-engraved poesy ring

# 2 CAD lettering – “I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine” in Scottish Gaelic spelling in a Gaelic font

Ring widths, 6mm and 3.5mm; domed, comfort-fit, custom poesy rings in 14K white gold

 

 

 

 

Scottish Gaelic "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine"

Scottish Gaelic “I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine” custom poesy rings in 14K white gold

 

 

You will notice a “g” that looks like a “5” at the beginning of a word on each ring in both images.  If you examine that “g,” you will notice that in the CAD design, the “g” is broader and more open looking than the hand-engraved.  These letters are also well-shaped, but there is a difference between the letters on these rings and the ones in #1 image.

The quality is very, very high with each type of lettering.  They are just different, and you get to decide which you prefer.

 

14K or 18K White Gold Rings – White Gold Color or Rhodium-Plated?

The question of white gold color is one that comes up over and over again, since some of the rings at  www.crystalrealm.com are historic reproductions, and some are not.  Here’s important info on all of Crystal Realm’s white gold jewelry:

Ring Style in White gold Karat Gold Rhodium-
plated?
Comments……………………………………
Traditional poesy rings 14K
18K
No………………..

These are Renaissance reproduction rings, which are not rhodium plated.  14K white gold poesy rings have a slightly creamish cast to them; 18K white gold poesy rings are a tad creamier.

You’ll see the naturally creamy color more under artificial light.  I’ve had clients take delivery of these rings and call me to report they received yellow gold.  All it takes it looking at the ring in a more natural light, near a window, skylight, or outdoors, and it’s easy to tell it is white gold.

In 14K white gold, these rings are the best match for our puzzle engagment rings, since both are not plated with rhodium, and the underlying 14K white gold alloy of one ring is very close to, if not identical, to that of the other style.

 

Custom poesy rings 14K
18K
Your choice If you want a white gold poesy ring  or custom design of any  ring to go with a puzzle engagement ring, I recommend palladium, rather than white gold, to ensure the rings match. If you really want white gold, then the rings should be rhodium plated, so the finish color matches.

If you intend to wear a custom ring by itself or with a commercially available engagement ring, then, by all means, select 14K or 18K white gold. 

Puzzle engagement or
puzzle wedding rings
14K only No For strength, we use only 14K gold in any color for puzzle rings. All colored metal puzzle rings have a 14K white gold stone setting, unless you request 14K yellow gold.
Irish Celtic Wedding bands   By default, yes.
Upon request, no.

The Irish Celtic wedding rings we carry have an unusually heavy rhodium finish, so it is very durable and long-wearing, and normally they don’t need to be re-plated for a very long time. The length of time will depend upon your wear pattern.

 

If you want your Celtic wedding band to go with a puzzle engagement ring, then I recommend you select palladium or platinum. Palladium is a platinum family metal that ensures that both your puzzle ring and Celtic wedding band will match in white color.

 

Color of 14K or 18K white gold rings:  Usually when you see a 14K or 18K white gold ring in a jewelry store, that ring will be rhodium plated, so it will be bright white!  You won’t see the difference between them, as rhodium will make them the same color.  Rhodium is a platinum-family metal that is widely used in the modern jewelry industry but that is not used on any white gold poesy or puzzle rings on our site.  One reason is that our rings tend to be historical reproduction, and rhodium was not used in antiquity.  A reason we are not, in general, big fans of rhodium plating is that it has to be redone 1-3 times per year.  You can have a simple band replated by a local jeweler; it tends to run about $45.00 to $50.00 each time.  If you really want that bright-white look, then you can maintain it with replating.

The 14K WG of poesy rings has a slightly warmish cast to it, by comparison, and the 18K white gold is a creamier color.  It looks like white gold (although not the bright, dead white of plated rings) in natural light, but it looks warmer and creamier under most types of inside lighting.  It’s absolutely my favorite white gold!  It’s totally gorgeous, in my view!

Part of the problem of trying to see small differences in colors online is that every computer monitor tends to have the color calibrated a little differently.  So what might look beautiful on one monitor could look dingy on another.

The difference in color between a 14KWG and an 18KWG poesy ring is not that great.  The difference between a rhodium-plated 18K white gold ring and a non-rhodium-plated WG ring is very pronounced.  So you might want to compare the ring under the link above to this one:

2. These rings are not engraved on the inside – the lettering is actually cast in when the ring is made, so we can’t offer it blank on the inside.  There is a small space on the inside where you could likely have initials engraved – it’s about 3/8” wide.

