Clinton News-Record, 1985-2-27, Page 604-
4.210.
page 32, Showcase '85
Solitaire is the practical choice for quality diamond rings
Diamonds are forever, the saying goes,
but only if some care is devoted to their
choice. Before selecting a diamond ring, an
engaged couple should take the time to learn
as much as possible aboutthis most popular
of all symbols of everlasting love, says the
diamond information centre.
The agency suggests that the couple first
consider buying a ring with a solitaire set-
ting, not on y because of the esthetic effect
of the single gem but because of its practical
value. With a solitaire, the price is solely
determined by the size of the centre stone.
When buying, four factors should be con-
sidered - caret weight, color, clarity and cut.
Carat - This is the unit of weight used for
diamonds. The word carat is derived from
the carob seeds which were used in balance
scales in ancient times. There are 100 points
in a carat, thus a diamond of 27 points
weighs slightly more than a quarter carat.
The average, rough diamond weighs less
than a carat. Because the larger stones are
rare, they have a greater value per carat.
Color - A diamond may be any color, but
most diamonds are white, with a hint of col-
or. Completely colorless diamonds are rare,
hence more valuable. Like a prism, a cut
and polished diamond breaks light into
every color in the spectrum.
Clarity - Most diamonds contain natural
imperfections, spots or bubbles formed
when the carbon was crystalized millions of
years ago. Where such "inclusions" do not
interfere materially with the passage of
light through the stone, they do not affect its
beauty; the fewer the inclusions, the more
valuable the diamond - one that shows no
imperfections to the trained examiner using
10 -power magnification.
Cut - The diamond's beauty depends on
the way it reacts to light for brilliance and
reflection (or the twinkling effect). The
"cut" relates to the way the facets are plac-
ed to handle light for maximum beauty.
While a diamond is the hardest substance
known to man, it may lose some of its lustre
from the daily use of lotions, powders and
soaps. Here are some cleaning methods
recommended by the diamond information
centre:
®Detergent bath. Prepare a small bowl of
warm suds with any of the mild liquid
What can the
Bridal Experts
at Mary's
do for you?
Let the bridal experts at Mary's Sewing
Centre help you to a beautiful beginning.
Make an appointment with our Bridal
Consultants. Mary Divok• Colour Analyst, can
help you and your party with colour
coordination. Muriel Elliott is our on-staffBridal
Designer. And, we hove custom sewers on staff
for prompt service.
Found a picture in a bridal book you like? We
can create that dress for you - in your choice of
fabric and lace.
It's your day • we can help make *it just the
way you want it!
Let i
n and.
help 1 i de.sig
tis ' and
c your m ur g
own bridesmaid's dresses_ or.
O1. ()�V'1- •
n rnalce y at Mary's. See
'Voll La ease,
1 fabrics are Charm
All the totes f Crystalize,Taffeta,
° chiffons, se
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accessories. of tine fabrics.
selection
laces, ort of our
out' selections ° sheers, prone P
Hokkaido, satins, Mort sh•'ows
Above ,
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ens° help with your Diane throe ` Y e
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Pillows and
$PECIALUZING IN WEDDING GOWN
White 6 Elms Sewing Machine
Passap Knitting -Machine
SewingClasses/Colour Consultant p' '
The Home f Your Fashion & Sewing Consultants 1.1 c.j ty
17 VICTORIA ST. 482-7036 .
CLINTON •
detergents used in the home. terse dia-
mond ring and brush gem with an eyebrow
brush, then transfer it to a wire tea strainer
and rinse under warm running water. Pat
dry with a soft line -free cloth.
!Cold water soak. Make a half-and-half
solution of cold water and household am-
monia in a cup. Soak diary. Aid ring 30
minutes, then remove and tap gently around
the back and front of the mounting with an
eyebrow brush. Swish ring in the solution
once more, then remove and drain on tissue
paper.
°Quick dip. Buy a brand name. jewelry
cleaning kit and follow instructions on the
label. Once the diamond is clean, try to
avoid handling it with your fingers.
Colour sparks
°
engagement nngs
Partly because we live in a much more
color -conscious world, and partly because of
the influence of a storybook romance,
there's a trend toward new brides opting for
engagement rings that feature colored
stones, reports the Jewelry Industry Coun-
cil.
When Princess Diana proudlyexhibited
her beautiful sapphire engagement ring
rimrned with small diamonds, she added
impetus to the popularity of colored stone
engagement rings.
Colored gemstones selected for engage-
ment rings are usually one of the big three -
sapphire, ruby or emerald, but some brides
favor pearls. Small wonder these beauties
are chosen, for each has a claim in folklore
to attributes that add to wedded bliss.
The sapphire, for example, was believed
to bring health, wealth and wisdom, accor-
ding to ancient folklore..
The ruby, which •signifies contentment,
also was renowned for its healing powers.
The emerald, whose wearers are pur-
ported to be lucky in love, is an ideal selec-
tion for an engagement ring.
Pearls, of course, stand for health, vitality
and long life, and also are known to flatter
any woman's complexion.
The more conventional diamond or "love
stone" stands for innocence, purity and an
unquenchable timer flame - certainly a good
auger for a new marriage.
Today's new brides who choose a colored
stone and combine - it with a setting of
diamonds claim the best of all possible
worlds - pairing the diamond's beauty and
folklore with the beauty and folklore of the
gem of their choice.
Artificial cake.
is an option
M the superstition goes, you'll 'dream of
your future husband or wife if you slip a,.
piece of wedding cake under your pillow.
• Traditions die hard, but the fruit cake as a
wedding cake is slowly leaving the bridal
table.
In its place is what bakers call a "dum-
my" cake, decorated beautifully and stan-
ding proud, but only rented for the weekend.
Sometimes the artificial cake is used on
the wedding table and home-made fruitcake
that has been previously cut and wrapped is
presented to the guests by the couple.
More frequently these days, white cakes
with butter cream icing adorn the bridal
table.
Layers . can • be stacked and tiered to
resemble a fruitcake and the butter cream
icing is much easier to work with, experts
say.
Fresh and silk flowers are being used to
decorate . wedding cakes and complement
the color scheme chosen by the bride for the
reception.