 

 

 

More on puzzle engagement ring weights (and a preview of our new custom triskele knot setting)

The main factor that governs the weight or gauge of precious-metal stock we need to use for your ring is the size of diamond or gemstone we mount on your ring.

Generally, our 4-band, medium-weight, puzzle engagement ring will hold a stone up to approximately 0.72CT, or seven-tenths of a carat.  When you opt for a larger stone, we must make your ring sturdy enough to hold the stone securely and to ensure that if your, for example, marquise diamond gets caught on something, it will not destroy your ring as a result of your ring being too light weight.

Each weight, or gauge, of stock precious metal, in combination with the weave you select, will offer a different look.  Even when we go to replicate a ring shown on our website or on our “Select your style and weave” page, it will not be identical to the one shown in our image.  Your ring is hand-woven, and it is a one-off, original, wearable, work of art.  If you look at enough images of these gorgeous rings, you will also become aware that each one is slightly, quirkily, asymmetrical, because of its hand-woven nature.

The marquise diamond ring above bears an approximately 0.46CT marquise diamond.  Weight: medium with a standard weave, which will hold a marquise diamond up to 0.72CT.

A lot of people fall in love with this set, and, if you do, it’s important to consider the size limitation of the diamond or colored gemstone this set will hold. For a gemstone or diamond heavier than 0.72CT, we must make your ring a little heavier, like the one shown below.

 

 

The rare 0.87CT blue-green marquise emerald, above, is too large for a medium weight ring, so we wove this ring with just-over-medium-weight 14K white gold.  It makes for a bigger ring, especially with the open weave, as shown here, and it is properly sized for the dimensions and weight of the gemstone.

 

1CT Marquise Diamond 15 Gauge Puzzle Ring with Irish Celtic Claddagh Band

 

The puzzle ring above is made with a 1CT diamond and the same slightly heavier gold stock as shown with the marquise emerald ring, only in this case in three colors – 14K rose, 14K yellow and 950 palladium. This is a standard weave puzzle ring with a made-to-order claddagh band.

 

Laura on her wedding day in Italy, wearing her Juliet, princess-cut, 1CT diamond puzzle ring, with heavy, 18K yellow gold puzzle bands and a 14K white gold setting.   We make almost every puzzle engagement ring in 14K gold, rather than 18K, because it is so much stronger.  But with the heavier bands comes strength that compensates for the higher concentration of gold (18K gold being 75% gold and 25% other metal alloys).  Still, we stick to 14K for the setting, because we want the strength of 14K in the part that holds the diamond.  Laura’s ring is about a size 4.75, so her ring illustrates that our heaviest weight women’s puzzle ring looks gorgeous even in a small finger size.

On another note . . .

We are just about to redo Laura’s setting with our new Celtic triskele diamond setting, shown in a CAD rendering below.

 

 

 

 


What style and weight for your men’s four-band puzzle wedding ring?

Men’s four band puzzle rings

Below is the ultra-heavy Cambridge puzzle ring shown in 14K yellow gold.  Choose from 14K  yellow, white, or rose gold; a combination of two or four colors of gold; palladium or platinum. 

Men's Cambridge four-band puzzle ring in 10ga 14K yellow gold

Shown below in 14K rose and white gold is the men’s heavy-weight, four-band puzzle ring in an open weave.

Men's four-band, heavy, 12ga puzzle ring in 14K rose and white gold

 

Choosing the Weight for Your Crystal Realm Puzzle Ring

For heavy-weight, four-band puzzle rings, with or without a diamond, there are two main styles.   If you wish, you can each have your four-band puzzle rings woven to match.

When you first order, I will send you each your style and weight of ring in sterling silver, so you can try them on to assess fit, weight, style, and everything, so you can make sure you love the rings, before we commit to them in precious metal.   We can do that before you order, if you wish, and in that case, you’ll pay for the sterling silver, and then we’ll apply that amount to your rings in precious metal, if your rings are valued at over $1,000 each. If your final rings are under $1,000, then we apply half the value of your sterling ring to the final ring price.

Our regular weave, hand-woven, four-band puzzle rings

The two puzzle rings immediately below show the open weave style in men’s heavy-weight stock.  The puzzle ring in two colors is 7/8″ wide at top-center.   The puzzle engagement ring has roughly the same width at top center, but the addition of the 1CT diamond brings the total ring width to 10mm to 11mm.

Open Weave, Four-Band , 12 Gauge, Heavy-Weight Puzzle Ring

 

1CT Marquise Diamond on women’s heavy-weight, open weave, puzzle ring with optional comfort-fit band which is contoured to reflect the curved shape of the puzzle ring edge.

 

CT Marquise Diamond on 12-gauge, open weave, puzzle ring with optional, custom-fit, comfort-fit band

Our hand-woven, tighter weave, Cambridge style, four-band puzzle rings. The puzzle rings shown just below are in the Cambridge style.  In this style, we stretch each band across the front to make an interesting alternative look.  Another consequence of the stretching is that these rings are more uniform in width across the front of the ring, so you have the sense of a “band,” which many people like.

The engagement ring with the ruby shows the medium-heavy weight, just the same as the smaller ring to the right in the white gold, shown immediately below.

 

Cambridge Puzzle Ring Wedding Bands

 

Cambridge puzzle ring with 2CT ruby and claddagh band with heavy trim

 

 

 


How we Select a Diamond for your Celtic-Inspired Puzzle Engagement Ring

Selecting a Diamond or a Colored Gemstone
Would you prefer to select a diamond or a colored gemstone such as a: sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, blue topaz, tanzanite, green tourmaline, or another stone?

We will work closely with you by email or telephone in selecting your stone. We will give you honest information.
We will send a diamond to you for your inspection before mounting it in your ring, if you wish. You will simply pay for the round-trip shipping.

Since Crystal Realm is a relatively small business with low overhead, we can save you money on a diamond. We are a little “hungrier” and more motivated than many other diamond businesses, so we will always give you the best deal we possibly can. In addition, we purchase our diamonds from one of the top diamond houses in the world, so we can assure you of exceptional quality from a company committed to conflict-free diamonds.

In addition, it’s important for you to know that we don’t buy quantities of diamonds in “lots.”  We purchase diamonds and colored gemstones one at a time for each order.  So when you order from us, you know that we’ll select your gemstone especially for your ring, choosing the very best and brightest diamond or gemstone that we can possibly find for you. We bring almost 50 years of combined experience with diamonds and precious gems to the task of finding the perfect stone for your ring! When we take delivery of your diamond or colored gemstone, it first has to pass our personal inspection, before we will consider setting it on your ring.  Then when we ship your ring to you, you have to be delighted! If your heart is not lifted when you open the package and see the ring, then you need to call me immediately to let me know.  Don’t wait to see if it “grows on you.”  It won’t.  If you’re not thrilled, then we need to address the issue immediately and procure and set another stone in your ring. 

There are two routes to go when selecting a diamond for your puzzle engagement ring. Although we will save you money with either method, the first and most popular method, is known as Diamond Buying Made Easy, Crystal Realm Style. This guarantees you a diamond of excellent quality with brilliant sparkle and beauty on her hand.

Marquise Diamond Puzzle Ring with Latin "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine" Custom Bridal Set

 

The second method is a higher budget method for diamonds in the VS2 to VVS1 clarity range, at the very end of this post.

Crystal Realm’s Extraordinary Six-Way Diamond Guarantee

1.  Purchasing Your Dream

Whether you are purchasing a diamond engagement ring, an anniversary gift or a special reward of diamond jewelry, you deserve the best. Red Box Diamonds® offer you more than you imagined possible. Every purchase of a Red Box Diamond® (a diamond of 0.375CT or above) is a brilliant choice.

2.  A Guarantee Above All Others
Each Red Box Diamond® is a unique gift of nature, meant to be cherished for a lifetime. It is our responsibility and our desire that you be perfectly satisfied with your diamond purchase. If you are not satisfied, for any reason, return your diamond to your jeweler (that would be Crystal Realm) within their specified return policy guidelines*, and your diamond will be replaced, no questions asked.

Mandira’s note:
Tom, with whom I co-founded Crystal Realm, and I have always joked that we  love our products so much that we’re always happy to buy them back!  The truth is that on custom jewelry over $1,000.00, we are not able to give refunds, though, because we cannot sell your custom ring to someone else.  The pledge that we make to you, though, is that we will work with you until you are absolutely thrilled with the diamond engagement ring we provide you.  If you’re not ecstatic about the diamond you receive from us in your puzzle ring, please let me know within a couple of days, so that we may switch it out for a new one right away.  Our pledge also means that if for any reason you aren’t thrilled with the weave of your ring, or any other aspect of it, we’ll go as far as make an entirely new ring for your diamond or colored gemstone.

3.  Accurate Grading
Each Red Box Diamond® comes with a grading report from an independent lab or a comprehensive report from Stuller. We guarantee our reports provide accurate grading information. If you feel your Red Box Diamond® with a Stuller report is not accurate, we will exchange or refund your purchase within 30 days from the date of purchase (via Crystal Realm). At any time in the future, should the diamond purchased be graded by any of the following independent gemological laboratories (GIA, AGS, HRD, IGI or EGL) and the grade of the stone disputed, we will exchange your diamond or adjust the price of the Red Box Diamond® in question.

4.  Guaranteed Value
When you are ready to upgrade your Red Box Diamond®, we can help by offering a phenomenal Trade-Up Program. You can have confidence that the diamond you are purchasing will hold its value over time. When you are ready, you can trade in your Red Box Diamond® for a stone of greater value and receive a credit toward your new purchase of a Red Box Diamond®*. Ask Mandira at Crystal Realm for details.

*Diamonds must be in their original condition to qualify for the Trade-Up Program.

5.  Free Loss Protection for One Year
To help ensure your purchase is properly protected, all Red Box Diamonds® come with free loss protection for one full year.* This provides you with worldwide coverage against theft, loss, or mysterious disappearance. Free coverage of the Red Box Diamond® begins on the postmarked date of the registration form. There is no deductible.
*This applies to diamonds residing in the United States.

In the event of a loss, simply contact Mandira at Crystal Realm for a replacement. This helps to guarantee that you will receive the same quality merchandise as you originally purchased.

6.  Secure Identification
You can have peace of mind that the diamond you purchased is unique. Each Red Box Diamond® comes with the added security of a unique identifier. A laser-engraved number, matching the grading report, is etched on the girdle of the stone. This number allows for proof positive identification.

Plus Custom Diamond Engraving upon Request
Custom engraving is available. You can inscribe a secret message of love on your diamond for a nominal fee. Ask Mandira for details.

*Red Box Diamond® benefits apply to most diamonds weighing 3/8 carat (0.375CT) and larger. We do reserve the right to modify or discontinue benefits at any time. Program benefits are not combinable with other offers.

Guinevere Royal Diamond Engagement Ring with Sapphire Accents

Guinevere Royal Diamond Engagement Ring with Sapphire Accents

Diamond Buying Made Easy, the Crystal Realm Way

Now you know about the multiple guarantees we provide you, courtesy of our diamond vendor.  Now let me spell out how we simplify the diamond search process for you.

Our concern is always in finding you the biggest diamond, with the prettiest cut and shape, the most sparkle, and with no flaws visible to the unaided eye, that will look beautiful on her hand in the price range that you prefer.

Your diamond will be in the top range of color D-E-F, will be cut for maximum sparkle, will be the carat weight of your choice, and will have no inclusions visible to the eye.  We found that starting in 2010, there have been specific circumstances in which we offered or acquired for a client a diamond in the near-colorless G (top of the near-colorless G-H-I-J range). We’ve only done this a few times so far, and in each case, it was because we found a G color diamond with other outstanding attributes.

The easiest way for us to secure a diamond for your puzzle ring is if you decide how much you want to spend, and we’ll get you the best possible diamond for your price, subject to your approval.  However, we also offer you a list of the seven most popular diamond size ranges with prices for each, to help you in your decision making.  In fact, 75% of our clients prefer to select from the most popular sizes:

Seven Most Popular Diamond Size Ranges for Crystal Realm Puzzle Engagement Rings
1/3CT
.375 – .41CT  (this is the approximately 3/8CT range)
.43 – .46CT
.47 – .52CT  (1/2CT range)
.57 – .62CT  (6/10CT range)
.67 – .72CT  (7/10CT range) – This is the largest size of diamond or colored gemstone we can mount on a four-
band, medium-weight puzzle ring. Above this weight, we need to go to a heavier weight of precious metal stock.
.95 – 1.05CT  (1CT range) – We quote rings over .72CT individually, based on weight of ring planned
and your grading preferences

For diamonds of .375Ct to .72CT, you will receive a certified gemstone analysis of your diamond, along with free insurance against loss of the stone for one year, and complete Red Box Diamond® packaging.  Diamonds in the 1CT range or greater are accompanied by a GIA analysis (Gemological Institute of America).For diamonds smaller than .375CT, we do not provide certification of your diamond. This is because certifying diamonds is costly, so smaller diamonds do not tend to be certified.  Still, we have a reputation for quality diamonds and for delivering legitimate diamonds of great beauty in the smaller sizes.

Marquise Diamond Puzzle Ring with Irish Claddagh Band

Marquise Diamond Puzzle Ring with Irish Claddagh Band

 

The Four-C’s of Diamond Buying Made easy.

If you wish us to select a diamond for you, based on our judgement, as almost all of our customers do, then here is the diamond quality we guarantee you.

1. Cut – Guaranteed sparkle and stunning beauty on her hand. Since cut  governs sparkle, your diamond will have a good to excellent cut.  If we don’t have a diamond in stock suitable for your ring, we order one immediately. If the first diamond we get in doesn’t meet our standards for cut and sparkle, we send it back and get another. We will only mount a diamond on your ring if it meets our exacting standards.

2. Clarity – We typically look for a diamond of approximately SI1 to SI2 (nearly clear) clarity – it will have only minor inclusions visible under a microscope, but none visible to the eye. Generally, we won’t use your money to purchase higher clarity that can only be seen under a microscope. You, of course, can specify that you want higher clarity, if you want the satisfaction of acquiring a higher clarity of diamond, and you are willing to pay more to achieve this.

3. Color – Colorless in the very top range: D – E – F. The color range for diamonds goes from D (colorless) to V (colored). Every diamond that we put in a white gold or platinum ring is colorless and the same is true for 95% of our yellow gold rings.

Occasionally upon finding a diamond in G or H (near-colorless) that has other very strong attributes, such as a beautiful cut, we will offer it as one of your choices.   In addition, upon client request, we have upon occasion provided diamonds with I or J color (the lower end of the “near-colorless” range), because it is one way to bring the price of a very large diamond down.  I’d like to stress that we can and will will do our very best to provide you with a diamond matching any specs you request.

4. Carat – We will provide you with the biggest and best gemstone we can find for you within an agreed upon price range.  Sometimes the best stone will be toward the lower end of the range.  For example, if your selected range is 0.375CT to 0.41CT, it may be that the very best diamond we can find for you is 0.375CT, so that is the one we’ll select.  However, if there is some challenge in selecting your diamond, we will seek to include you in the selection process, much as I did in the post from Jan. 13, 2010, entitled Finding a Marquise Diamond in the 6/10CT Range. (See Random Posts, top right)

We Will Save You Money on a Genuine, Quality Diamond
These days, you can purchase a flawless imitation diamond for very little money, so if you want a real diamond, with real value, you are most likely going to purchase a diamond with
some internal flaw or flaws. The point is, at what level can these flaws be seen? You will proudly show your wedding set to your friends and loved ones, who are not going to look at it under a microscope. They will admire it based on the four criteria mentioned above.  When we provide your diamond, it will be gorgeous – that’s our bottom line – and there will be no visible inclusions whatsoever.  You can count on that.

Selecting a Diamond in the VS, VVS, or IF Clarity Ranges
If you wish to have us select a diamond for you based on carat weight, a clarity level of from VS2 up to VVS1 or even IF (internally flawless), with D to F color and a very good to excellent cut, then please call Mandira toll-free at 1-866-573-7381 to discuss your diamond requirements. In this case, your diamond of 0.375CT or greater will be a Stuller Red Box Diamond with certification and will be subject to all of the guarantees of the Stuller Red Box Diamond, explained above in this post.

No matter what size or grade of diamond is in your puzzle engagement ring, the ring will be delivered to you in a high quality ring box.

Keep Your Diamond or Colored Gemstone(s) Sparkling

The diamonds and gemstones we wear on our hands grow dull as they pick up finger oil along with bits of dust and sloughed-off skin cells that adhere to the oil. Not to mention, lotion, ladies, if we put it on without taking our ring off, first. And since we ship our Celtic-inspired diamond and colored gemstone puzzle engagement rings all over the world, so we can’t just say, “Drop by our shop whenever you want your gemstone cleaned.”

We do offer a free annual cleaning and polish for your ring (you pay only the shipping), but honestly, you can keep your puzzle ring jewel(s) sparkling all by yourself, in the comfort of your own home, with no special jewelry cleaners or equipment beyond what you can find at local stores.

This article will explain how to keep your Crystal Realm 14K gold (in any color), palladium, or platinum puzzle engagement ring clean and sparkly.  It is safe for all the diamonds or colored stones we mount in rings, unless I tell you personally that your particular gemstone needs special care.  This is not intended to be a general jewelry cleaning lesson. Different metals and different stones require different cleaning solutions.

The methods and cleaning solutions I suggest here are proven to be safe for our puzzle engagement rings, and I cannot vouch for instructions given on other websites, which sometimes, by the way, offer conflicting instructions.

First, here is a list of what to avoid when cleaning your ring, as they may damage your ring and/or jewel(s) over time:

  • Toothpaste (is abrasive)
  • Baking soda (is very abrasive)
  • Vinegar
  • Any kind of harsh chemical (can damage some stones)

I include ammonia in the list of what to avoid.  It is in most commercial jewelry cleaners, but I don’t use it, have never used it on jewelry, and I can assure you that you really do not have to resort to such a harsh product to clean your puzzle ring.  My avoidance of ammonia-based cleaners is long entrenched – Austrian crystal jewelry and suncatchers can be pitted by long-term use of ammonia, so for the 34+ year history of our business, which was launched as a crystal provider, we have never used ammonia-based cleaners, and I’ve not missed them or their strong, unpleasant odor.

How to clean your Celtic Puzzle Engagement Ring with diamond(s) or colored gemstone(s)
Don rubber gloves.  Clean your sink, rinse it, and put a stopper in it.  This is so you won’t drop your ring down the drain if you handle it near or in the sink.
Fill a dessert-sized bowl with the hottest tap water into which you can safely and comfortably put your rubber-glove protected fingers. (Do not use hot water for emeralds or opals – use lukewarm water for these stones.) Pour or spray a tablespoon or two of  simple household cleaner into the hot water and stir.   The one I use is “Cedar & Sage” from Trader Joe’s.  Seventh Generation makes an all-purpose cleaner they describe this way:
    • Non-toxic & biodegradable
    • Hypo-allergenic
    • Does not create harsh fumes
    • Not tested on animals (This may not be one of your personal criteria for cleaning your jewelry, but it is more likely that a company that does not test products on animals will produce the type of non-toxic cleaner I recommend)
You want a cleaner that is not “soapy” and does not contain harsh chemicals.  If you cannot find a cleaner fitting both criteria, opt for a soapy one over a chemical one.  If you need to use a soapy cleaner, I recommend Woolite, Dr. Bronner’s, Ivory Liquid, or Dawn Liquid.

Slip off your puzzle ring and hold it by the very back of the ring.  Dip the front (i.e., the top or the part with gemstones) in the cleaning solution, and swish it back and forth a dozen times. You may then leave your ring to soak in the solution for up to fifteen minutes, if you wish.  If you think you need to use a brush to clean your ring, use a small soft art paintbrush, rather than a brush with stiff bristles. (Again, do not use hot water for emeralds or opals – use lukewarm water for these gems.)

Now it’s time to rinse your ring.  This is where the stopper in your sink comes in – be sure it is in place before you bring your ring to the sink.  Rinse the ring well under running warm water.   Place it in on a soft dry cloth.  Blow it with a hair drier to dry it quickly or pat dry with part of the cloth.  If you have soft water, you can likely leave it to air-dry, but if your water is hard, and you leave it to air dry, minerals will cake your ring, which will introduce an entirely different kind of cleaning problem. Another quick way to dry your ring:  Compressed air (you can buy a can at an auto parts store).

As for the cloth?  Any absorbent cloth will do – just stay away from bath towels  or other linty fabrics – and if you want the very best, order the “Purple Rags in a Bag” from the Fly Lady.  No, I don’t get a commission, but these are lint-free micro-fiber cloths that are so worth the money (About $13.95 for three, and, as a side benefit, you’ll never use window cleaner again on your glass).
 
Once it’s dry, you can buff the metal bands of your ring with said cloth, to bring up the shine. Or, order a treated polishing cloth to buff up the metal beautifully.
 
Alternate Quick Cleaning
An alternate way to clean your puzzle engagement ring, and the one I usually use myself: If you have an espresso maker with a steam setting, and you can protect your fingers from the heat with a wooden ring clamp, shown below, hold the ring at the back and place the jewel(s) into the steam spray. Move the ring all around, so the steam gets the diamond clean from the top, the sides, underneath, all directions. Then use compressed air to dry it. The result? Super quick, super sparkle!!

Please note: Do not use steam or hot water on emeralds. Emeralds are brittle and can break with heat. Heat also dries the oil in emerals.

If you have any questions about cleaning your Crystal Realm Celtic Puzzle Engagement Ring, be sure to contact me.
 
Wooden ring clamp for steam-cleaning your diamond or gemstone puzzle ring

Wooden ring clamp for steam-cleaning your diamond or gemstone puzzle ring.